FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I apply for more than one fellowship? Would it hurt my chances?  You can apply for as many fellowships as you would like; there is no limit and it does not hurt your chances to apply for multiple awards.  In fact, some fellowships, though distinct, exist in the same genre, so it would make sense to apply for several since the details of the applications overlap. On the other hand, because each fellowship is different in style and focus it makes sense to identify the ones that best suit your credentials and interests and focus your energies on producing the strongest possible application for those rather than spreading yourself too thin. Throwing as many applications into the mix as you can to see what happens is not necessarily the right approach.

What are my chances of winning x, y, or z fellowship? There are many factors that influence the success or failure of any fellowship application. It is useful to carefully consider the criteria for selection for the particular fellowship in which you are interested. If you feel that you meet these criteria and you work hard on presenting yourself well in the application, you should seriously consider applying; if you do not apply, you cannot win.  It is also important to keep in mind that these awards are so competitive that in the end the chances of winning are by definition marginal. 

For what kinds of fellowships do I qualify? Qualifications are based on eligibility and criteria. You qualify to apply for any fellowship for which you meet the eligibility requirements, ie., citizenship, class year, field of study, age, and GPA. You may technically qualify for a given fellowship, but you also need to determine if you meet the criteria for selection. Browse our List of Fellowships to learn more about available opportunities.

Who is available to help me with my writing? In addition to Dean Linda Dunleavy , the DOCFO has a graduate student writer tutor and an undergraduate writing fellow available to help you with writing fellowship essays. See Contact Us to schedule a writing appointment with one of these individuals. You should also show drafts of your essays to faculty mentors and others familiar with your work and your goals.

Can I speak with previous candidates? We have the names and contact information of previous candidates who have agreed to speak with new Brown candidates. If you would like this information, please Contact Us. 

Where can I find copies of winning applications? There are binders with copies of winning applications in our office for your review. These materials cannot leave the premises, and we cannot make photocopies.

Who serves on selection committees? Faculty members, deans, other administrative officers, graduate students, and post-doctorial fellows serve on Brown’s selection committees.

How does the Brown nomination or review process work?  The nomination or review process depends upon the individual fellowship.  Some fellowships limit the number of candidates an institution can nominate; thus, the Brown selection committee must chose the nominees from the greater pool.  Other fellowships allow us to nominate as many candidates as we find worthy.  Still others only require that we review the candidates and provide a campus rating.  In all cases, Brown's internal committees follow the guidelines for selection that the fellowship foundation follows. 

Are there other resources on campus to support my fellowship efforts? There are a number of other offices that handle fellowship and grant opportunities such as the Swearer Center, the Career Development Center, and the Office of International Programs.

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