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Application Basics

Below you'll find information about why it is valuable to apply for a fellowship and which fellowships require nomination through our office.

Why Applying is Valuable

The application process is rigorous and time-consuming but also valuable. Applying for a fellowship can help students and recent alums in at least three ways.

  • First, you can grow as a writer. Our office has the resources and expertise to guide you through multiple revisions of your application, and it is in the revision process that writing growth most occurs.
  • Second, you can learn about yourself. Fellowships challenge you to tell stories about your past and articulate a vision for your future in ways you seldom or never do in class.
  • Lastly, the process can help you identify and strengthen your relationships with the faculty and mentors who have shaped you into the person you are today. Download this fillable PDF of the mentor map to identify the sources of support you can rely upon as you pursue fellowships.

Nomination Process

Some fellowships require nomination, facilitated by our office, but most do not.

The following fellowships currently require a Northwestern nomination:

To view a list of fellowships, including those that do not require nomination, use our fellowship finder tool.

A Note on Fellowship Applications and Confidentiality

Northwestern University is committed to fostering an environment where students are safe and free from sexual misconduct. Confidential resources are available to those who have experienced sexual misconduct. Staff in the Office of Fellowships are not confidential resources and are required to report to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance incidents of sexual misconduct, whether discussed in your application materials or in person and regardless of when or where they occurred. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will then provide information about resources and options. We encourage students who have experienced sexual misconduct to talk with someone to get support.