How the ONSA Works
The scholarships and fellowships advised by ONSA are different than the need-based scholarships and grants that provide tuition support.
What is a National Scholarship or Fellowship?
These prestigious awards are funded by external sources such as government agencies or non-profit organizations to support specific missions. Therefore, determining which scholarship to apply for often depends on how closely your own intellectual and professional goals align with the mission of the funding organization. For example, the Goldwater Scholarship is the premier award in the U.S .for high-achieving undergraduate STEM majors who intend to pursue research careers, while the Truman Scholarship supports exceptional undergraduate leaders who intend to pursue careers in government or public service.
National scholarships are competitive awards that reward scholastic achievement and civic engagement.
Getting started
National scholarships typically fund undergraduate and graduate opportunities to study, research, and teach in the U.S. and abroad. These merit-based scholarships recognize leadership potential and engagement with the world’s economic, social political and environmental issues.
As the application processes for these awards is typically lengthy and involved, often requiring deep introspection and deep contemplation, the processes themselves are transformative experiences and can springboard a student’s personal and professional goals, regardless of outcome.
There are three basic categories for national scholarships and fellowships: Endorsement Required, Endorsement Recommended, and Open.
- Endorsement Required awards have a preliminary application process to obtain an institutional nomination.
- Endorsement Recommended award applications are strengthened by having an institutional nomination, but are not required.
- Open awards are those to which students can directly apply without an institutional endorsement.
On our National Scholarships List, it is clearly indicated which scholarships need and do not need an institutional endorsement.
If an institutional endorsement is necessary, then the applicant will follow a set of campus application procedures before submitting the final application. For these awards, ONSA establishes a campus deadline in advance of the final submission deadline to allow time for application review and committee interviews. The campus deadline will occur weeks or even months prior to the national deadlines posted online, so it is important to take note of both dates. Students must meet the campus deadline to be considered for endorsement. The campus deadlines for the most common awards are listed on the Scholarship Deadlines page.
We encourage you to conduct your own searches for fellowships, as the process itself can shape your future goals. We provide several resources to help you with this process!
- Browse our National Scholarships List and find programs that align with your academic, personal, and professional goals. Read through the descriptions carefully and check your eligibility.
- Attend an ONSA information session for an overview of our major scholarships and fellowships and office resources. You can see these upcoming sessions on our Events page!
- Subscribe to our social media pages to see information on upcoming deadlines, new scholarships, and news!
- Instagram: UM_ONSA
- Once you find your fellowship program(s), fill out our ONSA Fellowship Interest Form and schedule an appointment with an ONSA staff member using our Appointment Scheduler.
Unfortunately, there is no simple formula for winning a national scholarship or fellowship; however, whether you end up applying to a national award, graduate school, or a job, there are a few ways to set yourself up for success:
- Grades aren’t everything, but they do help. Maintain the best GPA you can without sacrificing your personal interests and wellbeing!
- Foster relationships with faculty and supervisors – they can be your biggest supporters.
- Be purposeful in your extracurricular activities. Research, clubs, internships, and volunteer activities should align with your interests and/or professional goals. Don’t follow the crowd!
- Seek out real-world experiences and leadership roles – look for ways to make social impact.
- Get your voice heard! Write articles, submit stories, give talks, present at conferences.
- Engage with your local or global community. Learn a foreign language. Pursue opportunities for study abroad. Stay abreast of world events.
- Take a stand – most fellowships seek applicants who are focused on a specific issue or problem. Figure out how you can save the world and get started now!
Start early. Most national scholarships require a strong academic record, research experience, public service, and leadership.
Academics: Take challenging classes. Develop meaningful relationships with your faculty members since they will be the ones who write your recommendations. Faculty are excellent resources for finding research or service projects and for directing you toward higher level courses or readings. Find out what you are passionate about and immerse yourself fully into that subject. Explore challenging related classes. Academics are always important in national scholarship competitions and so taking challenging classes and maintaining good grades is vital. Most national scholarships are for graduate school so you should be taking a rigorous academic program that will make you a competitive candidate for graduate studies.
