What Are the Best Tips for Filling out a Fellowship Application?

A fellowship is a period of short-term employment supported by a stipend, normally offered by an educational institution such as a university to high quality students and scholars in certain fields. Teaching fellowships are those awarded to graduate students who are hired to teach undergraduate classes while they work toward graduate degrees. Research fellowships, on the other hand, are for scholars who require funding to perform important research for studies or dissertations. Artist, writing, and other fellowships also may be offered. When it comes to the best tips for filling out a fellowship application, the first thing to make sure of is that all of the materials are included in an application packet.

The common fellowship application requires a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), letters of reference, transcripts, and a statement of purpose. Many applications also require that applicants fill out a form that may include basic contact and financial information. A good first step to take for an individual who is preparing to fill out a fellowship application is to ensure that he or she is allowing enough time to receive reference letters and request transcripts.

A resume or CV is an important part of a fellowship application. Each of these documents are designed to show a person's education and professional experience, as well as skills that were acquired through that experience. The primary difference between a resume and a CV is that a CV is generally more in depth and may focus more on education, publications, and awards. For composing these documents, a good strategy may be to highlight experience related to the fellowship by listing it closer to the top of the page. Information that can be thought of as supplementary can be listed closer to the bottom.

Many applications require applicants to provide essays that help to explain their interests, experience, and goals. Many people consider this essay to be the most important aspect of a fellowship application since it can be space for an applicant to explain why he or she is the best candidate for the award. An applicant can also explain what he or she might do with the fellowship, should he or she be chosen by the committee. This aspect of an application should normally be tailored to meet the needs of each fellowship. For example, if one fellowship calls for artists who use paint in an interesting way, a good essay for this fellowship might explain how an applicant's painting techniques are innovative.