Rhodes Scholarship

Internal deadline: September 14, 2012

National deadline: October 3, 2012

Eligibility requirements:

• Citizen of the United States; pending application for citizenship does not qualify a person to apply.
• Must be at least 18 but not yet 24 years of age. (Applicants will be eligible who were born after October 1, 1988 and on or before October 1, 1994.)
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree before October 1, 2013

Award summary and conditions: The Rhodes Scholarships were established after the death of Cecil Rhodes, who dreamed of improving the world through the diffusion of leaders motivated to serve their contemporaries, trained in the contemplative life of the mind, and broadened by their acquaintance with one another and by their exposure to cultures different from their own. Mr. Rhodes hoped that his plan of bringing able students from throughout the English-speaking world and beyond to study at Oxford University would aid in the promotion of international understanding and peace. Each year, 32 U. S. citizens are among more than 80 Rhodes Scholars worldwide who take up degree courses at Oxford University. Rhodes Scholarships are tenable at the University of Oxford, and are normally held for two years, the duration of most master's degrees and bachelor's degrees for those who already have another bachelor's degree or for three years, the duration of many doctorates.

The value of a Rhodes Scholarship consists of a direct payment to the Scholar's college of all tuition fees (such as matriculation, tuition, and certain other set charges), plus a maintenance stipend (except for those receiving fourth-year fees) of not less than £12,300 per annum paid directly to the Scholar in installments during the term of the Scholarship. The sum provided should be sufficient to enable a Scholar to meet necessary expenses for term time and vacations, but those who can afford to supplement it to a modest extent from their own resources are advised to do so. For those receiving fourth-year fees for doctorates, Oxford living expenses are often available through University teaching positions. The Rhodes Trust will assist successful candidates with their traveling expenses to and from Oxford.

Application process: Electronic

Application materials:

• application form
• five to eight letters of recommendation
• institutional endorsement
• personal essay
• official transcripts from institutions attended
• list of activities
• photograph
• proof of citizenship

Whitman internal application process: A complete application will be required at the internal deadline.

Faculty Representative: Keith Raether

Internal nomination required: Yes

National committee interview: November 16 and 17, 2012--District Interviews

Selection process: Mr. Rhodes' will contains four criteria by which prospective Rhodes Scholars are to be selected:

• literary and scholastic attainments;
• energy to use one's talents to the full, as exemplified by fondness for and success in sports;
• truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship;
• moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one's fellow being

Announcement date: Shortly after the interview dates

Contact information: http://www.rhodesscholar.org/