INFORMATION ON RHODES & MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIPS

APPLYING FOR THE RHODES AND MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIPS

The prestigious Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships provide generous support for two years of undergraduate or graduate study in Britain. Rhodes scholars study at the University of Oxford; Marshall scholars may apply to any British university. Though competition is keen for one of the 32 Rhodes or 40 Marshall scholarships awarded in the U.S., all students with strong undergraduate records who meet the basic eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.

Applications may be obtained via Rhodes and Marshall websites, but for the on campus portion of the selection process, applicants must confer with the University of Idaho campus advisor--Dr. Stephan Flores (sflores@uidaho.edu or 885-6147). Students interested in these opportunities are encouraged to consult with Dr. Flores well in advance of deadlines, preferably early in their junior year so that they can submit draft applications in the spring semester. Dr. Flores and available committee members shall continue to confer with those nominated prior to the September 15 application deadline.

The Rhodes selection committees seek to support Scholars of "proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard" who shall be judged by their (1) literary and scholastic attainments, (2) fondness for and success in sports, (3) truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship, (4) moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow beings (Oxford and Rhodes Scholarships 3, 1997). Underlying these standards is the aim that Scholars will be persons who will "esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim," and who shall have the physical vitality (not necessarily athletic prowess) to perform such duties.

To be eligible for the Rhodes an applicant must:

The Rhodes Scholarships application requires no fewer than five nor more than eight referees, at least four referees from whom the applicant has taken undergraduate courses. The application also requires a photocopy of the applicant's birth certificate or other proof of age and citizenship, plus six sets of the following materials: a copy of the application form, a professional photograph, college transcript, institutional endorsement, one page list of principal activities and honors in college, with dates, and an essay (1,000 words or less) describing the applicant's academic and other interests, specifically the area of proposed study and reasons for wishing to study at Oxford. Nominees, who must receive an evaluative endorsement from their academic institution, must submit application materials to the State Secretary postmarked by the specified deadline, usually in early October. Referees send six copies of their letters and the referee's form directly to the Secretary of the State Committee, usually by mid-October. The selection process requires each state to nominate two applicants to appear before the District Committee; each District Committee then selects not more than four applicants who become Rhodes Scholars-elect. State and district committees meet in early December to select nominees at those levels. The Rhodes Scholarship authorities seek places for scholars in Oxford colleges, following the scholars' preferences insofar as that is possible. Normally, two samples of written work, approximately 2,000 words each, are required for placement. A Rhodes Scholarship pays all tuition fees plus a maintenance allowance of at least £14,000, paid in installments over two years.

The British Marshall Scholarships seek (1) to express the gratitude of the British people for the Marshall Plan, (2) to bring for study in the United Kingdom intellectually distinguished young Americans who will one day become leaders and decision makers in their own country, (3) to enable Marshall scholars to gain an understanding and appreciation of the British way of life and its social and academic values, (4) to encourage them to be ambassadors to the U.K. for their own way of life, and to establish long-lasting personal ties between the U.S. and U.K., (5) and to raise the profile of the U.K. in the U.S. particularly among its young people. In appointing Scholars the selectors will look "for strong motivation and seriousness of purpose, including the presentation of a specific and realistic academic programme" ("Rules for Candidates" 1998). Selectors also look for candidates who demonstrate maturity, self-reliance and self-discipline; in particular they look for:

Intellectual distinction

The potential to become leaders, opinion formers and decision makers

Strong motivation and seriousness of purpose

An outward-looking disposition and an interest in society in general

Good communication skills

The potential to promote British-American understanding.

Selectors also look for candidates who have formulated a feasible programme of study at a British university. They may be held at any British university and cover two years of study in any discipline, at either undergraduate or graduate level, leading to the award of a British university degree. A Marshall Scholarship may, exceptionally, be extended for a third year.

A Marshall Scholarship comprises: Payment of all tuition and other fees; a personal allowance to cover residence and cost of living expenses; the fare to and from the United Kingdom; an annual grant for approved travel in connection with studies; payment (in certain circumstances) of necessary daily travel expenses; an annual book grant; a thesis allowance, if required; a married person's allowance, depending on circumstances.

Marshall candidates are invited to indicate two preferred universities, particularly universities other than Oxford and Cambridge. The award (at least £16,000 a year) covers a range of costs, including tuition and allowances for living expenses, books, travel, and possibly some support for a dependent spouse (though preference is given to single candidates).

