Winston Churchill Foundation Scholarship

Campus Deadline: October 9, 2009

Terms
The Churchill Scholarship provides between $44,000-$50,000 for a year of graduate study in engineering, mathematics, or science at Churchill College, Cambridge University, plus a $1000 travel allowance and the possibility of a $2000 Special Research Grant, approved in advance by the Foundation, to cover research expenses. At least 13 scholarships are awarded per year. 

Eligibility
U.S. citizens between the ages of 19—26 with a B.A. or B.S. (a master's degree is acceptable, but not a doctorate). 

Eligible Fields
Advanced Computer Science, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biological Anthropology, Biological-Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Bioscience Enterprise, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Computer Speech-Text and Internet Technology, Developmental Biology, Earth Sciences,  Engineering, Environmental Science, Environment-Society and Development,  Epidemiology, Experimental Psychology, Genetics, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, Geographical Research, Medical Genetics, Micro and Nanotechnology Enterprise, Modeling of Materials, Oncology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physics, Physiology-Development and Neuroscience, Plant Sciences, Plant Studies, Polar Studies, Statistical Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Zoology.  For Certificate of Advanced Study:  Mathematics (Part III of the Math Tripos), Pure Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics.

Selection
Applicants first submit their materials to a campus committee for review in October. During October, Cornell chooses two students as nominees to the national Churchill Scholarship competition. The campus committee offers the two nominees advice (through the Fellowship Coordinator) on how to improve their materials for final submission. By early November, nominees submit the final version of their applications. Selection decisions (both on-campus and at the national level) are based on the following criteria:

• Academic record: A high GPA (generally 3.8+) and class rank (top 10%) are expected.
• Personal Statement: This essay of no more than 1,000 words should give the committee a clear sense of who you are, how your interests have developed, and how and why study at Churchill College, University of Cambridge, fits into your future plans.
  
• Four letters of recommendation: Faculty members who know you well are asked to provide information on your academic qualifications, specifically your knowledge of the field, originality and imagination, and potential for success in the field. Recommenders are also asked to comment on your personal characteristics, particularly on your adaptability, maturity, and quality as an ambassador. If you plan to do a research degree, it is vital that your recommenders be able to comment on your ability to work independently and carry out research. NOTE: Additionally, applicants must fill out and submit to their recommenders the cover sheet, Scholarship Recommendation Report, which is available on The Winston Churchill  Foundation's Web site).
  
• GRE scores: All candidates must plan to take the GRE General Test. (The GRE Subject Test is not required.) The General Test is computer-based and must be taken by early-mid November, so that scores are available to the Churchill selection committee by the end of that month. 
  
• Proposed course of study at Cambridge, Churchill College: The student's proposed course of study at Cambridge should reflect a clear awareness of the faculty and facilities available there, and an understanding of the British higher educational system.  Applicants should begin researching appropriate degree programs no later than spring term preceding the year of application.  NOTE:  Applicants for the Churchill Scholarship must apply separately to the University of Cambridge no later than October 15, 2009.  Refer to the complete application instructions, available on the Churchill Web site. 

Contact
Beth Fiori, Fellowship Coordinator
103 Barnes Hall
btf1@cornell.edu