Texas A&M University
Honors and Undergraduate Research
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University Scholar Maggie Shaughnessy (BMEN) backpacking in Northern Italy, summer 2011.
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Michelle Wise in Florence, Italy, as part of the Champe Fitzhugh Honors Leadership Seminar.
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Applying for University Nomination

Many prestigious fellowships require that students be nominated by the University.  The following page provides detailed instructions for students who wish to apply for University endorsement for the following scholarship and fellowship programs:

 


Fulbright Program for US Students

Deadline: September 22, 2011

The Fulbright program is the premier study abroad program for US students, providing complete support for an entire academic year of foreign study or research.

Terms:

The Fulbright Program annually awards over 1,300 grants to support foreign research or study in over 140 countries.   A Fulbright grant entirely supports one academic year of study, research, or teaching assistantship experience—projects may include university course work, independent library or field research, or professional training in the arts.

The Fulbright program provides invaluable opportunities to meet, work, and live with people of various cultures, promotes cross-cultural interaction and mutual understanding through engagement in local communities, and fosters appreciation of other's viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think, through direct interaction with them on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in daily tasks.  For more information on the Fulbright Program for US Students, visit http://www.us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens and hold at least a bachelor’s degree by the start of the grant period (i.e. graduating seniors and graduate students may apply).  Students should begin preparing their applications at the end of their third/junior year of undergraduate study.

Selection Process:

All currently enrolled students are to apply through their university and should contact the campus Fulbright Program Administrator (FPA), Kyle Mox, at 845 - 1957 or kemox@tamu.edu.   For detailed information and instructions on applying, visit http://www.us.fulbrightonline.org.

Please note the following deadlines:

 

22 September, 2011: On-campus Application Deadline
The entire application process is conducted via the Fulbright Online Application.  Prospective applicants must notify the FPA of their intent to apply before submitting a completed application .  A completed application consists of three letters of recommendation, a foreign language report (as necessary), official transcripts, and letters of affiliation. For further information on the application materials, consult the official Fulbright website: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/preparingapplication.html.

4 - 8 October 2011: On-Campus Screening Interviews
The Texas A&M University Fulbright Committee will conduct interviews to discuss the proposals, feasibility of projects, institutional cooperation, and overall quality of application of each prospective applicant. The interview may also include a language assessment as appropriate per country, if possible..

Although the Fulbright Commission requires that institutions forward every complete application that they receive, it does ask that campus selection committees assign a ranking to each candidate to indicate a candidate's overall strength.

After the screening interviews, the applications will be returned to the applicants for revision.

14 October 2011: Deadline for Revised (FINAL) Application Final version of complete application is due, including any revisions made after the campus deadline and the campus interview process.  Once changes are complete, applicants will submit the revised application to the FPA via the online system.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with the FPA frequently to ensure that all application materials are in order.

17 October 2011: Official Fulbright Deadline
IIE, the organization which administers the Fulbright Grant Program, requires all applications to reach the national office by this date. At this time, the online application system will be made inaccessible to both applicants and the FPA.

 

Churchill Scholarship

Deadline: November 2, 2011

Terms:

The Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarships are one-year awards that support one year of graduate study in math, science, or engineering at Cambridge University.    The Churchill Scholarship is worth between $44,000 and $50,000, depending on the exchange rate.  It covers all University and College tuition and fees (currently about $25,000).  In addition, students receive a living allowance of £10,000 if enrolled in a nine-month academic program and £12,000 if enrolled in a full-year academic program.  They also receive an allowance of up to $1,000 for travel to and from the United Kingdom.  The Foundation also offers the possibility of a Special Research Grant of up to $2,000.   For further information, visit http://winstonchurchillfoundation.org.

Eligibility:

Applicants for a Churchill Scholarship must be citizens of the United States and must be a senior who is enrolled in one of the institutions participating in the Scholarship Program competition or a student who has recently graduated from one of those institutions.  Upon taking up a scholarship, a Churchill Scholar must be between the ages of 19 and 26, hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, and may not have attained a doctorate.

The criteria for the selection of Churchill Scholars include the following: 

  • Exceptional academic achievement in all disciplines, but especially in the major, as indicated by course grades (previous Scholars have had a GPA of at least 3.7 and usually have 3.9 or above).

  • A capacity to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics by pursuing original, creative work at an advanced level as demonstrated by awards and prizes and by letters of recommendation. Applicants in the sciences and engineering will show extensive laboratory experience, internships, or other related work, while applicants in mathematics will show substantial independent work or other projects.

  • Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.

  • Outstanding personal qualities.

Selection Process:

To apply for this award, students must first be nominated by the University.  The deadline to submit a completed application to the Honors Programs office is November 2, 2011.   The University may nominate up to two students. To be considered for University nomination, one must submit the following materials to the Honors Programs office:

  • One (1) completed and signed Churchill Foundation Application Form with one passport-sized photograph attached.

