FAQ

1. What are Nationally Competitive Scholarships?
Nationally Competitive Scholarships support undergraduate and graduate study or research in a number of academic disciplines. Recipients of scholarships attend graduate programs, conduct research and work in countries around the world, including the United States, England, Ireland, and Korea. They become leaders in their fields of study and in their communities.

2. What do Nationally Competitive Scholarships cover?
Each Nationally Competitive Scholarship is different in what it covers. Types of things that may be covered include tuition, university fees, a living stipend, transportation costs, and books.

3. Who is eligible to apply for Nationally Competitive Scholarships?
Most Nationally Competitive Scholarships are for seniors or recent graduates. However, some are for undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves in and out of the classroom. Undergraduate scholarships include the Goldwater and Udall. Graduate scholarships include the Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, and Madison, among others. A complete list of scholarships DePauw advises on can be found at http://www.depauw.edu/univ/graduate/fellowships.asp.

4. What kind of degree should I have to apply for Nationally Competitive Scholarships?
The Nationally Competitive Scholarships for seniors and recent graduates tend to require a bachelor’s degree. Some require that you do not have anything more than a bachelor’s degree. The undergraduate scholarships require that you be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.

5. What criteria do successful candidates for a Nationally Competitive Scholarship have?
Each Nationally Competitive Scholarship has a different focus, so it is important to look at their specific goals and requirements. Successful candidates, however, tend to have high academic success; they have participated in service to the community; they are able to communicate articulately and critically; and they demonstrate intellectual curiosity across a variety of subjects while focusing on one area in which to pursue their study. Those who are successful in the international scholarships often have study abroad experience and/or foreign language experience.

6. Do I need DePauw’s approval to apply for Nationally Competitive Scholarships?
Some of the Nationally Competitive Scholarships require a nomination from DePauw in order for your application to be considered. You are strongly encouraged to work with a faculty member through the application process so s/he can help answer any questions you have and also help you submit a strong application with their support.

7. When do I need to apply for one of the Nationally Competitive Scholarships?
Most Nationally Competitive Scholarships do not require application until the fall term of the senior year, but students who think they may be interested in post-graduate study should have in mind the general criteria for selection in order to plan an effective course of study. At the minimum, begin to prepare for applying no later than the summer before your senior year.

8. Can I apply for more than one Nationally Competitive Scholarship?
Yes, but consider carefully 1) whether you will be able to keep up in your academic work and other commitments while completing multiple applications (many are time-consuming); 2) whether you’re eligible for each scholarship; and 3) whether the scholarships match your goals and will enable you to do the kind of work you most want to do.

9. What are my chances for receiving a Nationally Competitive Scholarship?
Each Nationally Competitive Scholarship has a different type of applicant and number of applications. Some foundations award only one scholarship each year while others award over 100. While applying for a scholarship is competitive, working with a DePauw faculty advisor and planning early can help to increase your chances of success.

10. Will I need to take any entrance exams for graduate school?
In most cases, you will need to take a graduate entrance exam, such as the GRE. However, for some academic pursuits abroad, you will not need to have entrance exam scores. Because these scholarships are competitive, you are encouraged to take an entrance exam you might need for entry to a graduate program in the United States.

11. What kind of GPA requirements should I expect?
Some scholarships, such as the Marshall and Rhodes, have very high GPA requirements. Other scholarships are not as strict about the GPA. Most are looking for students with significant community involvement, personal integrity, and the potential for leadership.

12. Will I be interviewed by a selection committee?
Some scholarships, but not all, require campus interviews; a few have state and regional interviews as well. It’s important to prepare thoroughly for these interviews, following the advice of the scholarship advisor. Mock interviews, which can be arranged through the S Center, have contributed to the success of recent Truman Scholarship winners, in particular.

13. What do applications for Nationally Competitive Scholarships typically include?
The majority of applications include a personal statement that addresses the goals for study, letters of recommendation and oftentimes an interview. Some scholarships require you to be accepted into a program of study independently of your application for the scholarship.

14. I’ve heard it’s a lot of work to apply for a Nationally Competitive Scholarship. Is it worth it?
It’s worth it if you receive the scholarship! Winners of these scholarships demonstrate academic achievement and often go on to advanced degrees and successful careers in a variety of fields. But it’s also worth it if you don’t. The process of applying for Nationally Competitive Scholarships allows students to become clearer in their academic and personal goals, and to gain experience and understanding in going through a competitive application and interview process.