5 Things You Should Know About the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship

There are scholarships, and then there is the Rhodes Scholarship. In the world of academia, everyone will agree that the prestige of the Rhodes Scholarship remains unmatched by most scholarships out there. It has been here for a while, and everyone wants it because, of course, it is the University of Oxford that offers it. That being said, its very status makes it a highly competitive scholarship in the world. Awarded only to a select few, you will have to show more than just good academic grades to cut. For that to happen, you should understand what exactly the Rhodes Scholarship is all about.

Today, it is the Rhodes Scholarship! I have a few pointers about it to tell you. Whether or not you are interested in applying you should certainly know why it is such a big deal and what it is all about. Over here, you shall find 5 things you should know about it. So, without further ado, let us begin.

1. Its origins
   I have already told you that it is the University of Oxford that offers the scholarship. However, there is more you should know. Rhodes Scholarship was founded in the year 1902 and is named after a mining magnate and politician, Cecil John Rhodes. It is global in character and is offered to any student across the globe who is interested in studying at Oxford. Note, however, that it is a postgraduate scholarship. Ever since its foundation, its application process has only become more rigorous and cut-throat.

2. Coverage
   It is not easy pursuing education abroad, especially in places such as the United Kingdom. The University of Oxford, in itself, is an expensive affair without any financial assistance so Rhodes Scholarship comes as a huge sigh of relief. Those who win the scholarship are offered handsome assistance. It covers the entire expenses associated with studying and living, and it does that for two years of stay at the university. The aid includes living allowance, travel allowance, access to various institutional programs, socialization with international students, and tuition and admission fees. So, all in all, you are fully covered under the Rhodes Scholarship program.

3. Eligibility criteria
   This is one area where most students make mistakes. Without careful perusal of the eligibility criteria, you should not apply for a scholarship – and we are talking about Rhodes Scholarship here! Note that this scholarship is awarded to talented applicants from 23 constituencies, and each constituency will have different eligibility criteria. It is generally suggested that applicants should apply from a single constituency only and not apply from multiple constituencies as such a tactic decreases the chances of a win. Not just that, once you have successfully applied and won the scholarship, you will have to apply for admission at the University of Oxford and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility criteria over there. Just be aware that you should be a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 25 to be able to apply for this scholarship.

4. You will need referees
   Just like any other scholarship program, you will need referees here as well. However, you might end up needing as many as 8 referees. The number aspect is determined constituency-wise so you will have to check requirements at your level. Most constituencies require that there should be a minimum of 3 referees who are teachers or professors. These individuals should offer a deep insight into your overall personal and achievements and how your credentials are befitting the requirements of the scholarship program. The referee reports have to be detailed and carefully customized for the program. Try to get reports from those who have worked closely with you as they should be able to write elaborate reports about you.

5. Be ready for the interview round
   The interview session can be quite nerve-racking because it helps the committee to take the final call on your application. The questions asked during the interview round will attempt to check your presence of mind, academic knowledge in the discipline chosen, critical thinking, your credentials, and will be based on the personal statement you submitted as part of the application. It is required that you brush up on everything that is about you, your academic achievements, current affairs, and discipline. Also, work on your overall presentation as well.