  • Four (4) letters of reference — two more than the Cambridge Application. The Foundation requests four academic recommendations from teachers, laboratory directors, and others with whom you have pursued your research and studies. Please do not request recommendations from teachers in fields not related to your research in science, engineering, or mathematics (e.g., history, literature, or philosophy), and please do not submit personal recommendations (e.g., from clergy, directors of charitable organizations, etc.). The cover sheet for the Scholarship Recommendation Reports is available in pdf and Word formats on the Foundation’s Web site. Those whom you have selected for your recommendation should write their letters on departmental letterhead, and they should send their letters directly to your Scholarship Advisor.

  • One (1) official transcript from each institution you have attended. If a transcript from a foreign institution lists grades that are not explained or translated into the American grading system, please attach an explanation. The transcript(s) should be also sent directly to your campus Churchill Foundation Representative.

To access the application materials and to learn more about the Churchill Scholarship, visit http://winstonchurchillfoundation.org.

 

 

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Deadline: November 2, 2011

Terms:

The Goldwater Scholarship was established to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics in the United States.  Awards are made annually, each scholarship providing a maximum of $7,500 per year for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Sophomore applicants are eligible for two years of support; junior applicants are eligible for one year of support. Two hundred and seventy-eight scholarships were awarded for 2009-2010.    For further information, visit http://www.act.org/goldwater/index.html.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply for University nomination, a student must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education during the 2010–2011 academic year. "Sophomore" is defined as a student who plans two more years of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2010. Sophomore nominees can expect to receive a maximum of two years of support. "Junior" is defined as a student who plans one more year of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2011. Junior nominees can expect to receive a maximum of one year of support.

  • Have a college grade-point average of at least "B" (or the equivalent) and be in the upper fourth of his or her class. Competitive students typically have a 3.7 or higher GPR.

  • Be a United States citizen, a permanent resident. Nominations from permanent residents must include a letter of the nominee's intent to obtain U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card).

Selection Process:

To apply for this award, students must first be nominated by the University.  The deadline to submit a completed application to the Honors and Undergraduate Research office is November 2, 2011. The University may nominate up to four students for this award. 

Although many students may be eligible to apply for this award, not all eligible students are competitive.  Goldwater Scholars are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

  • High Academic Achievement: A GPA above 3.8 and evidence of "intellectual intensity" as shown by early participation in graduate courses and accomplishments outside the classroom. Selection committees also look for indicators that the student will make significant future contributions in his or her chosen field.

  • Commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Internships, research, and related employment strengthen a student's application. Students should also have shown involvement in math, science, or engineering student or professional organizations. Activities not related to math, science, or engineering bear little weight, however.

  • Letters of recommendation: Evaluations should come from faculty members who can discuss the applicant's potential for a career in math, science, or engineering. At least one of these must be in the applicant's field of study. Applicants who have done research must obtain a letter from the individual who supervised his or her work.

To be considered for University nomination, one must submit the following materials to the Honors and Undergraduate Research office by the deadline:

  • A completed Goldwater Scholarship Application, signed. NB: DO NOT input your recommenders on the online application until instructed to do so by the Faculty Rep.

  • A completed Goldwater Scholarship Application essay.  NB: This essay is not part of the online application and must be completed separately. Please refer to the Goldwater Scholarship Candidacy Information and Instructions.

  • Three to five letters of recommendation (see above). Letters of Recommendation should be sent directly to the Honors Programs office, c/o Goldwater Committee, MS 4233, TAMU, College Station TX 77843

  • Unofficial TAMU transcripts. These may simply be printed from Howdy.

For further guidance on completing the application materials, visit The Goldwater Scholarship website.

 

Truman Scholarship

Deadline: November 2, 2011

Terms:

The Truman Scholarship provides funding for graduate school as preparation for a career in government or public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate studies. In addition, they participate in leadership development programs and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. About 60-65 scholarships are awarded each year. For further information, visit http://truman.gov/.

Eligibility:

Application may be made by U.S. citizens and nationals who are full-time students in the junior class with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Successful applicants typically have an exceptional record of leadership and public or community service.  A wide variety of fields can lead to public service careers: traditional fields such as education, economics, or public policy as well as less obvious ones such as engineering, environmental management, or agriculture. However, some priority is given to candidates proposing to enroll in graduate programs specifically oriented to careers in public service such as public administration, public health, government, or education and human resource development. 

Selection Process:

To apply for this award, students must first be nominated by the University.  The deadline to submit a completed application to the Honors Programs office is November 2, 2011.  The University may nominate up to four students.

To be considered for University nomination, one must submit the following materials to the Honors Programs office:

  • A two-page essay that addresses your academic interests and educational and long-term professional goals, with special emphasis on how your leadership and service experience is preparing you for these goals.

