George J. Mitchell Scholarship (Ireland)

Campus Contact: Nate Eastman, Associate Professor of English, eastmna@earlham.edu

This fellowship requires an institutional endorsement. A copy of all materials must be submitted by the Campus Deadline to enable the Earlham Fellowship Liaison to write an institutional letter of endorsement.

Who May Apply

U.S. citizens with a B.A. or B.S. who wish to study in Ireland at the post-baccalaureate level. GPA expectation is generally a minimum 3.5. Mitchell Scholars must exhibit superior levels of academic achievement, leadership, and sustained commitment to the community and public service.

Application Pool Description

In 2004, 220 applications from 166 colleges and universities were received for 10 to 12 slots.

Eligibility Limitations

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age on October 1 in the year of application.

Award Description and Duration

Mitchell Scholarships support one year of graduate study in any discipline offered by an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Scholars must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program offered at the institution. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and international travel.

Application Requirements and Campus Deadline

See the official website. All materials must be submitted online. In the past, requirements have included institutional endorsement, five to eight letters of reference, academic transcript, photocopy of birth certificate, a 1,000-word essay, a brief description of accomplishments and activities while pursuing the B.A. These items should be shared with the Earlham Liaison by September 11. Incomplete applications are considered ineligible.

Final Deadline

Applicants must submit their application materials by October 1. The Liaison submits the letter of institutional endorsement.

Notification

Semi-finals interviews are conducted via Skype. Finalists are called for interviews in Washington, D.C., in November. The D.C. interview is usually the weekend before Thanksgiving. Final awards are designated thereafter, usually no later than mid-December.

Typical Essay Question

A signed short personal statement describing your academic and other interests. The statement should describe the specific area of proposed study and reason for an interest in study at the Irish or Northern Ireland institution. The statement must conclude with the following signed statement: “I certify that this essay is my own work.” (This personal essay must not exceed 1,000 words in length and should be written in as simple and direct manner as possible. It must be set in a typeface no smaller than 10 points and be single-spaced).