Graduate Fellowship Program Application
Application Requirements
Background Information (e.g., name, contact information, international travel).
A personal statement (in 600 words or less) that discusses the applicants’ reasons for applying, interest in foreign affairs, commitment to pursue a Foreign Service career, and any relevant experience or information.
A statement (in 400 words or less) from the applicant that discusses his/her need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, including an explanation of:
- The financial assistance received during undergraduate studies
- Overall education-related debt
- Ability/plans to pay for graduate school independently
Two letters of recommendation:
- One from a faculty member
- One from a community leader or other individual who can comment on the applicant’s non-academic accomplishments and his/her potential
- Note: In the online application, applicants will identify recommenders, who will be contacted by the program and asked to submit letters electronically. Below is a copy of the recommendation letter for reference only.
Proof of U.S. citizenship with a copy of: (choose one)
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship
- U.S. passport
- (Note: This should be uploaded in easy-to-read PDF format.)
- ** Applicants are required to bring originals to the interview if selected as a finalist.
Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2022-2023 school year.
- (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using PDF format. Please remember that the SAR often takes several days to generate after filling out the FAFSA. Applicants must complete the FAFSA even if they are not currently enrolled in a college or university.)
GRE or GMAT Scores (copy of the report sent to the student) (Optional)
- (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using PDF format. If the applicant has not yet taken the GRE or GMAT, they can place “0” or “NA” in the score box and upload a document that stating their intent to take the test.)
Official Financial Aid Statement from applicant’s senior year, if they received financial aid.
- (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using PDF format. If the applicant did not receive financial aid, they do not have to submit this.)
Transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended for credit, including study abroad. Please upload university-generated transcripts. An official transcript would be best; a student copy is acceptable if it is in the format of an official transcript. If selected for an interview, the applicant must bring an official transcript in a signed, sealed envelope to the interview.
- (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using a PDF format.)
Application Dates and Deadlines
Specific dates for the 2023 Rangel Fellowship are included below.
Application Closes: September 22, 2022
Finalists Notified: November 1, 2022
Final Round to Select Fellows: November 16 - November 17, 2022
Offers made to 45 Finalists: November 18, 2022
The program requires all documents to be submitted electronically. Should applicants have insuperable problems submitting a document electronically, they can consult with program staff about alternate methods (rangelprogram@howard.edu). However, we strongly encourage applicants to submit documents electronically.
Selections Process
The Rangel selection panel will choose approximately 90 finalists by November 1, 2022. Program staff will communicate decisions by email to both successful and unsuccessful applicants by November 18. Finalists will participate in the final round, which includes an interview and writing exercise, between November 16-17. The program will complete the selection process and make offers to 45 fellows by November 18, 2022.