  • A one to two-page resume that lists pertinent activities and accomplishments

  • An unofficial transcript

  • A list of three (3) individuals who have agreed to write letters of recommendation. One letter must addresses each of the following topics: 1) Commitment to a Career in Public Service; 2) Intellect and Prospects for Continuing Academic Success; and 3) Leadership Abilities and Potential.  Include the individual’s name, title, and contact information.

For further guidance on completing the application materials, visit the Truman Scholarship Foundation Website.

 

 

Carnegie Junior Fellows Program

Deadline: December 1, 2011

 

Terms:

Each year the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers 8-10 one-year fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. They are selected from a pool of nominees from close to 400 participating colleges. Carnegie Junior Fellows work as research assistants to the Endowment's senior associates. Positions are paid, full-time positions for one year. Junior fellows are currently paid a gross salary of $3,000.00 per month ($36,000 per year). A full benefits package is also provided. For further information, visit http://carnegieendowment.org/about/index.cfm?fa=jrFellows

Eligibility:

Applicants must be graduating seniors or students who have graduated during the last academic year. No one who has started graduate studies is eligible for consideration (except in cases where the student has completed a joint bachelor/Master’s degree program). The Carnegie Endowment accepts applications only through participating universities via designated nominating officials - i.e. prospective applicants must first apply for university endorsement through Honors and Undergraduate Research.

Selection Process:

To be considered for University nomination, one must submit a completed Carnegie Junior Fellows application, which includes the following:

  • The application cover sheet.
  • An essay (one page or less, double-spaced) on why the student would like to become a Junior Fellow.
  • A one- to two-page resume.
  • Two recommendations.
  • Transcript of undergraduate records. The transcript may be unofficial.
  • An essay of no more than three (3) typewritten, double-spaced pages on the question pertaining to the program to which the student is applying (see the Fellows application). These topics are intended to test skills in analysis, logic, and written expression. The essays should be thought pieces, not research papers. Students should submit an essay related to their primary research program interests.

For further guidance on completing the application materials, visit the Carnegie Endowment's website.

 

 

Udall Scholarship

Deadline: February 17, 2012

 

Terms:

In 2010, the Foundation expects to award 80 scholarships of up to $5,000 and 50 honorable mentions of $350 on the basis of merit to sophomore and junior-level college students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment or a commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or health care, and are Native American or Alaska Native.  The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics.  For further information, visit http://udall.gov.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, a student must be 1) A sophomore or junior (by date of expected graduation); 2) A US citizen, US national, or US permanent resident; 3) A "B+" student or better (i.e. 3.5+ GPR); 4) Committed to a career related to the environment, OR committed to a career in tribal public policy or Native American health care (only Native Americans and Alaska Natives are eligible to apply in tribal public policy or Native American health care).

Most importantly, competitive applicants must have very strong records of activity related to the environment (e.g. research, public service, or political activity) and leadership.  The student's commitment to the environment must also be substantiated by strong letters of recommendation.

Selection Process:

To apply for this award, students must first be nominated by the University.  The deadline to submit a completed application to the Honors Programs office is February 17, 2012.  The University may nominate up to six students.

To be considered for University nomination, one must submit the following materials to the Honors Programs office:

  • A completed, signed Udall Scholarship Application;
  • An 800-word essay;
  • A current official college transcript and transcripts for other colleges attended;
  • Three letters of recommendation.

For further guidance on completing the application materials, visit the Udall Scholarship Foundation Website.

 

 

Astronaut Scholarship

Deadline: March, 2012

Terms:

To help the United States maintain its world leadership in science and technology, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundations annually awards stipends of $10,000 to support outstanding students in math, science, and engineering.  The Foundation seeks to recognize college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the science or engineering field of their major.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Astronaut Scholarship, a student must meet the following requirements:
  • Candidates must be nominated by faculty members. Students may not directly apply for the scholarship.

  • Nominees must be U.S. citizens.

  • Nominees must be engineering or natural or applied science (e.g. astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, computer science) or mathematics students with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Students intending to pursue a practice in professional medicine are not eligible for the scholarship.

  • The Astronaut Scholarship is awarded only to students entering their junior or senior year (as determined by time to graduation).

  • Special consideration is not given to aeronautical/astronautical engineering students or those intending to pursue careers as astronauts.

Although many students may be eligible to apply for this award, not all eligible students are competitive.  Astronaut Scholars are selected on the basis of the following criteria:

  • High Academic Achievement: A GPA above 3.8 and evidence of "intellectual intensity" as shown by a demanding curriculum and accomplishments outside the classroom. Selection committees also look for indicators that the student will make significant future contributions in his or her chosen field.

  • Commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Internships, research, and related employment strengthen a student's application. Students should also have shown involvement in math, science, or engineering student or professional organizations. Activities not related to math, science, or engineering bear little weight, however.  Competitive applicants clearly demonstrate initiative, creativity, and excellence in their chosen field.

  • Letters of recommendation: Evaluations should come from faculty members who can discuss your potential for a career in math, science, or engineering. At least one of these must be in the applicant's field of study. Applicants who have done research must obtain a letter from the individual who supervised his or her work.

Selection Process:

To apply for this award, students must first be nominated by the University.  The deadline to submit a completed application to Honors & Undergraduate Research is March 14, 2011. The University may nominate up to two students for this award. 

To be considered for University nomination, one must submit the following materials to the Honors Programs office:

  • A completed Faculty Nomination form accompanied by a letter of recommendation providing "examples of the [student's] involvement and commitment to sciences beyond the formal classroom, as shown on the transcript, [recognizing that] creativity is an important attribute" in selecting Astronaut Scholars. 

  • An additional letter of recommendation

  • A short (i.e. one-page) statement that discusses the applicant's interests, activities, and goals.

  • A one- or two-page resume

  • An official transcript of all colleges and universities attended (as a degree-seeking student)

  • A completed Financial Summary Form.

Nominations and letters of Recommendation should be sent directly to

Honors & Undergraduate Research
c/o Astronaut Scholarship Committee
MS 4233, TAMU
College Station TX 77843

Direct all questions to Kyle Mox, National Scholarships Coordinator, at kemox@tamu.edu or 979.845.1957.

 

 

Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship

Deadline: April, 2012

Every year, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi awards fifty-seven Fellowships of $5,000 each and three at $15,000 each to members entering the first year of graduate or professional study. Each Phi Kappa Phi chapter may select one candidate from among its local applicants to compete for the Society-wide awards.

Eligibility

  • Open to all active Phi Kappa Phi members (annual dues paid through March 31, 2011) or those who have accepted membership by June 30, 2011. Applications will be accepted from individuals selected for membership but not yet initiated.
  • Have applied to enroll as a full-time student in a post-baccalaureate program of study for the 2011-2012 academic year. Students in all professional or graduate fields are eligible.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on the applicant’s promise of success in graduate or professional study, including academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement and career goals, and acceptance at an approved graduate or professional program.

Application Process

The PKP Graduate Fellowship application is available at: http://www.phikappaphi.org/Web/Awards/Fellowship.html Applicants may complete the application online, print it out, and submit it with the other required materials to the Texas A&M PKP Chapter:

 

Ms. Barbara A. Lee
203 Jack K. Williams Administration Building
College Station TX 77843-1125

 

The Texas A&M PKP chapter will select one applicant as a nominee for the competition.

 

 

Rhodes, Marshall, & Mitchell Scholarships

Next Campus Deadline: May 2, 2012

The Rhodes, Marshall, and George C. Mitchell Scholarships are the most prestigious and competitive scholarships available to United States students. 

Terms:

The Rhodes Scholarship provides two to three years of complete support for graduate study at Oxford University.  The Marshall Scholarship supports two to three years of graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom.  The Mitchell Scholarship is tenable for one year of graduate study at any university in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  Award includes cost of tuition, fees, travel, books, and a monthly stipend.

Eligibility:

Applicants for both the Rhodes, Marshall, and Mitchell Scholarships must be nominated by their undergraduate institution.

 

Rhodes - http://rhodesscholar.org
Applicants must be a citizen of the United States.  As of October 1, 2009, must be at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age. An applicant must have achieved academic standing sufficiently advanced to assure completion of a bachelor’s degree before October 1, 2011.

Marshall - http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Applicants must be US citizens and hold (by the time they take up their scholarship i.e. September 2012) hold their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must have obtained a grade point average of not less than 3.7, have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2008, and not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British University.

Mitchell - http://us-irelandalliance.org
To be eligible for the Mitchell Scholars Program, an applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America, be 18 years of age or older but NOT yet 30 by 1 October 2011, and hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before beginning study as a Mitchell Scholar.  No allowance is made for the expenses of a married applicant's spouse or dependent. Moreover, spouses who are non-EU citizens will require a work permit before seeking paid employment in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

 

Selection Process:

To apply for these awards, students must first apply for University nomination through the Honors Programs office.  A preliminary application consists of the following:

  • A 1,000-word essay that addresses your academic interests and educational and long-term professional goals, with special emphasis on how study in the UK will benefit you.

  • A one to two-page resume that lists pertinent activities and accomplishments

  • A list of five to eight people who will write letters of recommendation (NB: at least four should be professors).  The list should include name, title, email address, and telephone number

Prospective applicants should consult the relevant scholarship websites for in-depth guidance:

Completed applications should be delivered to the Honors and Undergraduate Research office, c/o RMM Scholarships Committee.