Scholars Application Resources

ORSG Scholar Application Workshops

See the information below from previous years to get an idea of the type of information included in the summer opportunity application workshop and the graduate opportunities workshop:

For more information and requests for accommodations contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator.

Application Workshop Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the ORSG Application Workshops is for students to learn more about all Sea Grant opportunities (including mentoring and professional development), get advice and tips on application materials, and hear from recent scholars and fellows about their experiences in the program. For those interested, there will also be time to work on application materials in breakout groups with Oregon Sea Grant representatives and current scholars. In this second year of the workshop series, sessions are conducted virtually on Zoom.

Oregon Sea Grant Scholar Program’s Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment

The Oregon Sea Grant Scholars Program remains focused on broadening participation through thoughtful recruitment and transparent review processes. Our intent is to be inclusive of all interested and eligible applicants from various backgrounds with unique lived experiences, skills and interests; including applicants that may have had fewer opportunities in the marine policy field.

Tips for Application Components

  • Ask questions: Reach out for tips on the application process and get connected to an alum who may be able to answer your questions.
  • Use the entire application: Use the CV, letters of recommendation, and other materials to illustrate how you align with the fellowship goals. Draw on your academic and professional accomplishments, as well as your life experience.
  • Be authentic: This is your application. Let your character and goals be the focus.
Personal Statements
  1. Follow the directions and answer all the questions.
  2. Share your passion. Why is this opportunity a great fit for you? Don't use canned language.
  3. Expand on the experiences listed in your resume/CV and give real examples from your past.
  4. Be specific about your goals for the future and how this opportunity will help.
  5. PROOFREAD! Carefully review all of your written materials (check for correct grammar, typos!).
Letters of Recommendation
  1. Be strategic about who you ask (people who know you; 1 academic and 1 boss/mentor/coach/etc.)
  2. Ask, "Can you write me a strong letter?"
  3. Provide materials to letter writers
    • Bullet points on the opportunity
    • Bullet points on why you are a good fit
    • Different info for different writers.
  4. Give your letter writers LOTS of lead time
  5. Send reminders - 2 weeks ahead and 2 days ahead

Sample Resumes and CVs (from OSU's Career Development Center)

Interviews
  1. Ask for the interview questions ahead of time
  2. Ask who will interview you (then Google them)
  3. Figure out the technology, practice it ahead of time
  4. Practice standard questions (elevator speech)
  5. Use professional demeanor - eye contact, no fidgeting
  6. Pay attention to time so you can answer questions completely
How your application is reviewed

Reviewers typically evaluate applications based on a set of weighted criteria centered around the fellowship priorities and application requirements. These criteria are often listed in the NOFO or RFA. We receive hundreds of applications. Here are some things about the review process.

  • Three trained reviewers are assigned to each application
  • The reviewers use a weighted scoring rubric
  • Reviewers advocate for their best candidates
  • The top 20 candidates interview two times via Zoom
  • Sea Grant and the hosts agree on the best match. Then an offer is made.