How To Become a Truman Scholar
2009 Competition
Important Dates
Regional Review Panels
FAQs
Advice & Guidance
Faculty Rep Locator
Candidates, Scholars & Faculty Sign-in
Username
Password
Forgotten Your Password?
FAQs
General Questions
»
What is the Truman Scholarship Foundation?
»
Who are Truman Scholars?
»
What types of jobs do previous Trumans now hold?
»
How does the Foundation define "public service"?
»
Is there a service requirement for the Truman Scholarship?
»
How many students participate in the competition each year?
»
How do I apply for a Truman Scholarship?
»
Who is the Faculty Representative at my institution?
»
How are the Scholarships distributed among the states and other jurisdictions?
Scholarship Benefits
»
What benefits do Truman Scholars receive?
»
Are there benefits for those not selected as Truman Scholars?
»
What happens if I win both the Truman and another fellowship?
»
May Truman Scholars work for a few years before graduate school?
»
I am somewhat unsure about my graduate school plan. If I am selected, may I change my plan?
»
Can Truman funds be used for the senior year of college?
»
Can Truman funding be used for study abroad?
Eligibility Requirements
»
What are the primary criteria for selection?
»
Are there any degrees or fields of study that are given priority?
»
Does the Foundation prefer people who want to provide direct services? Or does it prefer people with broader policy orientations?
»
I want to spend my career working in local politics or government. Will this hurt my prospects?
»
Does the Foundation care about my political affiliation?
»
Must candidates be U.S. citizens?
»
Is financial need a consideration?
»
How important is the public service record?
»
How important are grades?
»
Is a student who is a junior (in his or her third year of college), but a senior in credits, still eligible?
»
There has never been a Truman Scholar from my school. Do I have a chance?
»
Many Truman Scholars come from private institutions. Do candidates from public schools have the same chance of being selected?
»
Are nontraditional, reentry, or transfer students ever selected?
»
Are students participating in junior year abroad or five year degree programs eligible?
»
Is the Truman Scholars Leadership Week a required event?
»
How difficult is it to get my institution's nomination?
»
Can a candidate apply more than once?
Preparation
»
How should I prepare for the Truman competition?
»
How much time and effort do those who become Truman Finalists spend on the process?
»
The application looks straightforward. Why do candidates spend so much time on preparation?
»
How can I devote so much time to the application and still be involved in my activites?
»
What should I do if my Fac Rep is not able to work closely with me?
»
Can I contact the Foundation if I have questions about the application process?
The Selection Process
»
How are Truman Scholars selected?
»
Does the Foundation provide any travel assistance to Finalists?
»
What are the most unusual aspects of the Truman competition?
»
What are the least-liked aspects of the Truman selection process?
»
What can I expect from the interview?
»
What does the panel look for?
»
Why is the interview confrontational?
»
How do Finalists feel after the interview?