Amherst internal deadline: SEPTEMBER 1, 2023.
Before you start, read this Mitchell overview. See Application Advice for general tips on fellowship applications, advice about seeking recommendations, and examples of essays by winning candidates and finalists.
How to Apply
COVID-19 Note from the Foundation: We are still hoping that the already selected class of 2021 will be able to begin their graduate programs in Ireland and Northern Ireland this fall. If that becomes impossible, we will defer the entire class to the fall of 2021 and suspend selection this year. We expect to confirm the path forward no later than August, well in advance of the September 25th application deadline.
Seniors must apply through the Amherst campus process, which includes general guidance from the Director of Fellowships and submission of the application by the internal deadline of August 26, 2022. Candidates must request that recommenders submit letters by that date as well. During early September, all candidates will be interviewed by the campus Committee on Student Fellowships, who will decide whom to endorse as AC nominees to Mitchell. Endorsed candidates will submit their final applications by September 23rd. The Director will attach endorsement letters to these applications, and submit them to Mitchell.
Endorsements: Amherst may endorse an unlimited number of candidates. Alumni apply as "at large" candidates rather than through the campus process, but are encouraged to be in touch with the Director of Fellowships for general application advice. Note that Mitchell forbids candidates from receiving any advice on written essays for this application.
Application materials: The application includes a personal statement and, transcripts from all college work, and space to list numerous service and leadership activities. Application components and instructions are described in detail on the Mitchell Application page. Once you have completed your application in the Mitchell online portal, download a pdf from the portal and send it to the AC Director of Fellowships. Ask your recommenders to send their letters also to the Director of Fellowships as advisors have no access to the Mitchell portal.
Application Components
The Mitchell online application includes information you enter, an essay you copy and paste into the application, a resume, and letters you request from recommenders. You must also upload scanned transcripts and some other materials. All online components are due by the deadline above. You can enter information and return to it, saving as you go. If you are applying as a senior, do not submit your application until/unless you have been endorsed by Amherst College. The Director of Fellowships will not be able to retrieve a pdf of your application for campus committee review; instead, before submitting, download a pdf to send to the AC Director of Fellowships for committee review. Once your application has been received and certified as complete after the initial deadline, you will receive information about a required video interview. This is considered part of the application and you will have up to 72 hours to submit it. Open a Mitchell Scholarship online application.
Information you enter:
Fields include biographical information, education history, 3-5 choices of courses of study in Ireland; and space for five entries in each of the following categories: academic achievement/awards; leadership activities; community service; miscellaneous awards/activities. You will not be able to upload a resume. You will also enter the names and contact information of your campus fellowship advisor (information below), the institutional endorser (College president), and four recommenders. You will be asked if you wish to waive your right to view recommendation letters. Amherst candidates wishing to be considered for endorsement must waive their right to see the recommendations.
EssaYs:
A Personal Statement (1,000 words) This is your opportunity to share your personality, passion, and drive with the selection committee that cannot be communicated elsewhere in the application materials. To generate ideas for writing this personal statement, read Reflection Questions for Personal Statements. Mitchell has recently reversed their previous ruling that applicants may not seek feedback on their essays. Applicants should request feedback from the Director of Fellowships at least a month before the internal deadline.
Documents you upload:
Transcripts: All transcripts scanned into a single PDF (please block out your Social Security number if visible). This should include any undergraduate (including study abroad or transfer) and graduate work you have completed. While the Mitchell website says that unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the initial application, AC candidates should order an official version of their AC transcript, as only this version will contain essential information about the College. Finalists will be required to provide official transcripts during the interview process in Washington DC.
Photo: passport-style for identification purpose
Scan: of your signature
Documents you request:
Recommendation letters: For full-time students, at least two of these recommendations must be from persons with whom the candidate has done academic work. For those who are not full-time students and have not been for the past year, at least one of the recommendations must be from someone with whom the candidate has done academic work. Recommenders will receive an email in response to your entering their informationi n the online application. Contact them separately during the summer to ask whether they are willing to recommend you and to discuss your plans, but don't send the email request until the 1st of August. Send your recommenders a copy of your Personal Statement. Please read the Advice for Candidates on our Recommendations page. Ask your recommenders to read the information on our Mitchell overview page.
Questions? Please contact:
Christine Overstreet, Director of Fellowships
212 Converse Hall, 413-542-2536, coverstreet@amherst.edu
Mailing address: Office of Fellowships, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002