Frequently Asked Questions

The application process is described here. A link to the on-line application also can be found on the website. Please read the FAQs and application procedures, as they both provide detailed information regarding the process.

All Mitchell Scholar applicants are required to submit an application electronically through the link on our website. To apply, candidates must provide five letters of recommendation, a 1000-word personal essay, a letter of institutional endorsement if the applicant is a full-time student, proof of US citizenship, and transcript(sl). Information about the application process is subject to change year-to-year and therefore all fellowship advisers and interested candidates are urged to check the Mitchell Scholars Program website before submitting an application.

What does the program seek in a Mitchell Scholar?

We look for persuasive, documented evidence of significant achievement in three areas: scholarship, leadership, and commitment to community and public service. All three areas are important. Some applicants have impressive academic credentials but lack a credible record of accomplishment in leadership and service. Membership or participation in a long resume of extracurricular activities is less convincing than demonstrating a significant, tangible impact on a candidate's community or school. Academic excellence, leadership, and service are equally important criteria. We suggest studying the profiles of current and past Scholars on our web site to learn more about the qualities we seek in a Scholar.

Do I need to have my undergraduate degree before applying for the Mitchell Scholarship?

No, graduating seniors may apply for the following academic year, but an undergraduate degree must be in hand by August before starting a graduate study as a Mitchell Scholar. The Scholarship may not be deferred for any reason.

Is there a minimum GPA to become a Mitchell Scholar?

We do not have a mandatory minimum grade-point average as a Scholarship prerequisite. We expect, however, that applicants will exhibit scholarly excellence in their academic work as well as strong preparation for the proposed field of graduate study.

I cannot find my college or university listed in Finding a Fellowships Advisor. Does this mean I cannot apply?

You may certainly apply. We welcome applications from eligible candidates at all institutions. If you cannot find an advisor for your campus in this listing, you should seek the person who handles other major national scholarship nominations on your campus. Often, the Provost's office will have appointed this person, who may also manage the nomination processes for programs such as the Marshall, Rhodes, Truman, or Udall Scholarships.

I have heard there are changes in the submission requirements for supporting documents. What are they and where can I learn more?

It can be a struggle for a candidate to assemble hard-copies of transcripts, proof of citizenship, and photos and get these materials to our office by the national deadline. These materials must now be submitted online; only finalists will be asked to present hard copy of these documents in one complete packet (submission details furnished when materials are requested). See more information on supporting documents.

Do Mitchell Scholars have to be Irish Americans in order to apply?

No, not at all. Ethnic origin or ancestry is not a factor in the selection process. The Mitchell Scholars program openly welcomes and encourages candidates of all ethnic, racial, religious, and political backgrounds to apply.

If a candidate has studied in Ireland previously, does this help or hurt the application?

The Selection Committee's overriding interest is an applicant's record of scholarship, leadership, and commitment to community and public service. Because the Mitchell Scholars progam seeks to introduce future American leaders to the island of Ireland, lack of previous experience there could weigh in favor of a candidate among equally qualified applicants. Previous or current study in Ireland, however, does not preclude someone from being selected as a Mitchell Scholar.

Does a candidate have to be accepted to the institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland prior to applying to become a Mitchell Scholar?

No, a candidate does not have to apply for university admission before entering the application process. A candidate's assignment to a university in Ireland or Northern Ireland is part of the selection process. We urge candidates to list at least three universities as possible places to study. Although we try to honor a candidate's university rankings, candidates are not guaranteed their first choice. If a candidate is selected to be a Mitchell Scholar, the program assigns the Scholar to one of the courses of study listed by a candidate in an application. The program then forwards a candidate's materials to the selected university for final review and approval.

Can I pursue a graduate program in Ireland unrelated to my undergraduate major?

An applicant must demonstrate sufficient undergraduate or non-academic preparation to study for the designated graduate degree. Although this may be in a field different from an applicant's undergraduate major, an applicant still should have the necessary academic or professional training necessary for proposed graduate study.

May I indicate preference for programs in two different fields?

Again, that is acceptable provided the applicant has the academic preparation for a proposed field of graduate study at a university in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The essay should explain the applicant's interest in the different fields.

Does the Mitchell Scholars program support independent study or research at an institution other than in Ireland or Northern Ireland?

No, a Mitchell Scholar must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The programs are identified and listed in the application.

How many Irish/Northern Ireland universities should a candidate list as places of interest to study? If an applicant wants to study only at one university, is there a handicap in limiting preferences to that institution?