To qualify, Marshall candidates should:

Application materials for the Marshall scholarship include an original application form (plus five copies), an original letter of endorsement from the College President or Dean (plus five copies), a personal statement (not more than 1,000 words) describing academic and other interests and pursuits (original plus five copies), proposed academic programme (not more than 500 words, original plus five copies), college transcript (one official copy, plus five copies), and letters of recommendation from four referees (including minimum of two academic references). Candidates apply in one region only--either that of their permanent home residence or that in which they are studying. The deadline for submitting the the complete Marshall application online, including letters of recommendation, is in early October ( by specified date). Application materials are only available on-line from: Marshall Application(http://www.acu.ac.uk/marshall/index.html)

Reference Literature for Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships

Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, four vols., contains information on degree requirements at all British Commonwealth universities. Available in the UI Library Reference section, call # LB 2310.Y5.

The Students' Guide to Graduate Studies in the UK (1994) in reference section of UI Library, call # LB 2371 S88 1994.

Applicants may also peruse a booklet on the Oxford and the Rhodes Scholarships, the University of Oxford Graduate Studies Prospectus and Undergraduate Prospectus, a five page description of the "Universities of the United Kingdom, The Butex Guide to Graduate Study in the UK, and further written advice on preparing essays and preparing for interviews, all available in the University Honors Program office (Continuing Education 116) from Dr. Flores.

Information about study options at British universities, especially at the postgraduate level, can be obtained from the WWW site of the British Council at <www.britcoun.org/usa/usastud.htm>

Checklist for Preparing Your Campus Applications

By following the guidelines listed above you should submit appropriate materials to Dr. Stephan Flores (University Honors Program, 315 Commons), preferably by 1 March (spring semester preceding final deadline in mid-September). The campus application requires that you submit five copies of

and have at least four referees submit letters for the campus-level review--let your referees know that these particular letters will not be forwarded to state or regional committees, but formal letters shall be needed very soon should you be endorsed by the institution, and you will need to include these sealed letters of recommendation (Marshall only) in your application.

Remember to type and proofread your application, and to save a copy for your own records. Note that the campus level competition is keen, and regardless of the number of applicants only candidates whose applications and interviews are strong will be among those selected (usually two) as University of Idaho nominees. Campus interviews will be scheduled; please inquire about signing up for an interview slot when you turn in your application materials on or before the deadline.

Further Advice on Essays

1. Plan ahead, because the research, reflection, discussion, and writing needed to discover and to articulate your interests, experiences, and goals can be very time-consuming. The effort you invest in this process should prove worthwhile, whether you win a scholarship or not, because it prompts you to clarify your aspirations, to take confidence in your expertise and in the support of those who recommend you, and to gain useful experience in presenting your hopes and strengths to others.

2. Consult with others, particularly by seeking the advice of faculty who are willing to talk about your goals and strategies, and to respond to drafts of your application. Ideally, such conversations should occur by the Spring semester before the Fall Semester in which you plan to apply. This enables you to revise your application over the summer or early fall.

3. Learn about the British university system (see website links via the Honors Program's website on national scholarships), particularly the Oxford colleges for those interested in the Rhodes, and programs and courses at two specific institutions for those applying for a Marshall. Rhodes applicants may choose to pursue a second bachelor's degree in the discipline in which they majored, or to study for a second bachelor's degree in another discipline, or to seek a higher degree in their own or a related area. Many Marshall scholars seek a higher degree in their field. At Oxford, the Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours normally takes two years for those awarded Senior Status (based on previous B.A.), after successfully completing a series of externally administered examinations. The Master of Philosophy degree has proved most common for American students seeking a higher degree. This degree is awarded after two years of often independent study and research that culminates in a short thesis and exams.

4. Consider how your proposed academic study supports your future goals and aspirations, and try to articulate this clearly in your application, particularly why you think it is important to pursue your proposed plans and therefore why it deserves funding. In short, how does your past experience and expertise connect to your plans for study in the U.K. and to your future?

5. Reflect on which scholarship may provide the best match between your strengths and interests and the criteria for selection. Rhodes applicants should emphasize their breadth of knowledge and interests, their commitment to leadership and public service, and their physical vitality to pursue such activities. Marshall applicants should be able both to demonstrate impressive intellectual and academic depth in a particular discipline, and active participation in the life of the community and university. You might stress the connections and extensions you make between your academic interests and your extracurricular activities.

6. Writing the essays prompts you to articulate your academic experience and interests as well as your personal attributes and beliefs. You need to find ways to make your essay compelling and perhaps intriguing, so that you manage both to engage and inform your audience while leaving potential interviewers areas in which they can pursue your plans further in conversation with you. Try to develop and to sustain a thoughtful and interesting concept or hypothesis throughout your essay, while leaving opportunities for interviewers to pursue avenues that you are best prepared to answer in person.

7. Assume your audience will be comprised of both scholars who know your field extremely well, and those who know very little about your area of study. Thus, you must demonstrate your intellectual and academic expertise, which may include specialized discourse or language, but at the same time you must not sound pedantic or condescending in your efforts to include a wider audience.

8. Explain your academic interests in relation to various contexts. You might trace the development of your interests and experiences, express why such interests matter to you and how they may make a difference to others.