Research: Conduct research or work with faculty as a research assistant. Use your summers to conduct research or work as an intern. Offer to be a research assistant to professors that are doing important research in your chosen academic field. Look for community based research projects or paid summer research programs.
Public Service: Get involved in public service. Don’t wait to be told what to do; take charge, create a nonprofit, recognize needs in your community and find ways to address those needs. Look at other national programs for models that might work in your community. Think big. Think sustainable–how will your work continue once you graduate?
Leadership: Student government is one way to be involved in your community. But there are many ways to lead–clubs, organizations, fraternities and sororities, honor societies. How can you be a change-agent and start transforming the communities or issues you care about? How can you rally the support of others in order to make the largest impact possible? Look to other national programs for models and inspiration.
In addition it is important for you to be informed on current events. Read a good periodical newspaper daily. Read current event magazines like The Economist, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, the New Republic or The American Review. Read with a critical eye for bias. Read scholarly journals in your subject area.
Finally, good communication skills are vital. Writing is the key component to every application and many scholarships require an interview if you are named as a finalist. Take advantage of every opportunity to improve your writing and public speaking abilities.
Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to see how prepared you are to apply for competitive scholarships and/or fellowships. Make sure to begin by thoroughly research any of the awards that interest you. Visit our National Scholarships List and visit the website of individual scholarships. Read the profiles of previous winners, look at sample applications, check out the requirements for eligibility, the criteria for candidates, and the instructions for applying.
- How is my GPA? Does it fall within an acceptable range for the scholarship?
- Am I eligible in terms of my citizenship status?
- What would I do if I received an award? How will the award contribute to my overall career goals?
- Do I have strong relationships with at least 3 faculty members or other professionals who could write me great recommendation letters?
- Does my academic and personal experience match the requirements of the scholarship or fellowship?
- If the scholarship or fellowship requires public service, what service experience do I have?
- If the scholarship or fellowship requires leadership skills, what leadership experience do I have?
- If the scholarship or fellowship required previous research experience, what research or lab experience do I have?
- How would I rate my writing skills? Would it be difficult or easy for me to write personal statements and other needed proposals or grants?
- Have I already applied to or received any previous scholarships, awards, or prestigious opportunities?
What to expect
The Office of National Scholarship Advisement (ONSA) supports and advises students applying for a select number of competitive national and international merit-based awards.
These awards offer life changing opportunities where academic excellence, leadership and active communal engagement are valued and nurtured. This is not just a gateway to undergraduate and graduate school funding, but an opportunity to further your mind, commit to bettering our world and actively engage in a scholarship community.
Plan on the equivalent of a 3-credit course, about 30-50 hours of work to go into your applications. You will:
- Reflect on your background and aims
- Explore matches with major scholarships
- Devise educational/professional strategy (both with and without a major scholarship in the picture)
- Research possible programs of study or projects to propose
- Discuss plans with mentors, faculty, and advisors
- Request letters of recommendation and transcripts in a timely manner
- Write, revise, rewrite, revise your responses to applications.
- Speak to ONSA mentors
- Revisit your application and revise again!
- Submit the complete application by the Campus Deadline
- Prepare for the Nomination Review
If you are nominated by ONSA, you will:
- Refine the final application packet
- Upload and check all digital material to scholarship portals
- If invited to Finalist interview, participate in mock interviews to prepare
- Information source
- Information on the scholarships; procedures and timelines
- Assistance and hard questions to help you determine eligibility, fit and competitiveness
- Tutor
- Review of drafts (if allowed by award), suggestions for revisions, reminders of program expectations, preparation for interviews
- Facilitator
- Guidance for letter-writers; oversight of application as a whole; reminders of internal deadlines and required materials
- Coordinator
- Receipt of material for Campus Deadline; distribution of nomination committees; coordination of nomination interviews
In addition, ONSA will:
- Oversee writing the University letter of endorsement (if required)
- Monitor completion of all parts of the application (Letters, transcripts, etc.)
