Each scholarship or fellowship will have specific requirements for applications, so make sure you pay attention to details.
For most awards, you'll need to write an essay describing why and what you want to study. Often, scholarships aren't just looking for academically well-prepared students--they're looking for you to write a unique, eye-catching proposal that demonstrates you understand the importance of multicultural, social, and political issues.
You'll also need letters of recommendation from faculty who know you well and can talk about why you're an outstanding candidate.
Once you've identified which scholarship you're interested in, please contact the USI Contact listed with that scholarship. If you need general help understanding the scholarships, contact Dr. Sarah Stevens.
There are two main types of essays you might be asked to write: a personal statement and a proposal/statement of intent. These two essays should complement each other and give a holistic picture of both you and the work you want to do. Let each essay speak for itself and combine to show why you're a great candidate.
A personal statement is a narrative describing you as an individual. You'll write about your personal history and background, your intellectual development and influences, and your opportunities and how those have shaped you. You might include your special interests and abilities, your career plans, your life goals, etc.
Don't know where to start? Think about these questions:
This essay is a more formal description of your course of study or project and may include your research focus, your degree goals, your methodology, and your timeline.
Resources:
Free, online 5-chapter book Writing Personal Statements Online available through Penn State's e-Education Institute.
When you're seeking a letter of recommendation, you need to think about WHO to ask and HOW to ask
Throughout your time at USI, you should make sure to get to know your professors. This means participating actively in class, talking to them outside the classroom, and visiting them during office hours.
Ideally, you should also look for opportunities to do research with at least one professor and make sure they know your work well. This might mean working on an independent study project or helping with your professor's research in the lab or the field.
Take time to talk about your career plans and goals with your professors. Actively seek mentoring relationships and advice from the faculty you connect with best.
Those faculty? The ones who know your research and work ethic, the ones who understand your goals and values? They are the best ones to write you letters of recommendation.
You might also consider letters from other folks you've worked with closely, like the Director of the Honors Program or someone from the Multicultural Center. But at least one of your letters should definitely be from a faculty member who can speak about your academic potential.
Early. As soon as you've decided to apply for one of these awards, you should ask your recommenders if they can write you a letter. Ask something like: "Are you comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation for X?"
It's nicest to ask in person, but email is fine. If you're emailing, make sure you write a professional email that includes your full name and the context in which the person knows you.
Let them know: