Project-Based Fellowships Application Timeline

NOTE: This is a general timeline that may not be applicable to every fellowship.  Please make sure to research the specific fellowships with which you want to apply.  Also, please know that your timeline may have to be more flexible to accommodate schedules of sponsors, recommenders, etc.

2L Spring Semester

 

  • Join CDO’s Fellowships Google Group.

  • Meet with CDO counselors to discuss project ideas and host strategy.

  • Research potential host organizations and begin your search for a host organization.

    • Reach out directly to organizations to explore the possibility of hosting.

    • Begin applying to organizations with competitive process for selecting fellows. Look for announcements in late Spring that are posted by hosts on PSJD.org, 12Twenty, organizational websites, etc.

  • Talk to alumni fellows for advice and mentorship (see CDO for alumni contacts).

 

2L Summer

 

  • Continue searching for and secure a host organization.

  • Research fellowship funding opportunities.

    • Review the descriptions of past funded projects.

    • Note application deadlines.

    • Meet with CDO and faculty/alumni mentors to discuss fellowship project ideas & strategies.

  • Finalize your project with your host.

    • Consider: What does the project seek to accomplish? Who will benefit from this work and how? How significant is the need? What other organizations are working in this area and what are they doing? What will my tasks be and when will I do them (timeline)?

  • Ask for letters of recommendation (check specific fellowship requirements for more details).

    • Usually 2-3 letters, at least 1 from a former supervisor and 1 from an academic source.

  • Write a first draft of your fellowship application and ask your host organization and many others to review it.

    • Review past successful fellowship applications (in CDO resources).

    • CDO is happy to review multiple drafts of your application materials.

  • Start working on additional application components (edit your writing sample, resume, letter of commitment from your host, etc.)

 

3L Fall Semester

 

  • Stay in contact with the CDO for assistance with all aspects of your fellowship applications.

  • Finalize your application draft and components: get final letters of recommendation, transcripts, commitment letter from host, etc.

  • Submit your applications!

  • If granted, prepare for interviews. (CDO can do mock interviews.)

  • Continue to check PSJD.org and 12Twenty throughout the Fall and Spring for additional job and fellowship opportunities you are intersted in applying to.

 

3L Spring Semester

 

  • Submit your applications for any additional funders that may be available.

  • Continue to submit applications to additional job and fellowships opportunities.