9. Express as well your personality and growth, strengths and weaknesses, and link your passionate interests to your academic life.

10. Avoid overstating or misrepresenting your achievements, and concentrate on the substance of your essay by writing clearly, forcefully, and gracefully. Be careful of presenting yourself as overly clever or witty. When referring to activities and accomplishments that are listed elsewhere, select only the most important to incorporate into your essay.

11. Finally, consider revising your application based on several readers' responses, and keep in mind that successful applications vary in style, structure, and content, so you should build on your particular strengths and aspirations.

Advice on Interviews

Note: Western Region interviews for the Marshall usually take place in San Francisco in mid-November. Candidates are responsible for making their own arrangements, and must be prepared to travel on short notice.

State interviews for the Rhodes are usually in early December, and District Committee interviews occur a day or two later--round trip transportation expenses will be covered for those invited to a District interview.

1. Project your enthusiasm and your own best qualities and characteristics.

2. Relax yet anticipate that the interview is a formal situation, one that most applicants will dress up for (suit or sportcoat and tie, dress or nice skirt and blouse, for example).

3. Prepare to respond to questions by keeping a general focus or theme in view that you can develop and expand upon.

4. Expect to be nervous and to find some questions rather difficult. Take a few moments, if necessary, to consider how to respond frankly, directly, and succinctly to questions, amplifying and developing your reply further when appropriate.

5. Familiarize yourself with British culture, its politics and literature, particularly if it bears on your field. You might consult such newspapers as the London Times Daily Edition, the London Sunday Observer, the London Sunday Times, the Manchester Guardian Daily Edition, or the Manchester Guardian Weekly (an airmail compilation of articles including some from Le Monde and The Washington Post). Or consult such weekly journals as The Economist (available in the Honors Program lounge, along with The Nation, The Utne Reader, and other periodicals), the Spectator, and New Stateman and Society.

6. Be informed as well about local events or controversies in your home state, and prominent national issues. Be ready to state a position and to express your opinion on such issues, especially what you consider to be major problems facing the nation and the world.

7. Have in mind a book that you consider important, and a person who influences your life. A question posed to many Rhodes applicants is "how will you fight the world's fight?"

8. Be sure you are registered to vote, and you might also be prepared to respond (if you are a male applicant) to why you are registered or not registered with the Selective Service.

9. Review your application, trying to anticipate interviewers' questions with concise answers.

10. Body language is also important--maintain a good posture, upright but not too stiff, perhaps with hands clasped in your lap if you feel too nervous or shaky.

11. Stand by convictions that you can support and explain with force and even passion without becoming angry or defensive. Some interviewers may press you quite strongly to test your positions and beliefs. Do not waffle simply to placate the committee, but conversely, do not project a bull-headed confidence that cannot consider different points of view and their merit. Express political opinions in a similar fashion, offering a balanced yet pointed explanation of your commitments.

12. Pause if you need time to provide a thoughtful answer, and if really necessary, to request a clarification of a question you do not understand (don't do this more than once, or you may appear dimwitted).

13. Admit your ignorance--if you don't know who Harold Pinter is, or have never read Lodge's Nice Work, simply say so. If an opening occurs, pursue a topic you can discuss. Everyone is likely to encounter a subject that they know little or nothing about.

14. Humor can lighten the mood, particularly if it is at your expense rather than another's. Be open to humorous or ironic perspectives without cynicism or cruelty.

15. Treat all panelists with respect, and let them determine the pace of the exchange.

16. Enter and exit by attending to your interviewers, greeting them in a relaxed and casual manner at first before the interview proper, and departing politely after thanking them for the opportunity to interview. If you are called back for a second interview, be prepared for some tough questions. For example, when I returned for a second Rhodes interview in the late 1970s, I was asked whether the U.S. should restore full diplomatic relations with mainland China.

17. Learn from opportunities that mock-interviews can provide, but after an actual interview, move on with your interests without dwelling repeatedly upon how you performed or what you might do differently if given another chance. You've succeeded already in distinguishing yourself and in receiving recognition for your efforts.

18. You may get an opportunity to ask your interviewers a question. Be prepared, if given such an opportunity, to pose a question or two to a former Rhodes or Marshall scholar.

19. Finally, consider your chances seriously; if you proceed, do so with self-confidence, and look forward to enjoying the experience.

Acknowledgments (this advice composed by Dr. Stephan Flores, Director, University Honors Program)

In addition to drawing upon information and materials in the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships applications, I have condensed and paraphrased more pointed advice presented in several "handouts" produced by Stanford University's Overseas Resource Center. The ORC materials provide excellent guidelines on the nature of these scholarship programs and helpful advice on the application process. See also sample essays and application forms (PDF format) at Boston University's Office of Fellowships and Scholarships website.--S. Flores.