Fellowship FAQ's
Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding fellowships.
I am a freshman, is it too early for me to be thinking about fellowships?
No! It is never too early to get started. It is great that you are already thinking ahead. You have the time to develop the necessary relationships and experiences to make you an outstanding candidate. Contact 
Susan Weiner, Fellowship Advisor and set up an appointment to discuss planning your strategy.
Who is eligible to apply for fellowships?
Eligibility varies for each award. Note that any fellowship sponsored by the US Government. Boren, Goldwater, Fulbright, Truman and CLS fellowships are for US citizens and permanent residents only. Review Types of Fellowships section to further research the specific eligibility requirements for the awards you are interested in.
Will a fellowship help pay my current tuition and fees?
Usually fellowships do not help pay for current tuition and fees. The two major awards that do provide funding for tuition are the Goldwater Scholarship, the Truman Scholarship and the Pickering Scholarship. Most others will fund summer research, summer study and study abroad. Typically, funding will not be awarded for several months after the application deadline.
How competitive are fellowships? RETURN TO TOP
National fellowships are highly competitive. This should not discourage you from applying. The application process itself is a unique opportunity to improve your writing skills through one on one sessions with the Fellowship Advisor and other mentors, and develop the kind of crucial professional skills that you generally do not get in coursework. The most viable candidates are academic achievers with demonstrable potential to have a significant impact in the world. Outstanding candidates have a combination of many of these elements:
- High GPA - This is a general rule. But if your circumstances have prevented you from the kind of academic achievement of which you are capable (family difficulties, financial challanges, illness, participation on a varsity team, changing majors), then you and/or your recommeders can explain that within the application. Committees also look for evidence of a steadily improving GPA.
- Service learning experience and/or meaningful volunteer experience
- Service learning experience and/or meaningful volunteer experience
- Rigorous coursework
- Research experience
- Study abroad
- Leadership and meaningful co-curricular experience on campus and in the community
Can I apply for more than one fellowship? RETURN TO TOP
Yes! Use the links provided in the Types of Fellowships section to further research awards by discipline/subject matter as well as those open to alumni, international students and underrepresented students.
What is required to apply? RETURN TO TOP
Application requirements vary for each award. Use the links provided in the Types of Fellowships section to further research the specific application and support documentation requirements.
Check out the Additional Fellowship Resources page for more tips on preparing your application and support documentation.
How long will it take to prepare my application? RETURN TO TOP
Fellowship applications are lengthy and may require as much dedication as one of your courses. Most successful applicants will spend several weeks preparing their application and supporting documentation. Additionally, there are some fellowships that require university nomination and include interview process which can add to your prep time.
Check out the Types of Fellowships section for a list of various awards as well as direct links to obtain important details on application, deadlines, etc.
Check out the Fellowship Events section for dates & information on group application-writing sessions or contact Susan Weiner, Fellowship Advisor and set up an appointment for more personalized assistance.
These seem really competitive, why should I bother applying? RETURN TO TOP
Pacific students have shown past success in applying for national scholarships! (click here for a list of Past Fellowship Recipients) Past applicants have shared that the process is rewarding win or lose. The fellowship application process will provide you with important skills for life such as writing, interviewing and project planning.
How do I obtain a letter of recommendation? RETURN TO TOP
Check out the Additional Fellowship Resources page for Tips Regarding Letters of Recommendation which has great advice on building strong relationships with faculty and requesting letters of recommendation.
When are fellowship decisions made? RETURN TO TOP
Decisions regarding fellowship awards vary by award. Use the links provided in the Types of Fellowships page to learn more about these types of dates and corresponding deadlines.
Where can I go for help with fellowships? RETURN TO TOP
- Contact Susan Weiner, Fellowship Advisor.
- Check out the Fellowship Events page for dates & information on group application-writing sessions.
How many Pacific students have received a fellowship in the past? RETURN TO TOP
Check out this list of Past Fellowship Recipients.
Where can I go on campus for assistance with study abroad opportunities? RETURN TO TOP
If you are interested in applying for a fellowship that specifically includes a study abroad component, check out the Types of Fellowships page for the section on Fellowship Opportunities for Study Abroad link that includes a list of these types of awards for further research.
To find out more about gaining experience and studying abroad during your time at Pacific, contact International Programs & Services, Education Abroad Program.
Where can I go on campus for assistance gaining volunteer and leadership experience? RETURN TO TOP
If you are interested in applying for a fellowship that specifically relates to public service, check out the Types of Fellowships page for the section on Fellowships for International Affairs, Public Policy & Public Service for further research.
To find out more about gaining volunteer experience both at Pacific and in the greater Stockton community, contact Center for Community Involvement.