Office for Scholarship and Fellowship Advising

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Preparing for Scholarships and Fellowships

Maintain Academic Excellence

There is no magic formula for winning but there are two things all successful candidates have: a strong academic record (a 3.5 GPA or higher) and a demonstrated commitment to their field of study.

Many will have already conducted research, held a leadership position, participated in community service activities, attended an academic conference in their field, published a peer-reviewed article, completed an internship, or studied abroad.

When applying for a scholarship or fellowship, it is important to build a record of accomplishment early. Seek out:

Be careful not to over commit — committees will not be impressed by a laundry list of every organization joined or club attended. Instead, think about how you might demonstrate a sustained commitment to those activities and causes that you find most compelling.

It is important to write clearly and succinctly. Successful applicants focus—clearly connecting their program of study and extracurricular activities with their future goals and ambitions. OURA’s Office for Scholarships and Fellowship Advising hosts periodic writing workshops to assist students who are working on applications.

Matthew (Matt) Rhodes, Professor of Psychologyj in the College of Natural Sciences listens to student discussion during class

Successful applicants select faculty mentors who know them well and can write about their character, personality, skills, and goals. They also actively engage with their professors by participating in classroom discussions, visiting during office hours, and becoming involved in informal and formal research opportunities on campus.

For more tips on strong recommendation letters, refer to “Helping Your Recommenders Help You“.

Scholarship and fellowship applications cannot be written in a day or even a week. Most successful applicants spend a month or more on them. Some scholarships have multiple deadlines that will need to be met. It is important that youi know the application process and timeline of a scholarship or fellowship well in advance of applying.

Office for Scholarships and Fellowship Advising provides students with information about resources, applications, deadlines.

Visit us in Johnson Commons, Rm 223 (Use the South Entrance of Johnson Hall).

Student working on laptop

Scholarship Info Sessions

UK Summer Fulbright Scholarship

The UK Summer Fulbright provides first- and second-year students who have limited international experience with a summer study abroad experience at one of four schools in the UK.

  • Date: Tue., November 3, 2026
  • Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Location: LSC 372

NOAA Hollings Scholarship

The NOAA Hollings Scholarship provides a summer internship opportunity and tuition support for second-year students (and third-year students in a five-year program) majoring in a field related to NOAA’s mission...(Go to event for more details.)

  • Date: Wed., November 4, 2026
  • Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Location: LSC 372

Obama Voyager Scholarship

The Obama Voyager provides second-year students interested in a career in public service with two years of leadership development and travel opportunities.

  • Date: Tue., November 10, 2026
  • Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Location: LSC 372