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Truman |
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Introduction
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive,
merit-based award offered for graduate study in preparation
for a career in government, the non-profit sector or
elsewhere in public service. The scholarship recognizes
students for their outstanding potential as leaders
in public service and members of a community devoted
to helping others and to improving the environment.
Candidates should have the passion, intellect, and
leadership potential to improve the ways that public
entities serve the public good. Scholarships of up
to $30,000 are awarded to approximately 75-80 students,
selected by state of residence. Approximately 600-650
students are nominated each year.
Applications must be made through MIT, and MIT can
nominate up to 4 students. You should review this site
and the official Truman
Foundation web site, and then consult with the
MIT contacts for more information.
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Quick Facts
| Field of Study |
Government,
non-profit sector, or public service |
| Type |
Graduate |
| Place of Study |
Any
graduate or professional school |
| Award amount |
$30,000 |
| MIT Deadline |
November
20 |
| National Deadline |
February
6 |
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Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
- Attend an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Have a grade point average of at least a
“B” and be in the upper quarter of your
junior class.
Exception: Residents of Puerto Rico,
the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa or the
Northern Marianas must be in their senior year.
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Selection Criteria
Applicants are chosen on the basis of:
- An extensive record of campus and community service
- Commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit
and advocacy sectors
- Communication skills, leadership potential, and
a high probability of becoming a "change agent"
- A strong academic record with likely acceptance
by a first-rate graduate school
In their rating form (see official site), the Finalists
Committee uses six equally weighted factors in selecting
candidates for interviews:
- Public service record
- Leadership record
- Graduate study proposal
- Policy proposal
- Quality of presentation and writing
- Academic record and likelihood of acceptance by
the graduate or professional school identified in
the application
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Application (see official site for
details and forms)
Complete applications for the MIT selection process
include the following material:
- Application Form
- Policy Proposal of 500 words or less
- 3 Letters of Recommendation, one each to discuss
your leadership qualities, commitment to public service,
and academic record.
- Official copy of your MIT transcript
If you are selected to represent MIT, you will have
an opportunity to revise some of the above materials.
The following additional material will be provided
by the MIT contact.
- Nomination Letter from MIT
The official site has a great deal of helpful information;
be sure to read “For Candidates”
and “For Faculty Reps” sections of the
official site, especially
"Candidate Q&A" and
"Guidance to Candidates".
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Timeline
| Spring
and Summer |
- As soon as possible, interested students
should review the official Truman Foundation web site and read the “For
Candidates” and “For Faculty Reps” sections,
especially “Candidate Q&A” and “Guidance
to Candidates.”
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| August |
- Applications are available from the official
scholarship site.
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| September |
- Attend the Truman Scholarship informational
session.
- Consult with the Distinguished Fellowships Office, 12-189 who advises candidates
about their viability and the best ways to
prepare their application.
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| October
28 |
- Deadline to obtain application materials.
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| November
20 |
- Deadline to submit applications to the MIT
Distinguished Fellowships Office:
Truman Scholarship
c/o Kimberly Benard
Study Abroad and Distinguished Fellowships Office
12-189 |
| Late
November |
- Applications are reviewed by the MIT Truman
Committee. Candidates selected for MIT interviews.
|
| December |
- Student interviews with Truman Committee.
Following interviews, the Committee selects
up to 4 MIT nominees and notifies all candidates
of their status.
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| December
- January |
- Truman nominees have opportunity to revise
their application material with assistance
from members of the Truman Committee.
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| February
6 |
- All nomination materials are due from MIT
to national Truman Foundation.
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| February |
- Truman Foundation Committee reviews all nominations
and selects 200 as Truman Scholarship Finalists
in the original screening and an additional
30 in the appeals process (names and all interview-related
information are posted on the official site
on February 21).
- Finalists from MIT prepare for their interviews
with assistance from Truman Committee.
- Deadline for Foundation to receive Finalist
Interview Confirmation Forms.
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| March |
- Regional selection panels conduct interviews
of the Finalists and elect the Truman Scholars.
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| March |
- Personal letters of notification are sent
to the Finalists. Truman Scholars are posted
on Web.
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Winners
Alia Whitney-Johnson, 2007
Matthew Zedler, 2006
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