About The Office

The Fellowships Office is the place to learn about nationally competitive scholarships - in other words, fellowships awarded to the best undergraduates in the United States to help fund either undergraduate or graduate/professional studies.  The Fellowships Office also offers assistance to qualified students who decide to apply for major scholarships, including guidance in writing personal statements, policy proposals, and resumes.

Nationally competitive scholarships expect candidates to have taken a rigrous academic program and require top grades (typically, 3.8 GPA or above). Most also expect students to have a record of campus or community service as well as leadership experience.  Some fellowships are open to students from all academic disciplines; others target students in the arts, sciences, education, humanities, social sciences, or business.  Many are given solely on the basis of merit; others are aimed at students with financial need.

If your career goals include graduate study, either next year or several years down the road, take the time now to learn about the scholarships awarded to students in your field.  Building a resume, one that meets the criteria required of potential candidates, may pay off in the long term. 

Begin by searching the “Fellowships” link on this website.  You will find brief descriptions of major scholarships open to students and alumni as well as links to more detailed descriptions of these programs and application materials.  If you have questions or decide that you want to explore further, you may either set up an appointment or drop by the Fellowships Office. 

Foundations sponsoring major fellowships and scholarships generally expect candidates to work closely with a Fellowships Advisor in preparing their applications.  Most also require the home university to nominate students whom they believe are strong candidates and truly competitive.  A Scholarships Committee has been established at Western to decide which applications will be submitted for consideration. 

The Fellowships Office provides guidelines, available on this website, for students and for faculty who are asked to write recommendations for those applying for nationally competitive scholarships.

Fellowships Advisor:
Dr. Christine L. Compston
Christine.Compston@wwu.edu
College Hall 241; X 4241