Characteristics of Successful Applicants

Although scholarships and fellowships list different criteria for evaluating applicants, successful applicants most often demonstrate:

Academic achievement

• High GPA (typically above a 3.5) and a challenging curriculum
• Capacity to succeed in the most demanding academic environments

Committed Leadership and Civic Engagement

• in academic departments, campus organizations, or the community
• participation beyond membership or affiliation
• demonstrated implementation of positive change
• commitment to a particular cause or issue
• the promise of a lifetime of service and leadership

Research and/or Practical Experience

• lab research, independent study, assistantships, internships, exhibitions, concerts
• ability to conduct independent research and work – i.e. an Honors Capstone, senior thesis, or advanced portfolio review

National and Global Awareness

• study abroad, language study, or work with Syracuse’s international communities
• understanding how their interests fit in with the larger world and current events

The Strong Support of Faculty Members and Staff

• connection with faculty in major/minor fields through coursework or extracurricular activity
• have worked closely with one or more faculty members on a major project
• can identify at least 3-4 individuals willing to write letters on their behalf

Looking for more advice? Check out the 10 tips for scholarship applicants that SU's first Rhodes Scholar, Elliot Portnoy, shared with CFSA.