Rhodes Scholarship
Purpose
The Rhodes Scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars who show promise of contributing significantly to the world around them, particularly in the performance of public service. Thirty-two are awarded in the U.S. each year. British Commonwealth citizens apply through their home countries, which often have earlier deadlines.
Programs Funded
The award supports two years (with a possibility of extension to a third year) of full-time study toward a graduate degree or degrees at the University of Oxford, England. Completing a second Bachelor's degree is sometimes appropriate, though in recent years only a small minority of Rhodes Scholars follow this route. It is also possible to receive the award for a one-year graduate course of study under certain circumstances. The scholarship covers tuition and fees plus a maintenance allowance and round-trip travel.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens must be at least 18 and not yet 24 years old by October 1st of the year of application, and hold a bachelor's degree by the time they take up the scholarship. Commonwealth citizens should check the age requirements for their countries, which vary. Application deadlines also vary and in countries other than the U.S. may be much earlier. Pomona College works with Pomona students and graduates of all eligible nationalities.
Selection Criteria
Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard is the first quality demanded of applicants, but they are also required to show integrity of character, courage, selflessness, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the fullest. Athletic participation was for many years a requirement, but today this criterion is expressed as the physical vigor necessary to lead an active life of service and accomplishment. There is no formal minimum GPA but most Rhodes Scholars in recent years have had near-perfect undergraduate GPAs.
Application/Nomination Process
Internal Application
Submit the preliminary application by June 29, 2012 to guarantee summer advising on this application. This is not a strict deadline but if you submit much later, there may not be sufficient time for your application to be considered for Pomona College endorsement, which is required for the national selection process. Download the Preliminary Application, complete it and email it to Kristin FossumKristin Fossum. Potential applicants are encouraged to look into the other UK fellowships with similar deadlines and requirements, and to discuss the potential for multiple applications with the Advisor. Use these resources to explore degree programs at universities in the UK.
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Advisor 2012-2013
Samuel Yamashita