Fellowship FYI
The Mitchell Scholarship, named to honor the former U.S. Senator’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.
George J. Mitchell
Who:
U.S. citizens with a B.A. or B.S. who wish to study in Ireland at the post-baccalaureate level. GPA expectation is generally a minimum 3.5, although most winners have academic credentials that reflect superior standards. The Mitchell is similar to the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships. Applicants should be demonstrated "change agents" and leaders, not just scholars with interest in Ireland.
Eligibility Limitations:
You must be between 18 and 30 years of age on October 1 in the year of application.
Where:
Ireland - either of the two universities in Northern Ireland or any of the seven universities Republic.
Duration:
One-year award.
Application Requirements:
Institutional endorsement, 5 letters of reference, academic transcript, photocopy of birth certificate, 1,000 word essay, brief description of accomplishments and activities while pursuing the B.A. or B.S.. If you are offered a Mitchell interview, you will be expected to accept the award if one is granted. This may mean forfeiting other opportunities before you know their outcome.
Campus Deadline:
The 2013-2014 application has closed.
Phase 1: Letter of Intent. If you are seriously considering applying for the Mitchell, we strongly urge you to file a letter of intent in the Office of Academic Fellowships by August 1, 2011. This is not a narrative letter, but a form that will help us track our applicant pool and provide essential support throughout the application process.
Phase 2: No later than the campus deadline, you should submit 5 copies of the printed draft of your Mitchell application, including supporting materials, to 130 Usdan. You will still be able to (or perhaps be encouraged to) make changes to your application, even after the campus deadline, although the Mitchell endorsement committee may or may not see these edits. Please collate each set of your application and attach with a paper clip -- no staples please.
Campus Interviews:
Mid to Late September
Final Deadline:
The 2013-2014 application has closed.
Notification:
Twenty finalists are called for interview in Washington DC around the 1st of November. The DC interview is usually the weekend before Thanksgiving. Final awards are designated thereafter, usually no later than mid-December.
Who applies nationwide?
Although a relatively new scholarship, there are over 300 applications for 12 awards. Profiles of winners are available on-line and give a good indication of what the Alliance seeks in a candidate.
Typical Essay Question:
A signed short personal statement describing your academic and other interests. The statement should describe the specific area of proposed study and reason for an interest in study at the Irish or Northern Ireland institution. The statement must conclude with the following signed statement: "I certify that this essay is my own work." (This personal essay must not exceed 1,000 words in length and should be written in as simple and direct manner as possible. It must be set in a typeface no smaller than 10 points and be single spaced.)
Contact:
US-Ireland Alliance
Recent Brandeis University Winners:
Congratulations to Benjamin Bechtolsheim '09 who is a Mitchell Scholarship winner for the 2012-2013 academic year! See the Brandeis NOW article on Benjamin for more information.