Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Frequently Asked Questions


Eligibility

Do I have to be a college graduate when I apply to the Scoville Fellowship?
No, but you will need to have graduated by the time you would begin the fellowship.

Are graduate students eligible to apply?
Yes.  However, they must be able to work full-time for at least six months.

I have been out of college/graduate school for several years.  Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, although most Scoville Fellows have graduated within two years of beginning their fellowship.

Do I need to have majored in a specific subject to apply?
No.  While most fellows have majored in government, international relations, peace studies, political science or related fields, anyone may apply if he/she has a background in peace and security issues.

I am a non-U.S. citizen currently living in the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, provided that you obtain the proper work visa.

I am a non-U.S. citizen living outside of the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
No.

I am a U.S. citizen currently living outside the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes.

I am currently working in Washington, DC on peace and security issues. May I still apply for the fellowship?
The program has a preference for individuals who have not had substantial prior public-interest or government experience in the Washington, DC area, and we do not generally select people who are working in DC.

During college, I spent a semester/summer working in Washington, DC. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes.


Application Process

May I combine my cover letter with the essay on qualifications, interests, Fellowship objectives, and career goals?
Yes.

May I send a resume instead of a curriculum vitae?
Yes.

How do I know if my essay topic is acceptable?
Consult the issue areas covered by the Scoville Fellowship to determine if your essay topic is pertinent.  There are many important topics, e.g., human rights, that fall outside of the purview of the Scoville Fellowship.  Some of the participating organizations conduct work in areas not covered by the Scoville Fellowship, so do not assume that if one of the groups you are interested in working with covers that topic, that it is an acceptable essay for your application. The program does not approve topics so make your own decision.

Am I required to use footnotes for my issue essay?
No, although many applicants cite footnotes.

May I submit a photocopy of my official transcript instead of the original?
Yes.

May I submit a computer printout of my transcript?
No.

May letters of reference or transcripts arrive separately from the rest of my application, or do all of my required materials need to be submitted at the same time?
Application materials may arrive separately as long as each item arrives by the deadline.

May I submit application materials via e-mail?
Yes.

May I submit application materials via fax?
No.

Can my application be postmarked on the due date?
No.  All application materials must arrive in the fellowship office by the due date.

Do I need to send separate applications to each of the participating organizations with which I am interested in working?
No.  Applicants apply only to the Scoville Fellowship. Once selected, Scoville Fellows choose their fellowship placement.

Will I be notified if items are missing from my application?
The program makes every effort to notify applicants if materials have not arrived by the application deadline. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have all materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, in the fellowship office on time.  Applicants are encouraged to contact the program director to ensure that their materials have arrived.

Miscellaneous

If I am selected as a Scoville Fellow, am I guaranteed to work with my first choice of host organization?
No, although most fellows are able to work with their first choice of organization. However, fellows may not work with an organization that hosted a fellow in the previous semester. If more than one fellow wishes to work at a particular organization, the organization selects the person they prefer. Occasionally an organization does not need, or lacks the work space for, a fellow. We therefore recommend that applicants consider at least five or six of the participating organizations.

If I am selected as a Scoville Fellow, may I work with a government agency or NGO that is not listed among the participating organizations?
No.

Are the fellowships renewable?
No.

If I am selected as a Scoville Fellow, may I defer my fellowship for another semester?
No.  Applicants may only apply for the semester they plan to work.

What do Scoville Fellows do after the completion of their fellowship?
Some are hired by their host organization or another public-interest organization that focuses on peace and security issues.  Some work for the Federal Government.   Many enter law school or graduate programs in political science or international relations.

Do you offer a summer fellowship?
No.

Does the Scoville Fellowship provide grant or scholarship money for college or graduate school?
No.

Will I be notified if I am not selected for an interview?
Yes.  All applicants who are not selected for an interview will be notified by mail or e-mail.

If I am not selected as a Scoville Fellow, may I re-submit my application for the next semester?
Yes, provided you contact the program director within two weeks of receiving notification of not being selected for an interview. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a new cover letter and updated c.v.