Man JoeThe Rhodes Scholarship is among the most distinguished international awards in the world. Complete financial support is provided to Rhodes Scholars so they can attend the University of Oxford for a postgraduate program.
The scholarship has a proven track record of providing opportunities for excellent students, and it is especially well-suited for those interested in public service.
If you believe you have what it takes to be a Rhodes scholar, here’s everything you should know!
What is the Rhodes Scholarship?
Since its inception in 1902, the Rhodes Scholarship has enabled students from all over the world to attend the University of Oxford in England.
Every year, 32 American Rhodes scholars are selected, whereas the number of awards varies by country. For two to three years, the scholarship will cover all of the following:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Living expenses
- Health care coverage
- Flights to and from the U.K.
The total price fluctuates but can be around $250,000. Oxford allows scholars to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate in any discipline.
Why should I pursue the Rhodes Scholarship?
1. Top-notch academics
Becoming a Rhodes Scholar and attending the University of Oxford is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Oxford is a world-class institution known for its cutting-edge research, exceptional academic facilities, and societal contributions.
Not to mention that Oxford is the oldest institution in the English-speaking world and is consistently listed among the world’s best universities. Oxford provides nearly 350 graduate courses in four academic divisions: humanities, medical sciences, social sciences, and mathematical, physical, and biological sciences.
2. Change the world!
While attending Oxford is a great educational opportunity, Rhodes is more than just an academic scholarship.
It’s an opportunity to pursue your passions and make a positive difference in the world. One of the program’s pillars is commitment to service, which means students devote their time to worthy causes.
Rhodes researchers work on critical topics ranging from reducing rural poverty in South Africa to enhancing disaster medicine. In the process, students broaden their viewpoints, meet people from all over the world, and develop into leaders and innovators.
Applying for the Rhodes scholarship
Every year, thousands of students apply for the Rhodes Scholarship from all over the world.
The selection procedure is highly competitive, with a global acceptance rate of 0.7%. The application is accessible each year, beginning in early July, with a deadline of the first Wednesday in October. Students interested in applying should go to this page.
Eligibility
Age requirements and deadlines vary by country, but selection criteria remain consistent. The Rhodes Scholarship website provides information on the rules for your specific country or region.
Applicants from the United States must meet the following qualifying requirements:
Be at least 18, but not yet 24 at the time of application submission; some exceptions apply to older students.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.70 or higher and be US citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
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Criteria for Selection
The guiding criteria for selection have remained constant since the Rhodes Scholarship was first awarded in 1902.
The organization selects people based not only on intelligence, but also on character, leadership, and a desire to serve. Here is what selection committees look for in applicants:
Literary and scholarly achievements (academic excellence).
Energy to put one’s gifts to full use (as indicated by mastery in fields such as athletics, music, debate, dance, theater, and artistic activities, particularly where teamwork is involved)
Truth, courage, dedication to duty, sympathy for and protection of the helpless, kindness, selflessness, and fellowship
Moral strength of character and impulses to lead and care about one’s fellow humans
Application Procedures
The ideal time to apply is during a student’s junior year of college. The application for the Rhodes Scholarship comprises the following requirements:
- A recommendation letter from your institution’s president or dean.
- An official transcript
- A full CV
- Five to eight letters of reference
- A personal statement of no more than 1,000 words
After applying, candidates go through a series of interviews before the winners are revealed in November.
Keep in mind that students applying for Rhodes must still apply to the institution independently.
Other resources for Rhodes scholarship applicants
If you are looking at post-graduate options, we have a wealth of resources to help you navigate the process.
To get started, consult our guide on financing your graduate school studies. We also provide information to help you get into graduate school if you have a low undergraduate GPA.
You can also read our advice on graduate assistantships, completing the FAFSA for graduate school, and deferring your student debt while in graduate school.
Good luck, and please check back if you have any further questions! Make sure to apply for all scholarships that you are eligible for!
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Conclusion
Rhodes Scholars should be students who are interested in and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the world through their academic studies.
Students interested in applying should maintain the finest academic record possible, along with a balance of excellent extracurricular activities.
To complete your application, you’ll need strong and diverse letters of recommendation, a memorable personal statement, and remarkable interviews.
Becoming a Rhodes scholar is a tremendous achievement, and you should not let the tough application procedure stand in the way.
Man Joe
