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    Getting Started

    Once you’ve identified a program(s) that is a good fit for you, it’s time to put together a strong application! 

    First things, first: closely read the eligibility requirements. Pay special attention to any age, citizenship, or field-specific requirements. If all looks to be in order, take a few moments to plan out your application. While it is imperative to be honest in your materials, as well as adhere to your own moral and ethical boundaries throughout the application process, you are your best advocate, so don't be shy! Pay special attention to and...

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    Preparing a Resume

    Many applications require that you submit a resume. Typically, the resume will be either one or two pages; it is important to adhere to this page limit. Even though you have achieved some incredible things during your time thus far at Harvard, it is important that you tailor your resume to the opportunity at hand. This does not diminish all of your varied experiences, but rather it shows that you really understand the opportunity and can highlight your most relevant qualities and experiences. For example, if you are applying to a high-level research program (ex. Herchel Smith), make sure...

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    Preparing a Budget

    Budgets are typically required for independent research opportunities as well as some post-graduate fellowships. It is important that you think about your whole proposed project and break it down into specific budget items (food, lodging, transportation, etc.) that you expect to pay.

    Questions to consider

    • What do you envision your daily routine to look like?
    • What expenses are necessary for you to complete your project — before and during your experience?
    • Have you already been awarded other funding to cover parts...
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    Writing Application Essays and Personal Statements

    Some applications ask that you write an essay that draws on more personal reflections. These essays, sometimes called Personal Statements, are an opportunity to show the selection committee who you are as a person: your story, your values, your interests, and why you—and not your peer with a similar resume—are a perfect fit for this opportunity. These narrative essays allow you to really illustrate the person behind the resume, showcasing not only what you think but how you think.

    Before you start writing, it’s helpful to really consider the goals...

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    Writing Project Proposals

    Some applications will ask for an essay outlining a proposed project, including details of the design and plan for carrying it out. Remember that your essay is essentially an exercise in expository writing, but with a twist—it also needs to be persuasive.

    As you get ready to write, think about the following questions:

    How will you demonstrate the match between yourself and a particular project?

    • What inspired or motivated you for this project?
    • How are you prepared?
      • Language proficiency?...
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    Writing Research Proposals

    The research proposal is your opportunity to show that you—and only you!—are the perfect person to take on your specific project. After reading your research proposal, readers should be confident that…

    • You have thoughtfully crafted and designed this project;
    • You have the necessary background to complete this project;
    • You have the proper support system in place;
    • You know exactly what you need to complete this project and how to do so; and
    • With this funding in hand, you can be on your way to ...
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    Recommendation Letters

    Recommendation letters are a critical element of every application. They validate the claims you've made as an applicant, providing specific examples and details of your academic accomplishments, personal endeavors, and character. Selection committees rely on them to impartially evaluate your performance and potential to be successful in the opportunity you are pursuing. Good letter-writers are those who know you well enough to provide these assessments with enthusiasm and authenticity.

    Academic letters are typically written by faculty,...

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    Work with Faculty

    Beyond the classroom, faculty members can be important members of your "team." From mentoring research projects to thinking through postgraduate opportunities for study, travel, public service, and more, faculty members can be important resources, mentors, and guides as you think your ideas and options for your time at Harvard and beyond. 

    Getting Started

    office chairFaculty research mentors can advise you on how to get started on doing research, what research actually entails, as well as where and how it happens. Because they have done research as part of their training to become faculty and are still actively engaged in the work...

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    Identifying and Contacting Faculty Mentors

    Identifying Faculty Mentors

    First, reflect on your interests.
    Want to do research but don’t know where to start? Consider specific topics, people, events, places and things you are curious about. What do you feel most passionate about? What is exciting to you? Once you’ve reflected on your interests, it’s time to start looking for a mentor who can walk you through the research process or help you identify additional resources for your study.

    Search Department and Faculty Research Profile pages or through pages of research programs....

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    Preparing for the First Meeting

    Your first meeting with a potential research mentor is an opportunity for you to learn more about a faculty members research interests, ongoing projects, any collaborators or graduate students or other faculty they work with, and what expertise and guidance they may give you in a potential research project. For the potential faculty mentor, the first meeting is a time for them to learn more about you, your motivations, your intellectual interests, and how they can be most helpful to you. Before you head into your first meeting with a potential faculty mentor, consider the following...

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    Setting Expectations for Working Together

    When working with faculty, either on their projects or on your own independent project, it is important that you and the faculty member clarify the ground rules for working together.

    Consider the following when discussing expectations:

    • Communication: What is the best way to communicate about the project? What mode or combination of modes is preferred (in-person, email, Zoom, phone)? How often will you communicate about a project? Can check-ins be regularized?
    • Duration of work together:...
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    Maintaining Mentee/Mentor Relationships

    Communicate regularly. Whether you are serving as a mentee for a semester-long project or are pursuing a long-term independent study under their guidance for your thesis, communicate about what is going well and what is not.

    Be respectful of time and come prepared to check-in meetings. Know that both you and your mentor may have only a limited time to discuss progress, goals or other concerns. It can be helpful to prepare a short list (2-4 items) that you’d like to discuss or ask for guidance on.

    Be flexible. There...

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    Alex G. Booth Fellowship

    DEADLINE:
    Applications due: Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 11:59pm via CARAT

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION:
    The Booth Fellowship helps to defray the cost of travel and associate project expenses for an experience related to an intellectual field of interest. Eligible projects may be academic in nature (enrollment in an academic program or research) or may allow for learning in a less academic setting (an internship, service project, or travel experience). Proposals may be for any length of time up to 12 months, in any location domestic or international, within GSS guidelines.Please note: these opportunities are subject to the Harvard travel regulations and may need to be altered according to current travel guidance.
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