September 16, 2009 – News & Views

Post-graduate fellowships and scholarships are especially attractive during challenging economic times.

Photo by Doug Martin

Charting a Successful Course
Help is available to complete post-graduate fellowship, scholarship applications

In these tough economic times, post-graduate fellowships and scholarships are more important—and drawing more applicants—than ever. To help Ohio Wesleyan University students and eligible alumni navigate these waters successfully, the University offers assistance through its post-graduate fellowship program.

Current seniors already are working on their fellowship applications—many of which are due in October or November. In January, they will know whether they made the first cut, with awards announced in spring. Most started preparing their applications during the second half of their junior years.

But even first-year students should start preparing for scholarship award competitions now, says Timothy Roden, OWU’s director of post-graduate fellowships.

“Sophomores and juniors can compete for a variety of scholarships—some of which require nomination from faculty or administration,” says Roden, who also is an OWU music professor. “Although the competition is intense, and nationally most applicants do not win an award, they improve their proposal writing and presentation skills through the application process.”

Selected OWU scholars also are able to participate in The Fellowship Seminar program, which meets once a month to help them fine-tune their application skills. This is the second year for OWU’s Fellowship Seminar program, which started a year ago with about 45 students and concluded with 12 at the end of spring semester.

OWU alumni not already in graduate school also may apply for post-graduate fellowships in association with Ohio Wesleyan. Interested alumni should contact Roden at tjroden@owu.edu.

OWU undergraduates can also receive guidance for merit-based scholarship applications. Last year, two OWU students competed against 1,100 mathematics, science, and engineering students for awards from the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Meredith S. Palmer ’11 was named a 2009-2010 Goldwater Scholar, earning a two-year award of $7,500 per year for her college costs. Patricia Troy ’09 received honorable mention recognition from the Goldwater Foundation. OWU faculty member Dale Brugh assisted students with the Goldwater Scholarship application process.

The competition is fierce for merit-based scholarships, and grades and specific academic courses are not the only factors, Roden says. Scholars can improve their chances with moderate foreign language study, certain types of internships or summer jobs, and involvement in community service activities.

To learn more about the post-graduate fellowship program, or how to prepare for success in winning merit scholarships, visit fellowships.owu.edu.

– Linda O’Horo