Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
CHECKLIST
Please submit the following:
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Six copies of your proposal containing objectives, rationale, methodology and itinerary
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Six copies of your personal statement
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Six copies of your resume
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Six copies of your transcript (which you can access from the Hamilton web advisor) and six copies of your study abroad transcript (if applicable). Transcripts may be UNOFFICIAL copies.
Organizing Materials for Submission
Please submit 6 separate packets of materials paper clipped (DO NOT STAPLE) in the following order:
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proposal including itinerary
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personal statement
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resume
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transcript
(One complete "proposal packet" contains – proposal, personal statement, resume and transcript paper clipped together)
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation Letters (2) -- request two letters of recommendation -- emailed to me at (vdosch@hamilton.edu) (If writers don't have access to email, they may send a hard copy letter to me at Hamilton College address). Please request reference letters sent to me by Thursday, October 1.
Please provide your recommendation writers with the guidelines provided here: Watson Recommendation Writer Guidelines
Please provide letters from people qualified to judge both the feasibility of your project and your competence (including necessary language skills, if applicable) to accomplish it. You will most likely choose faculty members, but you could ask someone else if you feel it is appropriate. Provide the writers with a summary of what you're proposing to do.
Proposal, Personal Statement, Resume, Transcript
Proposal (five page limit)
Please include a cover sheet with title of project and your name.
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Your proposal may emphasize academics, a deep personal interest, a hobby, an adventure, a commitment to a cause, ...or any combination of big themes in your life.. What are you wildly curious about? What would you love to go off to explore? Tie your proposal to your long-range development as a person. Give evidence of your continuing interest in the field or area you propose to examine.
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You must include your objectives, rationale, methodology and itinerary (what, why, how, whom, etc). (please refer to Proposal Guidelines sheet and look at past proposals available on reserve in the library and in the Chapel, 3rd floor)
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Write specifically about your travel plans, especially the reasons for choosing specific destinations. You should have compelling reasons to travel to every country you propose to visit. You can travel widely, you can choose to concentrate your time in two or three locations or you can set up a principal base and move in and out of it. Provide a realistic suggested schedule.
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Make your proposal feasible. Do you have the necessary language background? If not, can you manage in English? Are there foreseeable political or health problems with your proposed activities? Think through the mechanics of your project thoroughly. Give evidence of some knowledge of the people, local conditions, culture, as they pertain to your project. Include all contacts that you have made and/or identified that will assist in carrying out your project: relevant people, organizations, events...
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Put yourself in the project – it should require interaction rather than passive observation.
Personal Statement (five page limit)
Be selective. Include those elements, which are of greatest relevance to judging your suitability for undertaking your proposal. Discuss: academic preparation, personal experience, language skills, summer or campus jobs, internships, activities, hobbies, special honors, research or anything else that speaks to your connection to the project and your wherewithal to carry it out. Is there something specific you want the readers to know about you? If so, tell them! Connect the dots and tell your story. This statement should explain through details about experiences and influences what prepares you for and connects you to your proposed project.
Resume
Please include an updated version of your resume.
Remember the Basic Components of the Watson and the Bristol:
Passion – you must be passionately committed to the project, so that obstacles that arise during your year do not deter you. It speaks to the personal significance of the project for you.
Feasibility – refers to two issues:
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you have: researched the countries, the topic and thought through how you will conduct your project, identified necessary (albeit, preliminary) contacts; a plan of action for each country, etc.
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your preparation to undertake the project. Have you checked out the language issues? If you don't speak the language in certain countries – have you determined that you can manage in English or with an interpreter if necessary? Do you have skills and experiences that are relevant to the project?
Growth and stretch – foundation for this project should spring from your background, activities, experiences, passions, and interests, but it should be compelling, new and challenging.
Please call (315) 859-4467 or email with any questions. Thank you.
