At Southwestern, the academic rigor of the Paideia curriculum, your Capstone project, and high-impact experiences like internships or undergraduate research help prepare you to be a strong candidate.

These awards are usually based on merit, not financial need, and they can provide:

• Significant financial support
• One-of-a-kind learning or travel experiences
• Access to influential professional networks

But the benefits go beyond the award itself. The very process of applying—reflecting on your goals, writing personal statements, interviewing, and asking for recommendations—helps you clarify your future plans and strengthen your skills for grad school, jobs, or other opportunities.

Examples of Fellowships

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Supports research, study, or teaching abroad

• Gilman International Scholarship – Provides funding for study or internships abroad

• Goldwater Scholarship – Recognizes excellence in STEM research

• Rhodes Scholarship – Funds graduate study at the University of Oxford for students with exceptional intellect, leadership, and commitment to service

• Sumners Scholarship – Honors academic excellence and civic responsibility while preparing students for leadership in democracy

These are just a few of the nationally competitive awards SU students pursue.

Fellowship Planning

A strong fellowship application requires preparation—even as early as your first year. The earlier you start, the more time you have to build experiences, leadership, and academic excellence that make you a competitive candidate. Use this four-year roadmap as a guide:

First-Year

It may feel early, but the choices you make now lay the groundwork for future fellowships.

• Focus on academic success—fellowship recipients typically have outstanding records.

• Get involved in campus activities and begin taking on leadership roles.

• Stay curious about the world: read widely, engage with diverse perspectives, and connect your interests.

• Let your academic advisor and CCPD’s fellowship advisor know you’re interested in fellowships.

Sophomore Year

You may be eligible for some awards this year (e.g., Sumners Scholarship, Goldwater Scholarship) and should begin preparing for others.

• Explore the full range of fellowship opportunities and discuss options with advisors and faculty.

• Continue extracurricular and leadership involvement.

• Consider study abroad/away for your junior year; meet with the Office of Study Abroad for guidance.

• Keep up with current events—read beyond headlines to deepen your global awareness.

Junior Year

This is a key preparation year for senior-year and postgraduate fellowships.

• Apply for awards such as the Harry S. Truman Scholarship.

• Start drafting essays and lining up recommenders in late spring.

• Request recommendation letters by August to give writers time.

• Spend the summer refining essays, meeting with CCPD, and preparing for potential interviews.

• Stay engaged with current affairs—interviewers often ask about them.

• If abroad, maintain communication with your fellowship advisor and mentors.

Senior Year

Most applications should be underway or nearly complete by the start of the fall semester.

• Follow both SU’s internal deadlines and external program deadlines closely.

• Polish all written materials—proofread thoroughly and submit error-free applications.

• Participate in SU’s internal interview process (if required) before final submission.

• Prepare for potential national interviews with CCPD and faculty mentors; practice is key.

• Remember, you can reapply in future cycles, even as a graduate—support from CCPD continues after SU.

 

Opportunities & Deadlines

Ready to explore specific fellowships? Browse our curated list of nationally competitive awards, deadlines, and eligibility guidelines to find the right fit for your goals.

• Explore Opportunities

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Applying to fellowships can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Meet one-on-one with Alexandra Anderson, Senior Associate Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development, for guidance on exploring opportunities, preparing materials, and building a strong application.

Schedule an Appointment