These scholarships support study at one or more British or Irish universities and are among the most prestigious graduate scholarships offered to American students.
For students who are interested, we have also scheduled two information sessions -- Thursday, September 3, 2009, 4:30-5:30 p.m., and Friday, September 4, 2009, 12:30-1:30p.m. Both sessions will be at the Hutton Honors College, 811 E. Seventh Street, IUB.
The Nomination Process at Indiana University for the Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, and Churchill Scholarships
Fall 2009
To compete for a Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, and/or Churchill Scholarship, candidates must meet eligibility requirements set by the scholarship programs. All require that an applicant be a U.S. citizen (See Rhodes Web site for eligibility of other nationalities.), be on track to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by October 2010, and be nominated by his or her university. Although only the Marshall Scholarship specifies a minimum GPA of 3.70 for the undergraduate degree, in practice the other scholarships expect at least this minimum.
The IU Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, and Churchill Nominating Committee recommends those interested in these scholarships review the Web site for each scholarship (URLs are provided overleaf.) and read this document with care. The committee requires not only a written application but also an on-campus interview. To be considered for nomination by the committee, you must submit by Monday, September 14, 2009:
(1) Three statements with the following information:
a) personal statement: Describe the academic and other interests and pursuits that have had the greatest influence on your academic and career ambitions (no more than 750 words).
b) reasons for studying in the UK and/or Ireland: Explain why you want to study in the United Kingdom and/or the Republic of Ireland and how you think this experience will benefit you in the future (no more than 500 words).
c) proposed academic program: Describe your proposed academic program, giving reasons for your choice and for your preferred university (no more than 500 words). If you are proposing to pursue a research degree, you should outline the research you wish to undertake.
(2) A list of your activities and honors while in college, including prizes, scholarships, offices held, and extracurricular interests.
The above materials should be submitted to Edda Callahan, Office of International Affairs, Bryan Hall 104, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405.
In addition, you should arrange to have:
(3) Two references that comment on your work and accomplishments sent directly to Edda Callahan by your referees so that the references arrive in her office by Monday, September 14. References will be confidential and will be used only for the Nominating Committee’s procedures.
Committee members will read the application materials and invite students for interviews to be held on the Bloomington campus on Friday, September 18. If you have not been contacted by September 16, please call Edda Callahan at 812/855-5021. The committee will notify applicants of its decision a day or two after the interviews. Committee members will assist the nominees with further preparation of their applications for the national competitions.
If you have any questions regarding the scholarships or possible programs of study, please contact Professor Trevor R. Brown, brownt@indiana.edu.
Below is a brief summary of the key requirements for each scholarship. For full information, you should review the Web site.
Rhodes Scholarship -- http://www.rhodesscholar.org
Support for two years graduate study at Oxford University, Great Britain, with third year possible. Geared toward students of proven intellectual achievement, integrity, leadership, energy, and concern for others, who are in their senior year or beyond and 18-23 years of age on October 1 of year applying. 32 scholarships awarded each year.
National deadline: October 5, 2009
Marshall Scholarship -- http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Support for one to three years of graduate study at almost any university in the United Kingdom. Geared toward students who have distinguished academic records, strong aspirations for graduate study and who are in their senior year or within two years after graduation; no age limit. Up to 40 scholarships awarded each year; up to 8 will be awarded to students who seek to do a 1-year degree only.
National deadline: October 1, 2009
Churchill Scholarship -- http://www.winstonchurchillfoundation.org/Scholarships.html
Support for one year of graduate study in engineering, math, or science at Churchill College, Cambridge University, Great Britain. Geared toward students of exceptional ability who are in their senior year or beyond and 19-26 years of age. 12 scholarships awarded each year.
National deadline: November 10, 2009. (Take GRE by October so scores are available by November.)
Mitchell Scholarship -- http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html
Support for one academic year of postgraduate study at institutions of higher learning in Ireland, including the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and the two universities in Northern Ireland. Prospective scholars must have a demonstrated record of intellectual distinction, leadership, and extracurricular activity, as well as personal characteristics of honesty, integrity, fairness, and unselfish service to others that indicate a potential for future leadership and contribution to society. For students in their senior year who will have completed an undergraduate degree no later than the summer before they enter an Irish university and who are 18-30 years of age. 12 scholarships awarded each year.
National deadline: October 5, 2009.
