MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW: MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
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All Big 7 candidates work with Scholarship Opportunities Program (SOP) staff, who run the campus
advising, application evaluation and endorsement processes. Read this document while you complete
the 2015 Pre-Application and refer to it throughout the application process.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
BE A UCI UNDERGRADUATE
The SOP is funded to advise current UCI undergraduates only. Students at other universities must work
with representatives on their campuses.
UCI ALUMNI EXCEPTIONS
In some cases, SOP staff may coach highly motivated recent UCI alumni IF they meet all eligibility
requirements and intend to take/are taking a gap year (i.e. year off) before enrolling in a graduate
program.
BE A U.S. CITIZEN
BE A JUNIOR
Submit a 2015 Pre-Application the spring before your final year on campus. The full application
process lasts six months, so by the time you complete it you’ll be in your final year of study at UCI. If
you win the Marshall, you will travel to the United Kingdom shortly after graduating.
You may also submit a Pre-Application the spring of your final year if you plan to take a gap year after
graduating.
BE GOAL-FOCUSED
The Marshall funds graduate study. Be able to articulate your graduate program goals.
BE AVAILABLE IN SUMMER 2015
Most of your application draft writing, correspondence with faculty recommenders, and SOP advising will
occur then. Candidates must participate in these activities and attend an August campus interview for
their application(s) to earn UCI endorsement consideration.
BE WILLING TO WORK HARD
You will submit a series of application drafts to SOP staff and receive advising and editing suggestions.
You will also share drafts of application essays with the faculty who will write your letters of
recommendation.
Be ready to devote a minimum of 10 hours/week to the process; the commitment is equivalent to that of
a part-time job.
SUBMIT A PRE-APPLICATION BY 4/1/15 (NOON)
You must complete and submit a 2015 Pre-Application to continue the application process.
BE DEADLINE-ORIENTED
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
You are responsible for ensuring SOP staff receives all application components -- including letters of
recommendation written on behalf of your application(s) -- by SOP deadlines.
Late materials will jeopardize UCI endorsement consideration, which is necessary to continue the
process.
COMMUNICATE WITH SOP STAFF
Candidates must maintain regular communication with SOP staff and with recommendation letter writers.
Email ALL staff to submit drafts or ask questions.
APPLYING FOR MULTIPLE AWARDS
Candidates may apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously. However, consider the work required to
apply for each, the variances in application components, letters of recommendation and interview
scheduling and the time constraints you’ll face this summer.
IS THE MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
SELECTING A PROGRAM AND INSTITUTION
Ask your faculty which institutions/programs are considered competitive.
FACTORS TO WEIGH
Consider location preference, strength of particular programs and institutions, field of study, long-term
academic focus, and eligibility requirements relating to GPA and age.
UNITED KINGDOM
Research strong programs and universities specializing in your field.
Check the most recent (2008) edition of the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which rates the
quality and competitiveness of specific programs at U.K. universities.
Read The Guardian newspaper’s guide to interpreting results.
ANY UNIVERSITY = MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
Funds 1-3 years of study in any field. Tenable at any U.K. institution.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens with a 3.7+ GPA.
Alumni candidates must have graduated since April 2013.
Candidates should intend academic or public service careers.
Approximately 35-40 annual winners.
Degrees NOT funded: Second BA/BSc degrees, MBA, MSc/MFE Financial Economics; degrees
leading to professional qualifications in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and law (which
typically take 5 years to complete); those requiring extended periods away from the university or
the U.K., including joint degrees with universities not in the U.K.; supervised research not
leading to a degree qualification; PGDip/Certificates in any subject; MPhil Development Studies
(University of Oxford); MPP (Public Policy) (U. of Oxford); and MSc Global Health Science (U. of
Oxford). One year Marshall Scholarship candidates must be registered for degrees that are 12
months in duration. Courses that run for 10 months or less will not be funded on the one year
Scholarship. Please check the university websites carefully for the duration of the degree in
months.
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
If you list Oxford, Cambridge or London School of Economics as your first choice institution on
the application, then you may not list any of those universities as your second choice.
Requires 4 letters. Three must be written by U.S. faculty. Two must be written by faculty who
have taught you at the undergraduate level.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Distinction of intellect and character, as evidenced by scholastic attainments and other
activities and achievements.
The potential to become a leader, opinion-former and decision-maker.
Strong motivation and seriousness of purpose, including the presentation of a specific and
realistic academic program.
