Preparing to Apply

What is a preliminary application? Which scholarships require it?

The University of Wyoming requires an institutional endorsement application for some of the major scholarships and fellowships. Check program sites for more information on required institutional endorsement competitions.

What else will make me competitive?

National and international scholarship foundations are looking for evidence of:

• strong academic record

• rigorous academic plan

• research experience ideally including presentations and/or publications

• involvement in community service, campus activities, and sports

• leadership and initiative

• creativity and vision

• strong support from faculty and other professionals

• previous honors and awards

• your ability to be a good ambassador of UW, Wyoming, and your country

Will someone help me with my scholarship application?

Yes. Once you have been chosen as a UW nominee, you will receive extensive help on the application. Be prepared to write and re-write your applications.

How do I research my proposed program of study?

Review university websites to learn more about curricula and programs. The Marshall Foundation website has useful links to UK graduate school rankings by departments. Talk to UW faculty professors for their guidance and suggestions on how to contact faculty with whom you would like to work in the schools you are researching.

Do I need a resume?

Some scholarship applications ask that you list resume items directly on the application, and others ask for a resume. If you are submitting your resume, format it to highlight education, academic honors and awards, research including publications and presentations, and service before listing your employment and other activities.

What makes a good personal statement?

Your personal statement must be tightly crafted, tell your own individual story, and respond to a number of important questions:

• Why do you want to study in a particular program?

• How is your graduate program a natural extension of your academic and other interests?

• If the program is abroad, why must you study at that particular school rather than at an American institution?

• What are your goals and how does this particular scholarship help you achieve them?

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

Scholarships generally require three – eight letters of recommendation. Who should write my letters of recommendation?

The best letters are written by someone who knows you well and has outstanding academic or professional credentials. However, it’s better to have a strong, detailed letter from an associate professor than a vague letter from a chaired professor. Letters from employers or professionals who can comment on your cocurricular or extra-curricular activities are helpful. When you ask for letters of recommendation, be sure to describe the specific scholarship and provide the letter writer with detailed information about your qualifications. Your recommender should be able to write a 1-2 page letter with specific examples of how you fit the scholarship.  It is helpful to provide a letter writer with a copy of your personal statement and resume or curriculum vita.

Is there an interview?

An interview is required to be endorsed as a UW candidate for the Fulbright, Truman, Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell competitions. These competitions also have an interview at the national level. Once UW nominees are chosen, faculty committees will interview candidates to prepare them for foundation interviews. Many interview questions are based on the student’s application. Be prepared to answer interview questions about current events, both national and international.

How do I prepare for the interview?

Candidates should thoughtfully consider their achievements and aspirations. They should be aware of current events related to their studies; reading papers like The Guardian and New York Times, and magazines such as The Economist is recommended. Candidates should be able to answer basic interview questions—including, “What is the last book you read? Who do you most admire in your academic area? If you were an advisor to the President, what policy changes in your field would you recommend?” Candidates should practice making eye contact while answering questions honestly and sincerely. Candidates need to learn to answer questions directly and concisely; they must learn to avoid taking too long to answer a question and rambling.

How long is the application process?

UW application deadlines are 5 – 8 months in advance of the actual scholarship deadlines, depending upon the competition.  Therefore, you should begin exploring these options and thinking about your project now!

How many personal statement drafts should I be prepared to write?

Most applicants will end up writing many drafts leading up to the final version. The process of rethinking and revising will help you hone your focus and strengthen the application as a whole. The result will be a statement that demonstrates both your unique intellectual abilities and your distinctive voice.

Who should read my personal statement?

While the Rhodes Scholarship application asks you not to share personal statement drafts with anyone, others argue that more is better.  Ask your friends, parents, professors, and co-workers to read it. Ask them to honestly tell you if the statement sounds like you and who you are and clearly defines where you want to go and why. Other readers will be able to see areas for improvement that you may not notice.