Getting Started
Interested in pursuing a nationally competitive fellowship? Outlined below are the steps to get you started!
Step 1. Read the Value of Applying
Step 2. With your longterm goals in mind, review the list of nationally competitive fellowships and familiarize
yourself with those that are of most interest to you.
Step 3. Complete the Student Fellowship and Research First Meeting Form, a document that will help the
office guide you towards a fellowship that is compatible with your missions and goals during or after
Bowdoin.
Step 4. Arrange to meet with Director of Student Fellowships and Research Cindy Stocks. During the
academic year, contact Sarita Benoit (207-725-3809 or sbenoit@bowdoin.edu to set up a meeting
time with Cindy. During the summer months, please contact Cindy directly (207-725-3706 or
cstocks@bowdoin.edu). Please bring a hard copy of your completed Student Fellowship and
Research First Meeting Form to your meeting or email it to Cindy prior to your meeting.
Step 5. During your meeting with Cindy, you will discuss in greater depth the information you have provided
on the First Meeting Form, and decide on your next actions steps and an appropriate timeline.
Cindy will also review the many ways in which the Office of student Fellowships and Research can
support your application process, which include the following:
- counsel on which opportunities fit you best,
- guidance on the application process,
- assistance in writing and revising your personal statements and project proposals,
- interview preparation,
- links to resources and information on the major scholarships, and
- advice from past scholarship winners and finalists.