FAQ Application Process

What are the 10 steps I should undertake in filling out the application form?

Review what past fellows have to say about the program and determine if a National Academies fellowship is right for you.
If so, review the fellow opportunities chart and/or policy issue areas section to determine the units at which you might be interested in working.
Review the types of projects that unit is undertaking on the Current Projects page.
Look at the comments from past fellows who have worked for that unit to see what type of work they did and determine whether or not that type of work fits with your interests and career goals.
Email past fellows who have either worked at the units you're interested in or who have a personal connection (e.g., went to the same schoool) to get their thoughts.
Repeat this for several units, so that you have a minimum of three and a maximum of five chocies. Write brief paragraphs as to why you are interested in working at that unit in a wordprocessing program.
Review the essay questions on the application form and develop brief paragraphs for each of these in a wordprocesing program.
You are now finally ready to fill out the application form. Cut and past your answers from the wordprocessing program into the application form. Fill out the other information and submit
Fill out the demographic form.
Contact your mentor and ask them to fill out the online reference form.