Canadian Studies

Killam Fellowships -- Tips for Application Completion

 DEADLINE: DECEMBER 20, 2012

 

BSU Contact: Susan Williams, Administrative Assistant

Office of Global Studies

Maxwell Library, Suite 330

susan.williams@bridgew.edu  / 508-531-2421

   

Filling out a Killam Fellowship application? Good for you! Here are a few helpful tips.

1.   The application is a pdf file with fill-in capability. You can  fill in your information and print it when complete, but you can't save it. Save the blank form to your computer and print a copy to play with. When you're ready, complete the application on your computer and print it. Unless the fill-in form doesn't work for some reason, handwritten applications will be rejected.

2.    Choose at least 4 universities; if you receive a fellowship, you will not necessarily get your first--or second--choice.

3.    Visit the websites of the universities to browse their course catalogues. Ask your faculty advisor whether or not the courses you choose will be transferable to BSU. Include a list of courses for each university you choose with your application. (The courses you submit with your application will give the selection committee a general idea of what you plan to study. If you are awarded a Fellowship, you will be able to choose from the actual semester course offerings at the Canadian university when they become available and have them approved by BSU and the Canadian university before you go.)

4.    You will need 2 references. At least one must be a faculty member at BSU. They will need to fill out the form. Ask them nicely if they will write a letter of reference to include with the form. Letters make a better impression than a few lines scribbled on a form.

5.    A "CV" is the same as a resume. Assuming you don't have a great deal of work experience, you should include BSU, any other colleges, and high school; any awards or scholarships you may have received; any activities, etc. Feel free to list interests, too.

6.    You must submit a transcript that includes the current fall semester. Ask the Registrar's Office for a copy as early as you possibly can. Don't wait until the last minute: You won't get it. If you have trouble getting your transcript, let the BSU Contact person know.

7.    The statement is important. All the applications look the same. Your statement could make the difference. This is what the application package says about statements:

Your 'Personal Statement' should not be a mere listing of facts, nor should it repeat the content of your C.V. Please discuss what you hope to accomplish during your semester or year in Canada and how the experience fits with your current interests and future goals. Given that the Killam Fellowships Program seeks to further mutual understanding between Canada and the United States, please highlight any experiences that demonstrate your ability to adapt to other cultural settings, a willingness to share with or learn from others of different national identities, and your ability to serve as an ambassador for the United States.

 

        Let that be your guide. Also:

 

            A.    Try not to let your statement be a series of "I"s: I am really great at, I have singlehandedly solved, I will save Canada and the world, etc. (That's what the CV is for.) Yes, it is all about you, but you want to think about the bigger picture.

 

            B.    Spell-and-grammar check your statement. Ask someone else to look it over for you. Spell-and-grammar checks don't catch everything.

 

            C.    The BSU Contact person will go over your statement and offer suggestions and corrections, if needed.

 

8.    Submit your completed application before the deadline (as early as possible). If you don't yet have your transcript, you may submit everything else and bring the transcript as soon as you have it. You must submit the transcript by the deadline. There is very little time for the BSU selection process before the applications must be sent to the Killam selection committee.

 

9.    If you have any questions at all, ask the Contact person.

 

Okay? Good luck!

Last Modified: October 27, 2012