The Alumnae Association Fellowship for graduate study is awarded each year to one or more Barnard seniors or alumnae who enroll in full-time graduate study and who show exceptional promise in their chosen fields.

Download the application.

The deadline for the completed application is TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009 at 5 pm EST. The fellowship committee will review the applications and select a number of applicants for interviews. The interviews will take place on Barnard’s campus in March 2010. Decisions will be announced in the spring of 2010.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Barnard seniors and Barnard alumnae who are applying to a graduate program and currently enrolled in a graduate program. To apply you must be enrolling or enrolled in a full-time, graduate degree program during the 2010-2011 academic year.

2. I have not yet been accepted to a program. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you are awarded the fellowship you will have to show proof of enrollment in a full-time, graduate degree program.

3. I have been accepted to a graduate program, but will be deferring my enrollment. Can I apply for the fellowship this year and use it for another academic year?
The fellowship must be used for the 2010-2011 academic year and cannot be deferred, but we encourage you to apply when you do start your program.

4. When is the application deadline?
Applications are due on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009 at 5 pm EST. Materials will not be accepted after this date. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete.

5. I applied last year; do I need to resubmit my paperwork?
You will not have to resubmit the entire application but the committee strongly recommends that you write a new essay. We encourage you to call the Alumnae Affairs office) to confirm the materials that are on file from last year.

6. How can I get my application to the Alumnae Affairs office?
Applications may be mailed, delivered in person to the Vagelos Alumnae Center, or faxed to 212-854-1699. You must contact the Alumnae Affairs to verify that the fax received is legible and complete.

7. What is the committee looking for?
Applicants must:

• show a clear interest in a field of study
• demonstrate strong motivation and potential for accomplishment
• present a creative approach to her work and a willingness to explore uncharted territory

8. How much is awarded?
Funds available at time vary. Last year the average gift was $5,000.

9. How many recipients are there?
Last year there were five awardees (from 62 applicants).

10. What kind of recommendations should I submit? How many can I send?
Applicants are required to submit three references. No more than three references will be read. We suggest that candidates supply us with a mixed array of recommendations. Whenever possible, letters of recommendation should be written specifically for this opportunity. Please note that at least two recommendations must be dated within the last three years.

11. What transcript(s) are required? How do I request a Barnard transcript?
The application requires an official transcript of all (non-Barnard) undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate work.

Once your application is complete, Alumnae Affairs will request a copy of your Barnard transcript from the Registrar at no cost to you. If your complete application is not received by November 30, Alumnae Affairs will not be able to request your transcript and your application will not be considered for this year.

Most institutions require 5-7 business days to process a transcript request. If you do not request the (non-Barnard) transcript in time you may submit an unofficial transcript as a placeholder.

12. I have not received my test scores yet what should I do?
If you have an unofficial score, please write it on your application and indicate that your official score will follow shortly.

13. How do I send my GRE scores?
Barnard is listed in the scholarships portions on the GRE listing. Our code is 3799.

14. The program that I am in does not require any standardized tests. Do I need to take them to apply for the fellowship?
You need to submit test scores (GRE, MCAT, GMAT) only if the program for which you are applying to requires them. You do NOT need to take the GREs for the Fellowship application process.

15. I took the (GRE, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT), but my scores have expired. Do I need to take them again?
No. If you wish to have the committee consider expired scores, you may send the expired scores with your application.

16. Are there other fellowships available?
Yes, visit this OCD link [http://www.barnard.edu/ocd/alumnae-fellowships.htm] for up to date fellowship information, as the Dean of Studies office has a comprehensive list of fellowships.