Thread by @KeishaBlain

Thread for junior #scholars: I evaluated a lot of fellowship applications this semester & want to make a few observations. I won’t name the fellowships, but they’re among the most competitive in the academy. I want junior #scholars to thrive & hope these tips will help. #academia

First, please communicate with your letter writers. There’s something very odd about reading a proposal that is significantly different from the rec letters. If you’re planning to write three chapters on X, tell your letter writers so they don’t say you’re doing research on Y.

Please proofread your materials. We’re all exhausted and I’m guilty of rushing things too, but try to get a friend or an editor to read everything before you submit your materials. Lots of typos & grammatical errors could really hurt your chances of getting the funding you need.

Please carefully read the requirements. You’ve got to know what you’re applying for. Some fellowships are geared to scholars writing for the public. Make sure you are tailoring your applications accordingly. Or reconsider applying if it’s too much of a stretch.

Please don’t underestimate the bibliography request. Reviewers read them carefully. It’s important to list new and groundbreaking scholarship, but don’t forget the classics/older and pioneering works that have shaped your field or inform your thinking/arguments.

Please make sure you have a clear & compelling writing or research plan for the fellowship year. Saying that you’ll write six chapters in a semester is a red flag. Maybe you can do it if you skip eating and sleeping(!), but it sounds unrealistic.

I’ll end with a reading recommendation. I wrote this article for @insidehighered a few years ago, based on my own experience applying for postdoctoral fellowships. I hope the tips are useful. I’m sure others will chime in too. Best of luck to all!

insidehighered.com/advice/2017/06…