- Submit completed applications to program, if program requires
- Co-ordinate mock interviews
- Completing these applications will require research:
- The UK Scholarships stress the need-to-know what program and degree suit the applicant’s background and goals
- Truman, Goldwater and Udall have similar expectations
- The Fulbright application requires a project that suits the country and the applicant’s background and is doable in the timeframe- this takes reflection and research.
- Fit: What is the candidate profile of the scholarship you are applying for?
- The level of leadership and/or achievement in the field expected by most scholarships is exceptional high. Do you have demonstrable impact in your field/community already? –Truman, Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, NSF GRFP
- Do you have teaching experience, an interest in cultural exchange? Fulbright ETA
- Independent work- for instance accomplished through a thesis, research project, internship, the creation and initiation of some community program—is the best evidence of genuine interest, capability, and/or leadership skills. If the record of achievement is almost solely summed up by successful classroom experiences the applicant will not be a strong contender in most of these competitions.
- GPA: For some, but not all scholarships, applicants need a high GPA of 3.8 at minimum
- University nomination is often required. Applicants must contact ONSA far ahead of the campus deadline to discuss candidacy. Applicants will submit a completed application to ONSA. A university campus committee will review the applications, interview candidates and may or may not nominate them. Many programs limit the number of students who may be nominated.
How to apply
There are many things you can do to become competitive for awards such as national and international scholarships and fellowships. It all starts with becoming engaged with your classes, your professors, and your community–starting your freshman year!
The key to a strong application is…START EARLY! Begin by visiting our Getting Started and What to Expect pages! Take your time to read through these resources carefully to gain a better understanding of the competitive scholarship application process.
Also, read over the Scholar Development Tips below to begin preparing yourself as an undergraduate!
- TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EDUCATION. Do not wait for opportunities to land in your lap. It’s up to you to make sure you aren’t just another face in the crowd!
- Take advanced courses early and often. Be strategic about the classes you choose, do not only choose the ones that fit your schedule.
- Avoid large lecture classes when possible. If it can’t be avoided, be purposeful in your interactions with the instructor and take particular advantage of the professor’s office hours.
- Work on your writing skills.
- Develop mentoring relationships with faculty, staff, and others.
- Take multiple courses with the same faculty if you like them.
- Attend academic events such as brown bag seminars and public lectures to meet faculty and students who share your interests.
- Find ways to present your research, public service, community impact, and independent projects.
- MAKE AN IMPACT. Get involved in extra-curricular activities that connect to your future aspirations–don’t just join an organization for a line in your CV/resume.
- Use your summers wisely. Participate in research (on campus and off—NSF, REUs), internships, and community service projects in the U.S. or abroad.
- Study abroad. Be purposeful in gaining active experience beyond tourism.
- Subscribe to newsletters across campus and stay informed of events and opportunities on campus and in your field of interest.
- Apply for many scholarships. The more applications you complete the easier it will get.
- Read, read, read!
The key to a strong application is…START EARLY! Follow these steps to schedule your appointment!
STEP 1: Look through the Handbook or Website to identify potential awards.
- Each award description in the handbook or website includes eligibility, a description, application procedures, and links to videos/webinars.
- Some awards identify “institutional endorsement required” or “institutional endorsement recommended”. In order to be endorsed by ONSA and the university of Mississippi you must have a complete application by the campus deadline.
STEP 2: Complete the Fellowship Interest Form (required)
STEP 3: Make an appointment with a Fellowship Advisor (strongly recommended)
STEP 4: If you apply for a national fellowship, you will need to complete the Nomination Permission Form and Waiver (required)
Letters of Recommendation
Ask early and ask in person
Ask well in advance of the deadline: three weeks minimum. Also, ask in person, if possible. Asking for a recommendation at the last minute will earn you a short, hurried letter that might not be as helpful as it could have been had you given your recommender ample time to write an excellent letter. If the person you ask to be a recommendation says “No”, do not press. Trying to talk professors or individuals into writing a letter they do not wish to write or feel comfortable writing will not serve you well. Instead, thank them for their time, and approach another individual who you feel would be a good recommendation.
