Develop A Competitive Application
It is never too soon to begin taking steps to develop a competitive and eye-catching profile. Review the strategies below and scroll down to view the resources available that can help you put together a strong application.
First and foremost, developing relationships with your faculty members is one of the most important parts of the process. Get to know them outside of class and make good use of their office hours, since they will be the ones writing your letters of recommendation. The better they know you, the better their recommendation.
Some great first steps might include:
- Attending a workshop, setting up a meeting some a faculty advisor, or scheduling a meeting with the National Fellowships Advisor.
- Participate in meaningful co-curricular activities. Sustained involvement with a couple of activities is more impressive than a long list of things with which you are only partially involved.
- Maintain a high-grade point average.
- Enter writing and essay contests.
- Participate in summer learning experiences.
- Practice speaking in front of groups.
- Stay current. Read newspapers and news magazines such as US News & World Report, The New York Times Sunday Edition, National Review, The Nation, and Newsweek.
