Eligibility Requirements

How difficult is it to get my institution's nomination?

Each institution may nominate up to four students.  Four-year colleges and universities may also nominate three transfer students from two-year colleges.  The difficulty of obtaining the nomination depends on the visibility of the Truman program on campus as well as the overall quality of the applicants.  Some institutions have early deadlines or pre-competitions for the Truman - check with your institution's Fac Rep for details.

 

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?
I want to spend my career working in local politics or government. Will this hurt my prospects?
Is the Truman Scholars Leadership Week a required event?
Is financial need a consideration?
How important is the public service record?