Office of Fellowships Gaither/Carnegie Application

Amherst internal deadline: nOVEMBER 29, 2023 - noon
 

Before you start, read this Gaither/Carnegie Overview. See Application Advice for general tips on fellowship applications, advice about seeking recommendations., and examples of essays by winning candidates and finalists.

Application Components & Portal 

The internal application includes some questions about biographical information, your research area of interest, foreign language capabilities, and recommenders. After reading the information below thoroughly, please complete the questions and upload the materials below to the  Gaither Junior Fellows Program Application Portal by the internal deadline of Nov. 29th, 2023 at noon. Be sure to also alert your recommenders to this deadline.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS

Resume - This may be up to two pages; should highlight academic research and writing experience. See examples of clear and concise formatting of resumes.

Personal Statement Describing why you are applying to your particular research program and how being selected by the Junior fellows program will fit into your career aspirations. Format: One page, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 11 pt type. At the top, type your name, your research program area, and the words "Personal Statement."

Analytical Essay - Respond to the prompt for your research program of choice. See Essay Prompts here for the 2024-2025 program (updated on 10/17/23). In your writing, demonstrate your skills as they relate to analysis, logic, and written assessment. This essay is meant to be an analytical thought piece, not a research paper. 
Format: The essay may be no more than three pages, double spaced. Times New Roman, 11 pt type is recommended. At the top, type your name, your research program area, and the words "Substantive Essay." Below the heading, type in the prompt your essay is responding to in single-spaced lines and in italics.

Transcript(s) - Order an official Amherst College transcript through Parchment and have it sent to Christine Overstreet. She will convert it to a useable pdf format and send it back to you to upload to the portal. If you have a study abroad or transfer transcript, either upload a pdf scan of your official version to the Google portal, or order one from Parchment as above and send it to Christine who will follow the same process as for the Amherst one. 

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Two letters of recommendation are required by November 29, 2023 at noon. Letters should be written on institutional letterhead (may be virtual) and signed and should be from faculty or those you have worked for as a research assistant who can comment on your analytical, research, and writing ability . If possible, it will be beneficial to have one writer who can comment on your knowledge of the research area for which you are applying. At least one letter must be written by an Amherst College professor. Ask recommenders to read the Carnegie Gaither Overview page under For Recommenders at the bottom. Inform them that their letters are due to Christine Overstreet (coverstreet@amherst.edu) via email by the above internal deadline. 

Questions?
Christine Overstreet, Director of Fellowships
212 Converse Hall, 413-542-2536, coverstreet@amherst.edu 
           

Mailing address: Office of Fellowships, 212 Converse Hall, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002