Make sure it is a glowing and personalized recommendation
Ask someone who knows more about you than just your GPA or information gleaned from your resume. Ask someone who can tell positive stories about your academic, community, or campus involvement.
Make it easy for them to write your recommendation
Be sure to talk with your recommender to discuss the scholarship application.
When you meet, outline scholarship selection criteria and provide input about what should be stressed in the letter. Be sure to mention critical information. For example, share with you recommender that the scholarship is aimed at first-generation students or that the leadership should be emphasized. This will affect the shape of the letter and increase your chances of applying successfully.
Also be sure to mention any extenuating circumstances that might explain a weakness in your application. If your grades are not flawless, but you are working 10, 20, 30 hours a week to make end meet, you should make sure your recommender mentions this.
Provide your recommender with the following:
- A copy of the application that includes your essay answers if at all possible. If your application is not yet complete, then provide a general personal statement. If you are applying to a variety of scholarships, send an e-mail with a brief description of each one what the recommendation letter should emphasize. Check the National Scholarships List on ONSA’s website for more details.
- A current resume or a list of your activities and honors.
- Official recommendation forms or links. Be sure to complete any sections that pertain to you.
- Make sure you have signed and waived your right to access under the Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA) and completed the ONSA Waiver Form.
Show grattitude
Definitely say Thank You! Send the professors or individuals who took the time to write your recommendation a thank you letter or note and keep them updated on the outcome of your application.
Closley read your program’s award profile
Each Fulbright Award’s requirements vary slightly. Make sure to fully read the host affiliation requirements in the summary of the country to which you are applying. According to Fulbright, “Affiliation arrangements vary by country and may not be required at the time of application. Carefully review the affiliation information provided in the award summary for your host country. All academic grantees must have an affiliation in the host country.
Countries differ in the kinds of host affiliations that are acceptable. Examples of affiliations include universities, laboratories, libraries, non-governmental organizations, and so on. Pay special attention to the requirements in some countries to attend classes and/or affiliate with academic institutions.”
You can find your specific award using the Award Search engine on the Fulbright website.
Choose the most appropriate affiliation for your project
Your affiliation is the person who commits to host you in your chosen country. In other words, the affiliation is your host country advisor who will provide support for your project. “If the proposal contains a strong research component, you must have host country contacts that can support the research, provide access to required resources, and/or advise you during the grant period. It is your responsibility to identify, contact, and secure an affiliation from a potential adviser.”
Fulbright identifies several avenues for finding your affiliation/host country advisor:
- Faculty at your home campus.
- International students.
- Visiting Fulbright Professors in the U.S. or U.S. Fulbright Scholars who had grants to your host country. Directories are available here.
- Internet searches of faculty at potential host institutions with your interests, or organizations in the host country that work with issues related to your topic.
- Other U.S. academics with expertise in the location/subject matter of the proposed project.
- Contacts from previous experience abroad.
- Educational Advising sections of Embassies or Consulates of your potential host country.
Start early
It takes time to identify an affiliation and it takes time for that person to complete their affiliation letter. Fulbright requires the affiliation letter by the application deadline. You need to begin looking for your affiliation several months before the deadline to give yourself plenty of time to meet with the affiliation via phone call, Zoom, or in person if possible, form a positive working relationship, and thoroughly discuss and make plans for your research.
Request the affiliation letter
Once you have identified your chosen affiliation, reach out to them and ask if they are willing to write you an affiliation letter. You should also send them a copy of your Statement of Grant Purpose.
The affiliation letter should:
- Indicate the author’s willingness to work with you on the intended project
- Speak to the feasibility and validity of the project that is being proposed
- Provide a description of any additional resources to contacts that the advisor an provide to support the project
Submitting the letter:
- “Scanned versions of the original hard-copy letters with hand-written signatures should be uploaded into the application. Letter writers can either send the original hard-copy letters or electronic copies to the applicants.