Applicants should list at least three institutions at which to study and can list up to five. Because institutional balance is a factor in the placement of Scholars at universities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, an applicant's prospects are enhanced by indicating multiple university preferences. An applicant who indicates only one or two school preferences seriously weakens the chances of being selected as a Mitchell Scholar.

How does an applicant decide on preferences for a university and the proposed graduate program?

Each applicant is responsible for the research necessary to identify preferences at universities in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Applicants will want to examine university web sites and may wish to consult with department chairs, faculty, or registrars there. Faculty and fellowship offices at an applicant's own college or university will be also helpful in deciding where to apply. Applicants should carefully research prospective programs to determine the required period of residence; some Master's program include two years of study, and the Mitchell Scholars program provides support for only one year. An applicant must have the requisite undergraduate background for the proposed program.

Is the Mitchell Scholars program available only to those interested in pursuing a masters degree? What happens if the masters program is a two year program? Can I still apply to become a Mitchell Scholars?

All Mitchell Scholars must be enrolled in a program offered by a university in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Usually, this will be a one-year Master's degree, but other options may be considered if the applicant has the undergraduate background required for the proposed field of study. The Scholars program, however, does not support research or independent study outside a regular course of study. Candidates should closely examine degree residence requirements because masters programs can be for one or two years. The Mitchell Scholars program provides tuition, housing, and a living expenses stipend for one year only.

Is the Mitchell Scholarship only available to students interested in Irish Studies or an Irish-specific topic?

No, a Mitchell Scholar may study any academic discipline offered in a degree or certificate program at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The wide range of academic interests among Scholars -- from computer science and biotechnology to international relations and economics -- illustrates the vast opportunity for post-graduate study available.

How many letters of recommendation are required? Do you suggest sending more than are required?

Four letters of recommendation are required. At least two of these recommendations must be from persons with whom the candidate has done academic work. Full-time students must also submit a letter of institutional endorsement. Applicants who are not full-time students do not have to submit a letter of institutional endorsement.

If one of my recommenders does not have an email address, can he/she submit the recommendation through the mail?

No. All letters of recommendation must be submitted online. Because application review is done online, written recommendations cannot be considered. There are no exceptions. Recommenders unequipped with email may submit through a colleague's email address, but the applicant must register the recommender with that address. Applicants should ensure that their recommenders understand both the deadline and the online submission process. There can be no exceptions, technical or otherwise.

How can I find who is the responsible endorsing official on my campus?

Many campus representatives can be found using a tool on our site. You may wish to search by state, if you cannot initially find your institution. Absence from this listing does not mean that you cannot apply. The official is usually appointed by the Provost and often also manages the nomination processes for other major national programs such as the Marshall, Rhodes, and Truman Scholarships.

Does every applicant need to submit a letter of institutional endorsement?

An applicant who is a full-time student at the time of application must submit an institutional endorsement. The applicant must be endorsed by an institution where he or she will have completed two years of full-time study before 1 October in the year of application. The applicant must register an Institutional Endorsement contact using the online recommendation system contained with the online application. Recent graduates who are not enrolled may ask their undergraduate institution to submit an optional letter of endorsement as a sixth letter.

Is there a limit on the number of applicant endorsements made by a university or college?

No, there is no fixed limit; we recognize that a school may have several strong candidates. We do urge, however, that a college or university only endorse those candidates who clearly exhibit the qualities of a Mitchell Scholar: academic excellence and superior records of accomplishment in leadership and community service.

If an applicant has both undergraduate and graduate experience, does the academic record at the graduate level have more influence in the selection process?

The Selection Committee examines a candidate's entire university-level performance. Undergraduate and graduate records are equally important.

Is there an advantage for a Mitchell Scholar candidate who is coming from a large public or private university?

No, the Selection Committee looks at the applicant's overall academic, leadership, and community service achievement, all of which can be demonstrated by students at a higher education institution of any size. An applicant's college or university is not a consideration in the committee's evaluation. Mitchell Scholars in the past have represented a wide range of US colleges and universities.

How important is the essay?

The personal statement is extremely important. Members of the Selection Committee examine the essay for clues to the character, commitment, and interests of a candidate. This is the an important opportunity for the candidate to convey a sense of passion, his or her individual personality, and intellectual drive. A well-written essay should provide the committee with valuable insight into a candidate's motivation and rationale for the proposed graduate study program that is not otherwise communicated in the rest of the application materials.

