Application Process

The Career Development Center primarily supports application to two types of awards:

Direct Apply Awards (PDF): Students apply directly to foundations; they are not required to apply through Mount Holyoke. The CDC Library includes information about the thousands of Direct Apply Awards. The Web Links section of the web site provides links to many useful on-line award searches as well.

Nomination/Endorsement Awards (PDF): Some competitions require either nomination or endorsement by Mount Holyoke to ensure the foundation making the award starts with a high quality pool of applicants. Such requirements are made by the foundation, not the College. For awards which limit the number of nominees the College may submit, nominees are selected by the faculty Committee on Fellowships, chaired by the Dean of the College.

Process Overview

The process begins with research. Read up on your areas of interest; put together your master resume; meet with the fellowship coordinator; evaluate your eleigibility and qualifications; and learn about awards, requirements and deadlines. More about how to begin...

Next, get to know the parts of the application: forms, resume, essays and personal statements, project proposals, bibliography, letters of recommendation and more. More about understanding the application...

Interviews are required for some awards. More about interviews...

After sending off your application, be sure to thank those who helped you with letters of recommendation or other assistance. And if you should win, remember to notify the fellowship coordinator and others involved in the process. More about what to do if you receive a fellowship...