- Since affiliation letters are not confidential, you will upload the letter yourself into the online application system. Affiliation letters written in a foreign language must be translated into English and both the original letters and the English-language translations must be uploaded into the application. An ‘official’ translation of the letter is not required.
- Instructions on uploading letters of affiliation are available in the Fulbright online application system. IIE will not accept any affiliation letters via email or fax.”
Letter formatting:
- “The affiliation letter must be printed on institutional letterhead and must be signed by the author.
- Copies of email correspondence will not be accepted.
- Do not upload any documents other than a letter of affiliation to this field of the application. Uploading extraneous materials to this field may result in your application being deemed ineligible.”
Show gratitude
Definitely say Thank You! Send your affiliation who took the time to write your affiliation and commit to host you in their country a thank you letter or note and keep them updated on the outcome of your application.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A national scholarship or fellowship is an award for study, research or travel that is offered by an agency to students throughout the United States, as opposed to a merit-based award offered by a particular educational institution. These awards tend to be highly competitive and are often specialized, with specific eligibility and selection criteria. Most are intended to support graduate study, but a few support undergraduate work. You can find a list of them here. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the awards, the eligibility requirements, and the application process.
It varies depending upon the scholarship but most are highly competitive. The Rhodes Scholarship has a selection rate of about 3% in some years. Most applicants will be highly qualified. You should consider how well the purpose or mission of the scholarship aligns with your own academic and career goals and be sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements.
There are workshops held throughout to introduce each scholarship and application process. You can also explore the links to the foundation websites for each award and read about the application process and see the biography of recent grantees. It is highly advised that you meet with Dr. Ibrahim as soon as possible to explore your options and talk about choosing an academic trajectory that will help you be as competitive as possible.
Some national scholarships require you to be nominated by the University of Mississippi. For those scholarships you must first submit an application to the ONSA office and participate in an interview, if necessary. These scholarships have an institutional deadline that is usually much earlier than the scholarship’s national deadline.
Alumni are welcome to meet with Dr. Ibrahim and discuss the application process.
Students should expect to invest a significant amount of time and effort into the process. Some scholarships require less effort than others, but successful students often invest many hours working on application materials for months before the deadline.
Start early. Most national scholarships require a strong academic record, research experience, public service, and leadership.
Academics: Take challenging classes. Develop meaningful relationships with your faculty members since they will be the ones who write your recommendations. Faculty are excellent resources for finding research or service projects and for directing you toward higher level courses or readings. Find out what you are passionate about and immerse yourself fully into that subject. Explore challenging related classes. Academics are always important in national scholarship competitions and so taking challenging classes and maintaining good grades is vital. Most national scholarships are for graduate school so you should be taking a rigorous academic program that will make you a competitive candidate for graduate studies.
Research: Conduct research or work with faculty as a research assistant. Use your summers to conduct research or work as an intern. Offer to be a research assistant to professors that are doing important research in your chosen academic field. Look for community based research projects or paid summer research programs.
Public Service: Get involved in public service. Don’t wait to be told what to do; take charge, create a nonprofit, recognize needs in your community and find ways to address those needs. Look at other national programs for models that might work in your community. Think big. Think sustainable–how will your work continue once you graduate?
Leadership: Student government is one way to be involved in your community. But there are many ways to lead–clubs, organizations, fraternities and sororities, honor societies. How can you be a change-agent and start transforming the communities or issues you care about? How can you rally the support of others in order to make the largest impact possible? Look to other national programs for models and inspiration.
In addition it is important for you to be informed on current events. Read a good periodical newspaper daily. Read current event magazines like The Economist, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, the New Republic or The American Review. Read with a critical eye for bias. Read scholarly journals in your subject area.
Finally, good communication skills are vital. Writing is the key component to every application and many scholarships require an interview if you are named as a finalist. Take advantage of every opportunity to improve your writing and public speaking abilities.