Eligibility

If I turn 30 before 1 October in the year of application, am I still eligible?

No. Mitchell Scholar candidates must be over the age of 18 and not have turned 30 by October 1 of the year of application in order to be eligible (if a candidate's birthday is on October 1, s/he is not eligible).

Can an unsuccessful candidate reapply?

Yes, as long as the candidate remains eligible. However, a completely new application, including all supporting letters and materials, must be submitted.

Must candidates be US citizens?

Yes. There are no exceptions.

Can Irish/American dual citizens apply for the Mitchell Scholarship?

Any individual with U.S. citizenship who meets the other eligibility requirements can apply. Proof of American citizenship (copy of passport, birth certificate, or voter's registration, but not a driver's license) must be submitted.

Can married individuals apply?

Yes, anyone who meets the eligibility requirements may apply, but no allowance is made for the expenses of a married candidate's spouse or dependent. Moreover, spouses who are non-EU citizens will require a work permit before seeking paid employment in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Because the Mitchell Scholars Program is named after the former Democratic Senate Majority Leader from Maine, George Mitchell, is there any advantage for an applicant who is a Democrat or is active in Democratic Party organizations?

No, political affiliation plays no role in the selection process. The scholarship is named to honor the extraordinary and pivotal contributions by the former US Senator to Northern Ireland's Good Friday peace agreement in 1998, an achievement that received overwhelming bipartisan support in the United States.

Is the GRE required for the Mitchell Scholarship?

No, neither results of the GRE nor of any other tests are required or considered in the selection process.

Selection Process

Who sits on the selection committee?

The members of the Selection Committee change each year and are not announced until after they complete their interviews and deliberations.

What is the next step after the national deadline? And when are Mitchell Scholar finalists notified?

A Readers' Committee reviews applications in October. We then conduct approximately 40 semi-finalist interviews via Skype. Approximately 20 finalists are invited to Washington, DC, for in-person interviews with the Selection Committee in mid-November. Unsuccessful applicants are informed in November by email.

If a finalist is out of the country, is there any arrangement for telephone interviews by the Committee?
A finalist must be present for the Selection Committee interview in Washington, DC, at the appointed time.

Who is responsible for the costs of travel to and accommodation in Washington, DC, for the finalist interviews?
The applicant and/or the college or university fund travel to Washington. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides hotel accommodation. Some support may be available for travel to Washington in situations of financial need.

Can a Mitchell Scholar work during the year in Ireland?

In Ireland, international students may work part-time during the academic year and full-time during vacation periods. Details about employment permits should be obtained from the Scholar's respective university. Because the Mitchell Scholars program provides a stipend to cover living expenses, we strongly encourage Mitchell Scholars to leave enough time in their schedules to participate in Mitchell events, enjoy stimulating volunteer placements, become involved in the communities in which they live and study, and explore the island and travel.

Is financial need a consideration?

No. Financial need is not a factor in the selection process.

Is there any possibility of extending the Mitchell Scholarship for a second year of study?

The Scholars program is only for one year. Scholars normally are enrolled in a one-year master's degree or similar program. Prospective applicants interested in sponsorship for a multi-year program should focus on other fellowships that offer this option.

How many apply for a scholarship each year?

It varies, but generally speaking, the Scholarship office receives approximately 300 applications a year.

How many Mitchell Scholarships are awarded each year?

Up to twelve Scholars are selected, but this number is not absolutely fixed and depends on Selection Committee assessment of candidates, as well as university placement.

What benefits do Mitchell Scholars receive?

The Mitchell Scholars program supports one year of [post]graduate study in any discipline offered by an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland. The Mitchell Scholars program provides tuition, housing, a cash living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.

Can I apply for other scholarships, like the Marshall and the Rhodes?

Mitchell candidates can also apply for other awards, including the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships.

If a candidate accepts a final Mitchell interview, the candidate must commit to accepting the Mitchell if offered. (Any candidate not chosen for a Mitchell is free, of course, to accept the Marshall.) Because of the structure of the Mitchell program-- only 20 people are offered final interviews-- it is essential that all finalists commit to accep the Mitchell if selected.

Because the Rhodes Scholarship final interviews are held the same day as the Mitchell Scholar interviews, it is not possible for a candidate to pursue both a Rhodes and a Mitchell, and so, candidates must withdraw from one process or the other if offered interviews.