Dissertation Completion Fellowships

[pandoravex]

Hi,

I wanted to start a conversation among the advanced PhD students who have applied or plan on applying for the dissertation completion fellowships in the social sciences and humanities (i.e. ACLS Mellon, Charlotte Newcombe or AAUW). These fellowship competitions appear to be the most rigorous and difficult of all, considering they draw a range of candidates, including those that are in their 5th and 9th year of the doctoral programs. Because many of these fellowship programs also require submission of a dissertation chapter, for me, preparing applications for these prospective funders presents one of the most serious undertakings so far.

For those who have been fortunate to receive such fellowships: How does one successfully prepare such an application? What do you believe to have done right in crafting your proposal and choosing supplemental materials? What are some of the common mistakes and traps?

Thanks for your input!

[Blume]

I applied for a bunch of dissertation completion fellowships. I earned one national fellowship and am on a waitlist for another national fellowship. I wasn't required to submit a dissertation chapter for either application, but I did have to submit my dissertation prospectus, which was quite rough. I think my application was successful because I articulated how my research fit with the funding organization's mission. Maybe it goes without saying, but it's not enough, as I've learned, to articulate the obvious--that the dissertation fellowship will help you complete your dissertation and become a scholar. They know that already; you've got to convey the "how" of it.

If your university offers a grant writing workshop, take it! Your proposal has to be clear, concise, and attractive. I've been told to use a hook when writing the proposal; however, I don't think my proposal had a hook. Anyway I benefited from workshopping my proposal and other application materials with a writing group. They were just the right kind of audience--non-specialists, intelligent readers. They reminded me to go back to the basics when crafting the proposal.

Also check out this thread on the Chronicle of Higher Education website. More suggestions are provided there.

[pandoravex]

Hi Blume,

Thanks so much for your reply. And for the link. This looks like a brand new thread on the Chronicle forum.

If you don't mind me asking, which fellowship did you win this year? And what year of your doctoral program are you in? I have this impression students in their 7th, 8th year are more successful in landing a dissertation completion fellowship because their applications are more polished. I'm finishing my 5th year this semester.

Thanks!

[Blume]

Hey Pandoravox,

I read The Chronicle of Higher Education almost everyday, and the posts on the forum are interesting, to say the least! We have so much to look forward to if we pursue careers in academia!

I know quite a few doctoral candidates in their fourth and fifth years who have received national fellowships. I can answer your other questions through private message or email.

Good luck!