chaos erupts amongst the ranks as competing cliques vye for dominance in the Fellowship's inner circle
In the pursuit of a successful future, Princeton students have various opportunities to broaden their horizons and set themselves apart. One such pathway is through graduate fellowships, which provide financial support and invaluable experiences for postgraduate studies and research.
For a comprehensive approach to fellowship applications, a multi-faceted strategy is essential.
- Engage with the Office of International Programs (OIP) Fellowship Advisers: These knowledgeable professionals offer tailored guidance on fellowship applications, from application strategy and essay writing to timelines. Regular consultations with OIP advisers help refine application materials and clarify fellowship-specific requirements.
- Consult Professors and Faculty Mentors: Seek recommendations and feedback from professors who are familiar with your academic work and fellowship goals. Their strong letters of recommendation, assistance in tailoring research proposals or personal statements, and insights into fellowship committees’ expectations are invaluable.
- Use Online and Institutional Resources:
- Carefully review detailed fellowship application portals, such as the Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts application guidelines, which outline submission rules and timelines.
- Utilize Princeton’s fellowship websites and external databases for samples of successful statements, CV templates, and research proposal formats.
- Attend informational sessions or webinars related to fellowships to gain advice from past winners and fellowship staff.
- Application Document Preparation:
- Draft a strong personal statement (typically 2-4 pages), emphasizing writing skills and fit for graduate work.
- Secure three letters of recommendation, ideally with at least one academic reference.
- Prepare updated and polished CVs and research proposals tailored to the fellowship you target, outlining scholarly career trajectory and research significance.
- Submit all materials well before deadlines to avoid technical issues.
- Practice for Interviews: If shortlisted, participate in interview preparation, including mock interviews offered by fellowship advisers or faculty. Interviews for certain Princeton fellowships like the Society of Fellows are conducted virtually, so simulate that environment for comfort and readiness.
- Explore Fellowship-Specific Opportunities: Some fellowships, such as Princeton in Africa or specialized visiting fellowships, have additional criteria and benefits. Understand those and position your application accordingly, demonstrating eligibility and aligning your goals to fellowship objectives.
Balancing fellowship applications with other responsibilities can be challenging, but resources like DJ Strouse's helpful website for fellowship applications can make the process easier. Dr. Moloney has been helpful for applying for NSF and Ford fellowships. It's beneficial to be aware of resources available for fellowship applications regardless of the academic year.
In an interview with Alex Wheatley '16 20 and Nathan Eckstein '16 20 (Part 1), both shared their experiences and advice for fellowship applicants. Stay tuned for more insights from Princeton students who have successfully navigated the fellowship application process.
This article is categorized under "Plans After Graduation."
Jalisha Braxton is the Natural Sciences Correspondent.
[1] Office of International Programs (OIP) Fellowship Advisers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/oip/fellowships/
[2] Princeton University Fellowships. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/fellowships/
[3] Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/~sf/
[4] Princeton in Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princetoninafrica.org/
[5] Visiting Fellowships. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/~vp/visiting-fellowships/
