Each fellowship opportunity has its own identity, often presented in its mission statement. Conduct some research to learn more about the history and impact of the fellowship, all of which will help contextualize your application.

Make an appointment to meet with our team to review eligibility criteria and discuss plans for completing and submitting your application. Our team will also be able to provide feedback on your application materials and answer any questions you have about the opportunity.

Your letters of recommendation should come from people who know you well enough to support the claims you make in your application.

To make the process easier for your recommenders, give your recommenders enough advance notice. Requests for recommendations should go to your recommenders at least one month before the deadline. It is also best to provide your recommenders with a) information about the opportunity, b) a rationale for pursuing it, and c) a recent CV or resume. For support in developing your CV or resume, consider connecting with the Center for Career Exploration. 

Essays are the heart of fellowship applications. Selection committees read the essays for content as well as form: They want to know about your goals and plans, your personal background, and your motivations for pursuing the opportunity.

We also advise that you make an appointment with the Writing Center to go over drafts of your essays. A graduate student writing associate can help you with any stage of the writing process.

Whether you are applying for fellowships, internships, or jobs, learning to create a resume and cover letter that are reflective of you will be really important. The Center for Career Exploration offers guides, templates, and video training to help.

Additionally, the Sheridan Center offers support for multilingual students such as a self-paced academic writing series, conversation partners, and a summer English language program.

Many fellowships have an interview stage for finalists. To best prepare for the interview, review your application and schedule a mock interview with our team. We can help tailor the mock interview to the particular interview setting. Practice can help you build confidence in your candidacy and carry it into the interview space. Additionally, the Center for Career Exploration can help with general guidance on interview etiquette. 

Regardless of whether or not you reach the finalist stage or receive the fellowship, celebrate the accomplishment. Reconnect with our team to explore other opportunities.