Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?
   These terms are often used interchangeably. Often, a fellowship refers to funding at the graduate or post-doctoral level, while a scholarship refers to funding at the undergraduate level. However, some of the best known and prestigious programs, including the Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell, are called scholarships, but fund graduate programs. Earlier in its history, Rhodes Scholars often obtained a second bachelor’s degree, but today most recipients enroll in master’s degree programs at Oxford.

2. What is the minimum grade point average required for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships?
   It depends on the program. To be competitive for a Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell, for example, a student should be in the range of 3.85 or above, though the minimum eligibility is 3.7. In the case of the Fulbright or NSEP, one’s language skills are weighed heavily, so a lower average (e.g., 3.4) can be offset by significant language proficiency and other skills. If a student is an artist, his or her portfolio often is often weighed heavily in the fellowship decision. Similarly, it is widely known that some advanced science courses have a tendency to decrease one’s grade point average. Candidates should not feel they are at a disadvantage because of a B on an otherwise stellar record or a less than awe-inspiring freshman year.

3. Why are there two deadlines listed on the opportunities page?
   Some programs require that institutions have a campus nomination process or limit the number of candidates that can be forwarded. We also need time to ensure that your application is complete and arrives to the foundation ahead of the deadline. It is standard practice at many campuses to set earlier deadlines.

4. I’m a first-year student. Isn’t it too early to think about this?
   Not at all. Some programs are designed for sophomores and juniors specifically, so your second semester of college is when you should start your considering some opportunities. Secondly, toward the end of the year you will be making some key decisions about your leadership activities, time management, language proficiency, internships, and study abroad plans. When chosen wisely, those opportunities will open doors for you and expose you to new experiences that could well influence your academic and career interests.

5. How far in advance should I begin the application process?
   For an extensive application, such as the Rhodes, Gates-Cambridge, Marshall, or Fulbright, you should have decided to apply by January of the year you actually submit your application. It will take about six months to write, revise, and gather supporting materials for a competitive application. You should have completed drafts of the major applications essays by June so that you can work with faculty members, the coordinator, and Writing Center liaison on revising your essays. For the NSEP/David Boren, or other programs a three month time line is often sufficient.