Frequently Asked Questions

Fellowship qualifications vary by award, but selection committees typically look for:

• High academic achievement, beyond high GPA. Grades are one indicator of academic success, but selection committees also like to see students who have challenged themselves academically. This can take many forms: immersive learning through research, pursuing breadth in your coursework (rather than just depth in one field), taking advantage of unique course opportunities like the Educational Preparedness Program, study abroad, or service learning. It can also include learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
• A record of campus engagement and leadership. Engage in meaningful clubs or organizations. Bear in mind that you do not need to be overextended--consistent involvement in a few organizations is better than joining everything on a surface level. Also remember that leadership does not always mean having a title. Being the president of an organization does not mean as much if you've only conducted typical presidential duties. Whether you're in a titled role or not, introduce an initiative or project, design a plan, and execute it. Be impactful.
• A record of community service. Engagement can extend beyond campus into the greater Milwaukee community. Look for opportunites to serve in ways that connect with your own passions and interests. Don't be afraid to venture off campus to find new opportunities or collaborate with organizations that offer you that opportunity.
• Outstanding letters of recommendation. Start building relationships with your faculty members early in your academic career. Attend departmental events, visit them at office hours, look for opportunities to become a research or teaching assistant. Seek out mentorship, and if you feel uncertain about how to do that, visit the Fellowships Office.
• Drive and vision. Fellowship committees want to see highly motivated applicants who embody a sense of purpose and want to make change. Some students come to campus with a strong vision. Others find it while they are here. The important part for both types of student is to spend time reflecting on what matters to you and how you can pursue it. Take stock on a regular basis--keep a journal, visit Career Services to do a values assessment, take a class on discerment, or visit the Fellowships Office early to learn what discernment methods work best for you.
• Strong communication skills. Fellowship committees need to understand who you are, what you want to do, and why they should fund you in that effort. Applications require strong storytelling skills. Work with the Fellowships Office and the Writing Center to craft your application essays, and take any coursework that allows you to practice those writing and speaking skills.

GPA requirements vary quite a bit by fellowship. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Many of the major fellowships (Marshall, Gates-Cambridge, Rhodes) require candidates to have at least a 3.7 GPA. Winners of these awards often trend higher (e.g., 3.85).
• Some scholarships will consider students with a lower GPA if they have a strong record of leadership or service. It should be noted, that a GPA under 3.0 will rarely qualify a student for a nationally copmetitive, merit-based scholarship, but there are a few programs (e.g., Lewis Scholars) that are the exception. It is important to check the specific qualifications for a fellowship first to see what limit they set and whether they make exceptions.
• While grades are important, evidence of risk-taking and challinging oneself is more important than a 4.0 GPA. Committees want to see evidence of academic curiosity, which is what makes an applicant stand out more than perfect scores.

No. These opportunites are open to all Marquette students, regardless of whether they are in the Honors program. All students are eligible to work with our fellowships director in applying to the awards, and encouraged to do so. 

Yes. While there are a few exceptions to this rule you can apply for as many fellowships as you would like. Keep in mind that these fellowships are nationally competitive, so the acceptance rates are often low. If multiple fellowship opportunities fit your profile and your interests, it might be advisable to pursue more than one opportunity in order to procure funding. Also keep in mind that the fellowship application process is time intensive. Be sure to balance your interest in applying with managing your time to prepare a strong application. 

Each fellowship has its own application process and requirements. Some of the smaller fellowships (e.g., summer awards) might have fewer component parts and a shorter application cycle. For example, DAAD-RISE opens in mid-October, has a basic application process and closes by the end of November.

Major fellowships like the Goldwater, Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, Soros, Truman, and Udall fellowships require campus nomination or a campus review process. Applicants for these awards should likely reach out early to campus reps (before they are eligible to apply), and will also be likely to begin their application several months in advance.  These fellowships generally require one or more essays (e.g., statement of grant purpose, personal statement, short answer essays), transcripts, and multiple letters of recommendation. 

If you'd like support in applying to smaller fellowships or are interested in applying for the major awards, you should reach out to make an appointment with the Fellowships Office. We will work with you at any stage in the process, and can provide additional writing support and feedback as needed for your particular award.

Selection committees are seeking strong letters of recommendation from writers who can speak strongly to your academic abilities and skills. Who you ask can vary by award. A Fulbright ETA applicant may want someone who can speak to their ability to teach, an Amgen applicant would want a faculty member who could speak to their research skills, and applicants to international awards like Princeton in Asia or Gilman might want someone who can speak to their intercultural competence. Familiarize yourself with the granting agency's mission and their recommendation requirements. Then consider who might be best suited to speak to your skills.

In most cases, committees have a preference for letters written by faculty members or advisors, but a supervisor, mentor, or employer off campus might be an appropriate fit in certain contexts. Letter writers should never be written by family members. 

Recommenders should be able to speak to your relevant qualifications and experience as it relates to your proposed project or fellowship. You should give your recommender ample time (four to six weeks, if possible) to write your letter and it is highly recommended that you meet with them to discuss your rationale for applying and share copies of your application materials with them so that they can write a more personalized letter that hits the right notes for the fellowship in question.

Contact the Fellowships Office to discuss how to make the ask, how to read the response from your recommender, and how to manage the follow-up as application deadlines approach.

There are a few fellowships that offer undergraduate tuition, like Goldwater, Udall, and Voyager. Others, like Gilman or Freeman-Asia can help cover study abroad for students who are Pell-eligible. However, most fellowships are not a source of undergraduate tuition support. Students who are looking for such aid should reach out the Marquette Central to talk with a financial aid advisor.

*For graduate students, several of the awards listed in the Fellowships List can be used to fund graduate study.