The personal qualities of a good ambassador to promote British-American understanding.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
Three essays: a 1000-word Personal Statement describing your “academic and other
interests and pursuits,” a 500-word study proposal, and a 500-word statement discussing
ambassadorial potential
Four letters of recommendation
Letter of institutional endorsement from UC Irvine if the applicant is a full-time student
Proof of citizenship
Official undergraduate transcripts
Letters of Affiliation are strongly encouraged.
Applications who are abroad in November 2015 only: letter stating that you will return to the
US on your own funds if invited for a finalist interview
WINNER CHARACTERISTICS
“Possessor of a keen intellect and a broad outlook.” Selectors look for adequate preparation
for the proposed course of study, particularly in the upper-level course work and real strength
in the major field. Preference is given to candidates who combine high academic ability with
the capacity to play an active part in the life of their U.K. university, and to those who display
a potential to make a significant contribution to their own society.
ESSENTIAL PROCESS COMPONENTS
EARN CAMPUS ENDORSEMENT
PURPOSE
The Marshall Commission will not accept applications directly from students. They will only review
applications that university officials have endorsed. The SOP runs this process at UCI. We evaluate
candidate applications and forward the best for national-level consideration.
SOP staff write a unique, personalized, comprehensive letter of institutional endorsement on behalf of
each application (by each student) that earns campus-level endorsement. Students whose
applications for multiple scholarships are all endorsed receive distinct letters of institutional
endorsement tailored to the goals of the award and the candidate’s strengths.
Letters are signed by the Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education and are part of the formal
application packages SOP staff submit to the funding agencies that govern application consideration
at the national-level.
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
CAMPUS INTERVIEW
Each candidate is interviewed by a personalized campus committee in August, after candidates
have submitted final applications to the SOP. Each candidate has a single interview of
approximately 60 (for one award) to 90 minutes (if applying for multiple Big 7 scholarships). The
committee evaluates application strength(s) and determines endorsement level(s).
Candidates MUST attend in person. If you plan to study abroad or otherwise be outside the U.S.
during Summer or Fall 2015, alert SOP staff immediately to discuss alternatives.
WHO CONDUCTS IT?
Faculty letter writers are enthusiastically encouraged to serve on the interview committee, which is led
by Dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education. Faculty participation complements the expertise
of SOP staff and the Dean; your professors are uniquely able to support you by providing disciplinespecific commentary and offering feedback on the feasibility of your study or project. In June, SOP
staff will inform your recommenders of dates reserved for interviews.
Please also identify potential alternate committee members, such as other faculty or teaching
assistants in your field of study, to share with SOP staff. If your letter writers cannot attend or decline
to participate in the endorsement interview, we may solicit participation from your suggested
alternates.
WHEN DOES IT OCCUR?
The SOP schedules interviews in advance, based on the availability of the Dean and your faculty.
Please reserve the pertinent dates on your calendar. Marshall candidates, including those applying for
multiple scholarships, will have interviews Aug. 10-14.
Once SOP staff has coordinated the availability of faculty, deans, staff and candidate, we will contact
you to finalize the date of your interview. We may not know the details of your interview time, date,
and location until early August.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
WHY ARE THEY NECESSARY?
The Marshall requires four letters from faculty who support your candidacy. Campus endorsement
consideration entails evaluating the entire application, including letters.
Candidates should contact prospective faculty letter writers during Spring Quarter to ensure you have
their support and that they have the time and necessary information to write a strong
recommendation.
DRAFTS PRODUCED BY FACULTY
Faculty will send SOP staff two drafts of unique letters for each relevant scholarship. This enables the
SOP to complete the process of application evaluation and campus endorsement.
PURPOSE
Letters must reflect the content of candidates’ updated application materials, specifically
addressing the feasibility of the proposed course of study.
Submitting letter drafts allows faculty to update content to reflect changes in candidates’ proposed
research or study goals, degree of preparation, knowledge, correspondence with researchers
overseas, etc. Drafts enable SOP to catch and correct any small typos (listing wrong candidate’s
name, spelling errors, etc.) that may occur.
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
To ensure faculty letter drafts reflect updated candidate study/research plans, SOP staff require
candidates to share drafts of their evolving essays with faculty throughout the summer. Candidate
essay drafts will enable faculty to update drafts of letters written on students’ behalf.
