TIPS FOR APPLICANTS
(1) Know where your interests lie. If you don’t have a good answer to the question: “Why do I want to reach fluency or competency in a foreign language?” then you may not be ready for the enrichment opportunity provided by the Dring Language Fellowship.
(2) Find out what tried-and-true language programs would be a good fit for you.
(3) Print out and carefully read through the “Instructions and Description” and “Application” sections of the Dring website. Ask your language teacher for help if you don’t understand something.
(4) Keep in mind that there are three main things you are asked for in the application:
(1) Know where your interests lie. If you don’t have a good answer to the question: “Why do I want to reach fluency or competency in a foreign language?” then you may not be ready for the enrichment opportunity provided by the Dring Language Fellowship.
(2) Find out what tried-and-true language programs would be a good fit for you.
(3) Print out and carefully read through the “Instructions and Description” and “Application” sections of the Dring website. Ask your language teacher for help if you don’t understand something.
- Compose a first draft of your application using a word processor such as Word. Plan and then carefully type out clear and concise responses to the questions and prompts. Use the spell checker.
- Have a trusted adult review your draft. You should choose someone who will provide honest and helpful feedback.
- Revise and rewrite your responses
- Now you are ready to return to the website and copy your responses into your application. Remember to proofread everything before you click “Submit.” Things like misspellings and sloppiness could eliminate you from consideration.
(4) Keep in mind that there are three main things you are asked for in the application:
- A description of the program you want to be part of. This includes both a 25-word summary in the “Program Summary” section and a comprehensive description in the “Detailed Program Description” section.
- A statement concerning what you hope to accomplish by participating in the program and why this is important to you. Simply saying “I like language L.” or “I want to become fluent in L.” isn’t informative and therefore won’t help the Fellowship Committee see why you are the best candidate for the Fellowship.
- A detailed budget: i.e., an itemized list of the costs associated with your participation in the program. For example, “Program fees, $1,934,” “Round trip airfare, $502,” “Incidentals, $225.”