How to Apply for a Marshall Scholarship

Named for U.S. General George C. Marshall, this fellowship is provided by the British government to U.S. college graduates wanting to study in Britain. It's a generous two-year scholarship covering tuition, fees, living expenses and more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria: you're a U.S. citizen at the time of application, have a B.A. from an accredited four-year U.S. institution not more than 3 1/2 years prior to the first semester of the scholarship, and have a cumulative grade-point average (after freshman year) of at least 3.7.
2. Keep in mind that the selection committee is looking not only for academic excellence but also for leadership potential, communication skills and ability to strengthen U.S.-British understanding.
3. Download an application form from the Association of Commonwealth Universities' Web site (www.acu.ac.uk) or get one from your school's Marshall adviser.
4. Prepare the other materials: a letter of endorsement from your university or employer, a 500-word outline of your proposed plan of study, a 1,000-word personal essay, four recommendation letters (at least two of which should be academic), and a college transcript.
5. Notify professors, teaching assistants and employers well ahead of time for any letters of recommendation you need from them.
6. Prepare any further materials requested on the application form.
7. Visit the official Web site (marshallscholarship.org) to find the address of your regional office.
8. Send the materials to the appropriate regional office by the October deadline. Apply well before the application deadline to avoid being too late.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the scholarship Web site (marshallscholarship.org) for detailed information on the fellowship, which also provides for round-trip airfare to England, some additional study-related travel, a book allowance and possibly some money for your spouse.
• You're expected to take a degree as part of your studies in Britain.
• Photocopy your application materials before sending them in and keep a copy for your records.
• Consult with your school's fellowship office for information on other fellowships and financial aid.
• You're not eligible if you're already working toward, or have received, a degree from a British college or university.
• Be wary of any fellowship that sounds too good to be true; it probably is (see "eHow to Watch Out for Scholarship Scams").

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