Q. Is this scholarship for new or current students?
A. The Claremont National Scholars (CNS) program is intended for students who are not currently enrolled at CGU and who are applying to a doctoral program in the Fall 2008 semester.
Q. Does the applicant have to be nominated by a member of the CGU faculty?
A. The student needs to be nominated by a faculty member of their own institution, rather than CGU.
Q. Can the faculty member who will submits my nomination form, also complete one of my two reference forms?
A. No, applicants must submit 3 different references; the faculty nomination form serves as one (1). You will need to solicit two (2) additional reference writers who should respond on the reference forms.
Q. Do I need to apply to the CNS and CGU separately?
A. No, by applying to CNS, you will automatically will be considered for admission to CGU as well. You need to apply using only the CNS application and forms available on the website (which include 1 nomination and 2 references).
Q. Can I apply online?
A. No. While CGU has an online application for admission, it has not been set up to uniquely identify applicants to the CNS. We recommend that you download the PDF version of the form on the Claremont National Scholars web page and apply using those specific forms rather than the online application.
Q. I have received my previous degrees from international institutions. Am I still eligible for the National Scholars Program?
A. This particular program is designated for applicants graduating or graduated from a U.S. college or university.
Q. How can I be certain that I meet the transdisciplinary requirements of the CNS Program?
A. Your candidacy as a transdisciplinary scholar will be considered based on your nomination from a faculty member with whom you have previously studied (at a U.S. institution) or research / projects taken on during your academic career.
Q. What if I am not sure I want to pursue a Ph.D.? Can I apply for the CNS as a Master’s candidate?
A. No. To be eligible for the CNS you must apply to a Ph.D. program here at CGU. Master’s candidates do not qualify for the program.
Q. What are the limitations on the use of the $20,000 stipend?
A. During your first year of full-time study, twelve units each semester, you will receive the stipend with no services required. After that time the stipend is contingent upon your securing a funded research or teaching assistant position at CGU. Recipients will receive the stipend for a maximum of four years, and must maintain full-time status for the duration of the scholarship.
Q. Who should I ask to write the other two recommendations?
A. This is somewhat dependent on the program(s) for which you are applying. Solicit reference writers who are familiar with your academic ability and secondly of any relevant work experience.
Q. What are the guidelines for my personal statement?
A. The personal statement is a vital component of your application. It is your opportunity to provide information about your background, interests and aspirations, and how they relate to your proposed academic program. Our admissions committee is especially interested in hearing how you have achieved the high level of academic achievement within your discipline while venturing successfully across traditional academic boundaries in your research / work.
Unless otherwise noted below, applicants will submit a 2-3 double-spaced, typed pages personal statement that:
- Describes your reasons for pursuing graduate study
- Includes your CGU program of interest.
- Explains the strengths and weaknesses of your preparation for graduate study.
Department-Specific Instructions
For those applying to the following programs, below are the department-specific instructions for the personal statement.
- Education - write a 5-page statement and include the problems, issues, and other research questions you wish to study.
- Financial Engineering - write a 3 – 5 page statement answering: 1) why admission into this program is important to you. 2) What special contributions do you believe you will make to Claremont Graduate University.
- Music - include details of special training, travel, exhibits, or performances of particular note.
- Psychology - include descriptions of relevant research and work experience in applied settings.
Q. What makes a successful CNS nomination?
A. It is essential that the original letter of nomination succinctly and cogently “makes the case” for that nominee as it relates to the scholarship. The committee is interested in the special and distinctive attributes this remarkable Ph.D. candidate presents relative to the candidate’s transdisciplinary research.
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