Marshall Scholarship at Bowdoin College

Marshall Scholarship at Bowdoin College: A Pathway to Prestigious Graduate Study in the UK

The Marshall Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to American students, offering a life-changing opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom. This scholarship not only covers all necessary expenses for up to two years of study but also fosters an ongoing relationship between the U.S. and the UK, encouraging scholars to become ambassadors of both countries.

Overview of the Marshall Scholarship

Established in 1953, the Marshall Scholarship aims to strengthen the bond between the United States and the United Kingdom. Each year, around 40 American students are selected to study at any UK university in a wide range of fields. The scholarship covers university fees, living expenses, annual book grants, thesis grants, research and daily travel grants, and fares to and from the U.S. In some cases, it also provides support for a dependent spouse. The value of the scholarship can vary depending on the student’s location, academic field, and personal circumstances, but it typically averages around £23,000 per year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Marshall Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States at the time of application.
2. Undergraduate Degree: By the time they take up the scholarship (typically in September following the application year), applicants must have obtained a first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
3. Academic Excellence: A minimum GPA of 3.7 (or A-) on their undergraduate degree is required. Exceptions may be considered only with a specific recommendation from the sponsoring college.
4. No Previous Study in the UK: Applicants must not have studied for or hold a degree from a British university.
5. Graduation Timeline: Applicants must have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April two years prior to the application.

Application Process at Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College has a robust support system in place for students interested in applying for the Marshall Scholarship. The Office of Student Fellowships and Research provides guidance throughout the application process, helping students to refine their applications and prepare for the rigorous selection process.

1. Intent to Submit: Students are required to submit an “intent to submit” application in the spring before the fall in which they plan to apply. This preliminary step involves a review of the student’s academic history, a resume, and personal essays. The Student Fellowships Committee will interview candidates and decide whether to endorse, conditionally endorse, or not endorse each applicant.

2. Initial Application: By the initial Bowdoin deadline, applicants must submit their online Marshall Scholarship application, including three letters of recommendation and unofficial academic history. The college will review these materials and interview competitive applicants before deciding which students will receive the college’s endorsement.

3. Final Application: Students who receive Bowdoin’s nomination will continue refining their applications over the summer. The final application, including official transcripts and a completed Marshall Scholarship form, must be submitted by the final Bowdoin deadline. The Office of Student Fellowships and Research will then submit the endorsed application to the Marshall Commission.

A Success Story: Bill De La Rosa

Bowdoin College has a proud history of producing Marshall Scholars, with one of the most notable being Bill De La Rosa, a 2016 graduate. De La Rosa, who majored in Sociology and Latin American Studies, used his Marshall Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Migration Studies at the University of Oxford. His research focused on the human consequences of border security, inspired by his personal experiences as the son of Mexican immigrants. De La Rosa’s academic achievements and commitment to social justice exemplify the qualities that the Marshall Scholarship seeks to foster.

The Impact of the Marshall Scholarship

Receiving a Marshall Scholarship is more than just an academic achievement; it is a recognition of a student’s potential to make significant contributions to their field of study and to society as a whole. Scholars are expected to continue fostering strong ties between the U.S. and the UK throughout their careers. The Marshall Scholarship opens doors to unparalleled educational opportunities, access to influential networks, and a platform to influence positive change on a global scale.

For more detailed information on the application process and to explore the possibility of becoming a Marshall Scholar, visit Bowdoin College’s Marshall Scholarship page.