Tips

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.

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.

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.

Consult The Experts

Fellowship advisors, your own academic advisors and professors, and the Graduate Fellowships Coordinator 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.

Stay in Touch

Watch for fellowships announcements in the Digester, on bulletin boards, and in your email. Our web site cannot list all of the many fellowships out there, so look for announcements throughout the year. Several different fellowships may match your goals and experience. Do the research to find out, and build on the work you've already done.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. 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.