www.rhodesscholar.org
The Rhodes Scholarship, initiated in 1902, is the oldest international scholarship. It was created to bring outstanding students from around the world to the University of Oxford. American Rhodes Scholars are selected by regional committees that choose 32 scholars each year representing the 50 states. Selection committees seek quali¬ties that offer the promise of effective service to the world in the decades ahead. The scholarships are investments in individuals rather than in project proposals and thus seek applications from talented students without restriction to field of academic specialization or career plans. However the proposed course of study must be available at Oxford, and the applicant’s undergraduate program must provide a sufficient basis for study in the proposed field.
In considering applications, The Rhodes Trust Committees of Selection will have regard to those qualities which Cecil Rhodes expressly listed in order to define the type of Scholar he desired:
Mr. Rhodes believed that the last of these qualities was best tested through participation and success in sports. Participation in organized sports is not essential if applicants are able to demonstrate in other ways the physical vigor which will enable Rhodes Scholars to make an effective contribution to the world around them. Mr. Rhodes clearly expected such a contribution when he expressed the hope that Rhodes Scholars would come to “esteem the performance of public duties as [their] highest aim.” Mr. Rhodes desired that his Scholars be intellectually, morally, and physically capable of leadership in any field.
Rhodes Scholarships are tenable at the University of Oxford, and are normally held for two or three years. Deferment of scholarship is not allowed. Scholars may do a single one-year degree only, or may do two one-year degrees, but may not in the latter instance receive a third year’s funding. At the discretion of the Rhodes Trustees, the scholarship may be renewed for a third year, for those pursuing a doctorate and whose progress is deemed satisfactory. Students selected for the Rhodes Scholarship are expected to be enrolled as full-time students at Oxford. Applicants should study the academic system of Oxford University in order to determine if their plan of study is one which is feasible at Oxford. Election to Rhodes Scholarship does not automatically guarantee entry to Oxford (Oxford colleges make their own decisions on admissions). Scholars elected in November 2012 will enter Oxford University in October 2013.
The value of a Rhodes Scholarship consists of all tuition fees, plus a main¬tenance stipend of not less than $11,500 annually paid directly to the scholar in installments during the term of the scholarship. The Rhodes Trustees will assist successful applicants with travel expenses to and from Oxford. The Rhodes Trust takes no financial responsibility for the support of a scholar’s spouse.
Additional information may be found at the Office of the American Secretary for the Rhodes Trust Website (http://www.rhodesscholar.org) or by contacting the campus faculty representative, Ms. Kefryn Reese, Director, Prestigious Awards and Fellowships in the Office of Academic Enhancement, Center for Student Services, Building 21, Room Y, 305-284-5384
To be considered for the Rhodes Scholarship, a student must be nominated by his or her college or university. Interested applicants are advised to begin preparing their applications well in advance of the August campus deadline. The main components of the application are the 1000-word personal statement, a detailed list of college activities and 5-8 letters of recommendation. Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the University of Miami Fellowship and Scholarship Committee. (See Prestigious Awards Website http://www.miami.edu/awards for full application instructions).
After successfully completing the University Institutional Endorsement process, applicants are required to submit materials directly to the appropriate State Secretary. Institutions may not prepare or assemble materials on the applicant’s behalf.
August 13, 2012: Campus deadline to submit a copy of the preliminary Rhodes Scholarship application to the Office of Prestigious Awards and Scholarships for review and possible endorsement.
September 2012: Qualified applicants will be interviewed by a University of Miami Fellowship and Scholarship Committee
October 2012: Institutional nominees submit their complete application on-line to the Rhodes Trust
November 2012: District interviews will be held and winners announced
Rhodes Application Instructions, 2012-2013