Preparing Your Applications

Start Early 

Fellowship applications need careful thought, and some will require background research. Allow time to get feedback on your drafts, and to revise accordingly-probably several times. You will probably need letters of recommendation from faculty and others. 

Start Even Earlier 

Ideally, you will present a consistent pattern of academic and extracurricular activities that fit the fellowship’s purpose. A personal history is not built in one semester. If your interests and goals change along the way, that’s fine too; think about how to connect your new-found passion with your previous experiences. 

Research the Opportunity 

Take time to research the organization that funds the grant as well as to find any necessary affiliations (graduate courses, institutions that can host you, etc.). Read all of the eligibility and application requirements carefully. If you plan on applying to a UK/Irish fellowship, you should find programs that match your interests. 

Draft Your Personal Statement 

A personal statement is central to many fellowship applications. For some it is virtually all you will submit. The first draft is the hardest, so start now. 

Draft Your Project or Study Proposal 

Many grants require you to create an independent project proposal or outline a course of study. Writing effective proposals will require leaving time for plenty of research and revision. 

Ask for Letters of Recommendation 

Deciding whom to ask for letters and how to ask them can take some time. Review the tips here first. If you’re applying for a Fulbright, make sure you let your recommenders know. 

Note Overlapping Opportunities 

Several different fellowships may match your goals and experience. Do the research to find out, and build on the work you’ve already done. 

Ask Questions 

Faculty fellowship advisors, your own academic advisors and professors, and the fellowships advisor in the CDO are here to help you explore these opportunities at any stage in your Pomona career. Don’t wait until you see an announcement of something that looks interesting—take the initiative to let your professors, advisors, and mentors know about your hopes and dreams for life after Pomona, and ask them for advice on sources of funding to help you get there.