Occidental College
National Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Candidates for national awards frequently have questions about the awards and the application process.
Who should consider applying for fellowships?
Students who are interested in graduate school, professional school (e.g. law, medicine, and business) study/work abroad, and/or professional development, are highly encouraged to consider national awards.
What are award committees looking for?
The most clear and universal criterion for consideration is a strong record of academic excellence. National awards are highly competitive, and most applicants are placed in the top 15-10% of their class. Some awards have specific GPA requirements. However, excellent transcripts are not enough. Awards committees also strongly weigh other selection criteria, including but not limited to a record of leadership experience, community/public service, research and commitment to extra-curricular activities (e.g. sports, dance, music, etc.).
What are my chances of winning a fellowship?
National awards and fellowships are highly selective and by definition, the chances of winning are low. However, there are several factors that can influence the success or failure of any fellowship application. It is important to carefully study the criteria for selection for each award in which you are interested. If you feel you meet these criteria and work hard to create the best application possible, you largely increase your chances. However, if you do not apply, you will not win.
If I'm not a U.S. citizen, can I still apply for fellowships?
Yes. While most awards supported by the Office of National Awards are open only to U.S. citizens, some fellowships encourage non-US citizens to apply. In separate competitions, citizens of non-US countries in some cases can apply for the Rhodes or the Rotary Scholarships. A permanent resident may apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Only a naturalized citizen or a child of naturalized parents is eligible to apply for the Soros. The Gates-Cambridge Scholarship is open to citizens of any country other than the UK. For the Fulbright, non-US citizens should contact their own consulate/embassy for procedures. If you are an international student, consult the award websites for specific information or options for international students.
What is the difference between an internal and official deadline?
An internal deadline (Occidental College deadline) is the date set by the Office of National Awards to receive the completed application, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and all essays/forms required for the application. As a general rule, the internal deadline is usually about one month prior to the national deadline. National deadlines are the dates set by the fellowship/award foundation for the receipt of all application materials. Students applying for awards requiring an institutional nomination will have an internal deadline. Please consult individual award information for these exact dates.
Which awards require an institutional nomination?
The following awards require an institutional nomination:
Beinecke Scholarship
Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellowship
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
Fulbright Scholarship
Gates-Cambridge Scholarship
Goldwater Scholarship
Luce Scholarship
British Marshall Scholarship
Mitchell Scholarship
Rhodes Scholarship
Strauss Scholarship
Truman Scholarship
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
How should I prepare for fellowship applications?
It is best to start the process as early as possible. See our timeline and acquaint yourself with scholarships that you will be eligible for in the future and plan accordingly. Attend information meetings and workshops relating to your award interest.
Can I apply for more than one award?
Yes! You are encouraged to apply for any awards that fit your goals and interests.
Can I apply after graduation?
Yes. Many awards supported by Occidental College allow for post-grad applications. For the Rhodes Scholarship, applicants must have a Bachelors at the time of matriculation into Oxford, but can be between 18 and 24 years old. For the Marshall Scholarship, you must have graduated within the last three years to apply. The Gates-Cambridge and Soros require that you are below the age of 30 to apply. There is no age limit on Fulbright applications. In some cases, an application may be stronger after graduation than during the senior year (e.g. you will have completed your senior comprehensive thesis project, you will have received graduation honors-if applicable, you may have advanced degrees, a better sense of your future career interest, etc.). Consult the specific award criteria for eligibility. If you are planning on applying after graduation, consult with the Office of National Awards, the faculty advisor(s), and your own academic advisors for guidance.
Who is available to help me with my writing?
There are several resources on campus for help with writing. Check the Calendar of Events for the next personal statement or research proposal workshop. Make an appointment with a writing advisor at the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE). Consult with the faculty advisor of the award(s) and contact your letter writers or academic mentors. Get as much feedback as possible. You will want to go through several drafts before submitting the application.
Where can I get copies of winning applications?
The Office of National Awards has hard copies of winning applications for various awards. Please come to the office located in Swan South B1 trailer to view them.
In addition, for registered candidates for national awards, there is a moodle fellowships class with past Occidental College winning applications. Candidates must be assigned to the class in order to have access.
What is a "mock interview"?
Several awards require an interview after being selected as a finalist. In order to prepare students for the actual interview, students who become finalists participate in practice or “mock” interviews with a panel of faculty advisors and staff. This is a simulated process, where you come dressed and prepared as if it were the real interview. The mock interview follows with a constructive discussion about your performance. This interview may also be taped for reviewing purposes. Many finalists/winners have found this preparation to be crucial to their success with the award interview.
- Phone: 323-259-2742
- Email: pramov@oxy.edu
- Location: South Trailer B Room 1 (next to the Bell Young Residence)