Basics of Eligibility

• High cumulative GPA; academic requirements and specific standards often vary according to the individual program.  Some programs require an extremely high GPA, while others are less GPA-driven and seek additional qulifications based on fields of study or areas of interest.
  
  
• United States citizenship, unless otherwise noted. Most require at least permanent-resident status.
  
  
• Sustained extracurricular involvement or leadership in extracurricular activities. You must demonstrate a sustained commitment to volunteer service. The area(s) you choose for volunteer work should interest you and your service involvement should be consistent; it should cover an extended period of time.
  
  
• You should aim to pursue appropriate independent research and internship opportunities and other performance activities, especially during the summer months. For more on this visit Undergraduate Research and Internships and Summer Fellowships pages.
  
  
• Stay current! You should be aware of any relevant issues in your field of interest, the particular fellowship or fellowships, and any current-event concerns in the United States and, if applicable, any foreign country in which you intend to pursue your studies.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills. The better your communication skills, written and oral, the better your chances to compete.  This includes a compelling personal statement, along with a convincing plan of study or research plans, where applicable.  Review the various schools and graduate programs.  Know who is conducting groundbreaking research in your field.  In the case of personal interviews, seek as much help as you can beforehand in order to prepare and strengthen your presentation skills.
    
• Enthusiasm for learning, for discovery, and for achievement.  Most scholars demonstrate these qualities and readily share them with others.
  
  
• Strong scores on whatever exams might be required for the programs to which you are applying.  Do not hesitate to ask an upperclassman in your field how they prepared themselves for standardized exams.