Applying to Fellowships and Scholarships

If you have a GPA of 3.5+, you should consider applying for *prestigious fellowships and scholarships; these are highly competitive opportunities where awards are based on excellence and outstanding merit. Many of these opportunities are for study at top-level internationally recognized institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge universities in the United Kingdom. Many of these scholarships and fellowships offer generous funding support to successful candidates; additionally, the costs of study in the UK and Europe are generally much lower than in the US.

Application Requirements

In addition to outstanding academic performance, you will need to develop strong evidence of independent intellectual and creative work including research; the Honors thesis and the SURF independent research program are examples of such substantial self-initiated work. You will also need to show consistent and outstanding involvement in service activities and leadership roles; the many service organizations and the annual Common Experience program offer opportunities to engage in both leadership and service activities.

Strong, detailed letters of recommendation from faculty members are essential; every semester make an effort to engage and get to know at least one faculty member. Please review the documents below, which will help you in the application and preparation processes for postgraduate fellowships and scholarships.

Application Format
Every opportunity has its own application format; most require online submission. Selection committees generally require:

• a transcript and extracurricular activities record (resume)
• two or more letters of recommendation
• a personal essay
• a project proposal or plan of study
• an interview (for initially selected applicants)

The components of the application should complement each other without unnecessary repetition. The application should fit together to provide a convincing and unique picture of your strengths, interests, and achievements.

Advice and Guidance

Many people at Texas State are available to help you put together an effective application package:

• The Honors Fellowship and Scholarship Advisor, John Hood (Lampasas 401, 512-245-2324, jh67@txstate.edu) can offer application strategy tips, mock interviews, mentoring, and guidance throughout the application process.
• Faculty members can do more than write letters of recommendation. They can help you develop your career interest and give you advice on which graduate programs and fellowships to target. Ask your faculty to review your application materials and to critique your fellowship essays.
• Your major and minor programs of study at Texas State can help you refine your proposed plans of study, and can assist you in selecting institutions. For help with writing skills as you prepare your essays, letters, and other written materials, consult the Texas State Writing Center.
• Use the Alkek Library and the internet to research institutions, programs, and foundations that fund fellowships and scholarships. As you begin the application process, check the websites for the institutions and programs to which you are applying.

For more information, contact:
John Hood
Honors Fellowship and Scholarship Advisor
401 Lampasas | jh67@txstate.edu | 401 Lampasas | 512-245-2324

*The terms “fellowship” and “scholarship” are often used interchangeably. According to the the Internal Revenue Service, a fellowship is to benefit “an individual to aid in the pursuit of study or research” and a scholarship is to benefit “a student at an educational institution to aid in the pursuit of studies”. Thus “fellowship” is a broader term that includes both study and research, while “scholarship” is a narrower term that requires enrollment in a degree program at an educational institution and covers only study. To avoid repetitious wording, we use “fellowship” when referring to broader categories that include both study and research. If study in a degree program is the objective, substitute “scholarship” for “fellowship” as you read our descriptions.