Applicants: Gervase Programs: Learning to Lead

Ultimately, each fellowship is searching for the same person, someone who will add luster to their histories.  It is crucial to remember that none of these fellowships actually produces anything. They enable, by funding, but they do not create or train.  This means that they can't look for raw potential. They can only guarantee the return on their considerable investment by choosing people who have already demonstrated outstanding and unique achievement. They are searching for those individuals who have already achieved at such a high a level that there can be little doubt that they are going on to lifetimes of national influence and outstanding accomplishment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

A good place to start if you're unsure about where to begin with your fellowships search.

General Information:

Much of the preparation for fellowships is similar no matter what year you are.  Learn what you can start doing now.

Opportunities By Year:

First Year Students: 

It is fundamental that you build a strong academic record and begin developing leadership skills as the foundation for future fellowships. One opportunity you might consider is joining the Carroll Fellows Initiative. Students are only able to apply in the first semester of their freshman year.

Sophomores:

It is never too early to begin planning for the fellowship competitions. Especially if you are going to be abroad in the spring of your junior year. It is crucially important for you to understand the process now. You should attend a Fulbright information session in the Spring of your sophomore year if you'll be abroad in the Fall of your junior year. Similarly, you should apply to take the Presentation Workshop in the Spring of your sophomore year if you'll be abroad the Spring of your junior year. Think ahead and don't let opportunity pass you by!

Juniors:

Most candidates apply to fellowships for the first time in the Fall of their senior year but to do so requires that you begin working on this preparation now. So if you are thinking about a fellowship, this is your moment. 

- Consider applying for the Truman Fellowship in the Fall of your Junior year.

- If you want to go on a Fulbright in the year following graduation, you must begin your application the Spring of your junior year. Attend information sessions and writing workshops. Most importantly, begin working on your application with faculty mentors.

- Make sure you take the Presentation Skills Workshop in the Spring of your Junior year if you want to apply for various fellowships in the Fall of your senior year.

- If you want to apply for the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell or Churchill Fellowships as a senior, you need to apply for University Nomination in the Spring of your junior year.

Seniors:

You may have not thought of yourself as a fellowship candidate before this point but you should realize that many Georgetown students win fellowships in the first few years after they graduate. If you are considering this as an option, contact our office sooner than later.

- If you want to go on a Fulbright opportunity abroad, you should begin your application the Spring of your senior year. Attend information sessions and writing workshops. Most importantly, begin working on your application with faculty mentors.

- Make sure you take the Presentation Skills Workshop in the Spring of your senior year. This will be your last chance to do so.

- If you want to apply for the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell or Churchill Fellowships as a recent alum, you need to apply for University Nomination in the Spring of your senior year.

Alumni:

You may be looking at these opportunities after a few years out of school.  The majority of these fellowships do accept alumni applications but it is your responsibility to make sure you meet the various age qualifications. Alums regularly apply for the Fulbright and Luce scholarships for example, though if you meet the requirements, they are by no means the only opportunities available.