CONTENT & FORMATTING
In June, SOP staff will provide faculty with scholarship-specific letter requirement information.
WHEN ARE DRAFTS DUE?
June 29 (1st draft)
July 27 (2nd draft)
LETTER DRAFT DEADLINES – WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?
Candidates are responsible for ensuring faculty have submitted their letter drafts to SOP staff by
the correct deadlines.
HOW IS THE CANDIDATE INVOLVED?
SHARE ESSAY DRAFTS WITH FACULTY
To aid faculty in writing letters that comment upon the feasibility of candidates’ proposed study,
the SOP requires candidates to share drafts of their evolving essays with letter writers.
While refining their essays, candidates continue to update faculty. We encourage any additional
discussion, revision, and suggestions faculty can offer to help candidates narrow their focus.
After conferring with faculty, follow up to find out if they need additional information from you or
have questions about your goals.
CANDIDATE DEADLINES FOR SHARING ESSAYS
Candidate Essay Draft 1 – Marshall students submit to faculty, CCing SOP staff, by June 15
Candidate Essay Draft 2 – Marshall students submit to faculty, CCing SOP staff, by July 6
Failure to adhere to deadlines will result in dismissal from the application process.
HOW DO I REQUEST LETTERS?
UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLE IN APPLICATION
Letters for all scholarships must be comprehensive, detailed, highly personalized and
confidential.
They may discuss a range of candidate aspects, including academic performance and potential;
feasibility of proposed overseas research or study plans; significance of long-term academic
and career goals; research, service or leadership activity; and contributions the candidate has
made to the field of study or student learning processes on campus or beyond. They must
demonstrate awareness of the specific scholarship’s purpose and discuss ways in which the
candidate reflects its goals.
As the candidate, it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the guidelines the
scholarship has set for letter content. Understand their role in the overall application. If they are
expected to function as assessments of particular candidate traits, for example, learn which
traits they are to discuss before you ask faculty to write on your behalf. Then you will be able to
provide faculty with information that reflects scholarship-specific goals for letters.
SELECT THE RIGHT PEOPLE
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
Only ask faculty who know you well. You should have established a strong working relationship
with them beyond the classroom. Faculty with whom you’ve conducted research or independent
study or who have advised you in your involvement in campus activities are good options.
Avoid having content of letters overlap by asking people who know you from different contexts.
If you’re a transfer student, it’s fine to ask faculty from previous institutions to write for you,
especially if they have doctoral degrees.
APPROACH FACULTY
After submitting your Pre-Application, meet in person with each faculty member you listed.
Discuss your plans for completing drafts of the full applications. Explain that you’ll furnish
him/her with drafts of your application essays as they evolve, and let him/her know when to
expect these.
Detail your ideas for potential study/research proposals. Ask for advice in narrowing your topic.
Ask if s/he is willing to write a comprehensive letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Let him/her know you will provide your CV, recent transcript and essay application drafts to
inform letter content.
Ask whether s/he will be available to review your essays and meet with you during the summer.
Acquaint him/her with the timing of your interview. Confirm s/he will be available to participate
and solicit exact availability to send to SOP staff
Mention the letter draft process. Discuss the summer deadlines for letter draft submissions to
the SOP. State that SOP staff will provide award-specific content and formatting information in
June. Provide faculty with SOP contact info for any questions they may have.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Purchase from the Registrar’s Office and from other universities (including community/junior colleges) at
which you’ve completed undergraduate work.
NEXT STEPS?
REVIEW PRE-APPLICATION FEEDBACK
After we have reviewed your Pre-Application, SOP staff will contact you to schedule a late April/early
May meeting to review your plan for crafting (a) strong application(s).
SUBMIT SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT AND CONSENT FORM TO SOP OFFICE BY 5/15/15 (NOON)
You will be provided a letter of intent and consent form to return with signature. By this date, you must
also meet with your faculty mentor(s) to secure endorsement interview participation (between Aug. 1014) and discuss project feasibility, as well as request an appointment with your Writing Specialist (to
meet between May 29 and June 12).
READ WINNING APPLICATIONS BY 5/22/15 (NOON)
On file in the SOP office, these demonstrate successful methods used by past UCI winners to produce
compelling and concise research/study proposal and personal statement essays. They also showcase
successful formatting amid each application’s unique space constraints.
Email SOP staff to set an appointment to view these files.
REGISTER & BEGIN APPLICATION(S) BY 5/28/15 (NOON)
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
Access this year’s application.
