The Rhodes Scholarship
Campus deadline: September 3, 2014
The Rhodes Scholarships were established after the death of Cecil Rhodes, who dreamed of
improving the world through the diffusion of leaders motivated to serve their contemporaries,
trained in the contemplative life of the mind, and broadened by their acquaintance with one
another and by their exposure to cultures different from their own. Mr. Rhodes hoped that his plan
of bringing able students from throughout the English-speaking world and beyond to study at
Oxford University would aid in the promotion of international understanding and peace. Each year,
32 U.S. citizens are among more than 80 Rhodes Scholars worldwide who take up fully-funded
degree courses at Oxford for 2-3 years.
Who is eligible?
 Wellesley College seniors who will obtain their bachelor’s degree before the start of their
studies at Oxford and Wellesley College alumnae. Candidates cannot have reached the age of
24 before October 2014;
 U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
o Note that Rhodes Scholarships are available to citizens of some other countries,
though those candidates may be subject to different deadlines, nomination processes
and requirements. For more information, visit:
http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/about/rhodes-countries
 Students and alumnae with an exceptional academic record (successful candidates tend to
have a GPA of at least 3.75);
 Students and alumnae with a strong record of leadership; and
 Students and alumnae with a strong record of and devotion to “fighting the world’s fights”.
How do I apply?
All Wellesley College candidates for the Rhodes Scholarship must be nominated by the school in
order to apply. Each fall, a faculty committee assembles to evaluate, interview and select our
nominees for that year. While Wellesley can nominate an unlimited number of Rhodes candidates,
only the strongest applicants are sent forward.
Interested applicants should make an appointment with Elizabeth Mandeville, Director of
Fellowship Programs, via MyCWS or email emandevi@wellesley.edu.
Application Checklist
____ Completed online application
____ Personal Statement essay
 Note: candidates for the Rhodes Scholarship may not solicit or receive any feedback or
other guidance on their Personal Statement essays. The Rhodes Trust offers advice on
these essays here: http://youtu.be/hLT5715YuZM.
____ 5-8 Letters of Reference
____ Official transcripts (Wellesley, study abroad and any other institutions)
____ A photograph
____ A list of activities
____ Proof of citizenship
Application Timeline
Please note: all deadlines are at noon.
Spring/Summer before
applying
July 1, 2014
Late August
September 3, 2014
Early September
Mid-late September
October 1, 2014
mid-October–midNovember
Late November

Attend UK Fellowships info sessions and contact Elizabeth
Mandeville in the CWS to discuss application plans.
 Visit www.rhodesscholar.org to learn more about the
fellowship and the application.
 Inform faculty and other mentors of your plans to apply.
Involve these individuals in your preparations.
 Identify reference-writers and request 5-8 references.
 Identify the department(s) and degree program(s) in which
you hope to enroll at Oxford.
 Start writing! While you cannot share your essay with
others for guidance or feedback, writing multiple drafts
over the summer will ensure that the final product is truly
your best work.
Rhodes Scholarship application is available online at
www.rhodesscholar.org.
 Follow up with your reference-writers to confirm they will
meet the campus deadline.
 Collect your transcript(s) if you have not done so already.
Submit complete application (including application, essay,
references, transcript and application coversheet) to
fellowshipapplication@wellesley.edu.
 Interviews with the campus Committee on Extramural
Graduate Fellowships. Nominees are announced shortly
thereafter.
Make final revisions and polish application.
Rhodes Scholarship national deadline – submit all materials
online.
Rhodes finalists are announced (dates vary by region)
National Rhodes interviews. Winners announced immediately
thereafter.