Marshall Scholarships
Princeton’s Deadline: September 18, 2008
Fields of study: Open; study in the United Kingdom
Advisers: Dean Frank Ordiway • ordiway@princeton.edu • Ext. 8-1998, and Professor Joshua Katz • jtkatz@princeton.edu • Ext. 8-3954
Description:
The Marshall Scholarships were established by the British Government in 1953 to express British gratitude for the European Recovery Program, instituted by General George C. Marshall in 1947 when he served as U.S. Secretary of State. At least 40 scholarships are offered each year. The scholarships pay tuition and fees, personal travel and book allowances, and a living stipend. They are tenable for two years and can, exceptionally, be renewed for a third year. They are available for study at any university in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Applications indicating interest in universities other than Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of London are especially welcome.
Criteria for Selection:
Candidates must be U.S. citizens who have earned the bachelor’s degree and have graduated no earlier than April 2006. A grade point average of 3.7 after the freshman year is mandatory.
Distinction of intellect and character as evidenced by scholarly attainments and by other activities and interests is a prime requisite. Candidates should be capable of playing an active role in the life of their United Kingdom university and have the potential to contribute later to their own society. Applicants must have a very clear idea of what and why they want to study in the United Kingdom and be able to describe in some detail why the program of study at a particular university is appropriate for them. Candidates are judged on the presentation of a specific and realistic academic program of study.
Application Procedure:
Rhodes/Marshall applicants must attend two mandatory meetings, one on April 15, 2008, from 4:30–6 p.m. in McCosh 10 and the second in September, the Fellowship Open House meeting, which will be held on September 9, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in 111 West College. Detailed instructions about the online Marshall application process will be distributed at each meeting. Those who cannot attend either meeting should contact Dean Ordiway for the necessary information. In September, each applicant will schedule a preliminary meeting with Dean Ordiway, and two interviews with one of the Marshall advisers, who will review draft essays and write an official letter of recommendation on behalf of the University. Prior to the first interview, which will take place during the second week in September, a resume, a personal information sheet, and a draft of the personal statement must be submitted.
A full application plus four letters of recommendation are required for the online Marshall application and are due electronically by noon on September 18, 2008. These letters should be written by individuals from the United States. Please refer to the detailed instructions in the separate Marshall Handout available in 409 West College. If the recommendations do not arrive promptly, you will be eliminated from the competition. Please make sure that you consult Princeton’s direction sheet for fuller instructions. All application materials must be electronically submitted from the Office of the Dean of the College. Applicants who have received University endorsement must electronically submit all materials by noon on September 29, 2008. The selection boards, situated in British consulates in each of the eight regions throughout the United States, choose applicants for interviews, which are held in late November.
Additional Information:
Choosing Your Institutions. On a regular basis, the Higher Education Funding Council for England assesses the quality of both teaching and research in specific disciplines at British universities and colleges. These assessments are not definitive, but provide a good starting point to help you find appropriate universities for your studies. The results of these surveys are available on the Web at www.hero.ac.uk/. Also consult the following website: www.marshallscholarship.org/links/. Data from the “2001 Research Assessment Exercise” may help in selecting a suitable placement. Departments with 5*, 5, and 4 are research leaders.
There are Princeton alumni who have held the Marshall Scholarship who are willing to address questions. If you are a serious applicant with a specific question, please inquire in 409 West College about making a connection with a Marshall Scholar.
Advice for Marshall Applicants:
Try to make contact with faculty in your area and discuss your plans for study. Be WELL INFORMED about the program in which you hope to participate. Get agreement from a potential research adviser, if possible. — Professor Philip Holmes