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
Eligibility Requirements
I want to spend my career working in local politics or government. Will this hurt my prospects?
Not at all. Many Truman Scholars have had successful careers in local or state government.
Other Questions in Eligibility Requirements
Does the Foundation prefer people who want to provide direct services? Or does it prefer people with broader policy orientations?
How important are grades?
Does the Foundation care about my political affiliation?
Must candidates be U.S. citizens?
There has never been a Truman Scholar from my school. Do I have a chance?
Is a student who is a junior (in his or her third year of college), but a senior in credits, still eligible?
Many Truman Scholars come from private institutions. Do candidates from public schools have the same chance of being selected?
Are there any degrees or fields of study that are given priority?
Can a candidate apply more than once?
Are nontraditional, reentry, or transfer students ever selected?
Are students participating in junior year abroad or five year degree programs eligible?
What are the primary criteria for selection?
Is the Truman Scholars Leadership Week a required event?
How difficult is it to get my institution's nomination?
Is financial need a consideration?
How important is the public service record?