REGISTER INSTITUTIONAL ENDORSER
This step allows SOP staff to view your application and provide you with edits. You will not show
up in the system as a UCI Marshall candidate or be considered for endorsement if you do not
complete this step.
OBTAIN LETTERS OF AFFILIATION
WHAT THEY ARE
Letters of Affiliation (LOAs) are brief, informal invitations from a faculty member at your overseas
institution of choice to study in a particular department, lab, etc. should you receive the scholarship.
They show funding agencies that someone overseas vouches for your proposed study/research,
underscoring its feasibility. The LOA is optional but highly recommended for Marshall candidates.
Letters must be scholarship-specific. If you’re applying for multiple awards, obtain multiple LOAs.
LOAs written in another language must be translated into English.
Examples are available to view in the SOP office by appointment.
HOW TO ACQUIRE
Ask UCI faculty whom they know at your selected institution. Building on existing professional
relationships helps expedite the process. If your UCI faculty do not know anyone there, find UCI
professors in other fields who have connections to faculty at your proposed institution (or to faculty at
any institution in your country) to establish a chain of introduction. You may also look up and email
faculty whose research interests match yours directly.
Email this person (or people), identify your mutual acquaintance (if any), state the scholarship(s) to
which you are applying, and formally convey your interests, skills, and goals. Explain why you are a
good fit for performing specific research/study in his/her lab or department and why you are a good
match for the scholarship. Attach your updated CV and a draft of your research/project proposal.
OBTAIN FACULTY SUMMER CONTACT INFO BY 5/28/15 (NOON)
In your email to SOP staff, include full names, positions, departments, emails & phone numbers for
each faculty letter writer. If you are applying for multiple scholarships, identify to SOP which faculty
will write on behalf of which of your application(s).
SOP staff will contact faculty and email them: information about the program(s) to which you are
applying, deadlines for all steps and examples of letters written by UCI faculty for past scholarship
winners.
CONFIRM SCHOLARSHIPS TO WHICH APPLYING BY 5/28/15 (NOON)
List proposed program(s) & institution(s) for each. Email information to SOP staff.
SUBMIT 1 S T APPLICATION DRAFT(S)
ALL APPLICATION DRAFTS
All drafts must be submitted to SOP, not to scholarship funding agencies. All drafts must
include the components (forms & essays) of a complete application.
If you’re applying to multiple scholarships, remember that Fulbright drafts are due on different dates.
DEADLINE 6/15/15 (NOON)
MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATION PROCESS OVERVIEW
Complete application (including essays) via electronic system and click Submit. Email materials to
faculty and your Writing Specialist.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
You’ll receive feedback from SOP staff, faculty and your Writing Specialist. Incorporate this feedback
into your second draft.
SUBMIT 2 ND APPLICATION DRAFT(S)
DEADLINE 7/6/15 (NOON)
Submit revised, full application (including essays) via electronic system and click Submit.
Submit evidence of affiliation, such as an email commitment. Recommended: Bring hard copy of letter
of affiliation to SOP office (or email a PDF if signed and on official letterhead).
Email 2nd essay drafts to faculty letter writers and your Writing Specialist.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
You’ll receive feedback from SOP staff, faculty and your Writing Specialist. Incorporate this
feedback into your revised draft for use in the interview.
SUBMIT APPLICATION(S) FOR INTERVIEW
DEADLINE 7/27/15 (NOON)
Submit revised full application (including essays) via electronic system.
Bring official transcript(s) to SOP.
Submit copy of letter of affiliation to SOP office.
ENDORSED CANDIDATES SUBMIT AUXILIARY INFO
DEADLINE BY DATE OF INTERVIEW
Email to SOP details of your future academic & career plans; familiarity with United Kingdom; senior
thesis title, topic, findings & relation to proposed graduate study; and plans for engaging in community
service while abroad.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Using information you provide, SOP staff will complete your campus evaluation.
SUBMIT FINAL DRAFT(S)
DEADLINE 9/1/15 (NOON)
Incorporate interview feedback. Ensure faculty have submitted all finalized letters via electronic
system AND have emailed to SOP.
Submit finalized full application (including essays) via electronic system. Must incorporate
interview feedback and include any updated supplementary materials.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
SOP staff will upload your campus endorsement letter, submit your endorsed, complete
application to the funding agency, and mail your transcript(s) to complete your application.