Every year, a small handful of Hopkins students take the plunge and apply for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, which pays for two years of study at Oxford University in England. The process is arduous and time-consuming, and includes compiling up to eight recommendation letters, writing a 1,000-word essay and going through countless mock interviews in preparation for the final stages.
Only 32 out of the applicant pool of 904 of the best and brightest America has to offer actually end up receiving an award. The chances of winning can often seem pretty close to impossible.
"You really have to believe in yourself. You have to think you can do great things and no one can get in your way," said Dean of Academic Advising John Bader, who typically advises Rhodes applicants from Hopkins.
This year, Hopkins had four students complete the application process for the Rhodes. Only senior Christopher Watson was able to make it to the final round of interviews and none of them was lucky enough to win the award.
Getting a Rhodes Scholarship is not just a matter of good grades, though they play an important part. Winners must show excellence and achievement in a variety of endeavors. Since there are so many excellent candidates, sometimes it can come down to luck.
"These decisions that they make are not based on a true meritocracy," said Bader. "All four of these kids were fantastic and totally deserving. It's a matter of timing -- sometimes it's a crap shoot," said Bader.
Bader cited several necessary qualities that anyone who wants to apply for a Rhodes must have: confidence, well-roundedness, a good plan and of course, a stellar academic record.
Most of the Rhodes applicants that Bader advises have a GPA of 3.7 or more along with extensive extracurricular activities, community service involvement and a clear plan for advanced academic study. But there is no clear cut-off for who can apply.
"If you're eligible and you want to apply, I will do everything I can to help," said Bader.
Monica Lopez-Gonzales, a senior majoring in cognitive science, was one of four students to apply for a Rhodes this year. Though she didn't win, she said it was still a valuable experience.
"In the essay we had to explain ourselves in a concrete way, so it forced you to really figure out your life goals," she said.
She was also very happy with the help that Hopkins provided.
"Dean Bader was really cool about revising drafts and giving mock interviews. He was really supportive and enthusiastic. He really pushed me," she said.
Watson, a senior majoring in political science and a member of the Hopkins Lacrosse team, was Hopkins' only finalist this year. He applied through the Maryland region, and participated in the interview stage in Washington, D.C.
"The process really makes you think about what you want to do," he said. Watson had been planning to pursue the Philosophy, Politics and Economics degree at Oxford. "I think the candidates they selected were all very qualified."
Watson also appreciated the support from Bader and professor Milton Cummings of the political science department.
Hopkins' last winner of the Rhodes was Wen Shi, a graduate of the class of 2004, who is now pursuing cancer research and working towards a Ph.D. in molecular oncology. Before him, Wesley Moore of the class of 2001 received a Rhodes to study international relations. The last winner from Hopkins before Moore had graduated in 1988.
The Rhodes Scholarship, which was founded in 1902, is awarded to 32 students each year and is among the most sought-after awards in the nation. The award is designed for graduating seniors and provides them with two to three years of study at Oxford in a field of their choice. Former Rhodes Scholars of note include Bill Bradley, Wesley Clark and Bill Clinton.
Students apply through one of eight districts, each comprised of multiple states. They may elect to apply either through the region of their home state or to the region in which their college is located.
The application process typically begins the summer before senior year, where Dean Bader has meetings with prospective applicants. Afterwards, students go through the grueling process of compiling recommendations from professors, employers and friends and working on an essay that is usually revised multiple times. State interviews take place in early December and students who pass must quickly move on to the final stage of district interviews, which take place the following week.
District interviews are usually the most enjoyable and grueling. Students are flown in and given hotel accommodations in the city of their interview, where they have the chance to meet and interact with all the other finalists from their region.
In the evening, all the finalists participate in a dinner with the district selection committee with whom they interact on an informal basis. The following morning, each finalist has their own private interview with the committee where they may be presented with questions on anything from world politics to their specific field of study.
While the process is no cake-walk, most students end up greatly valuing the opportunity. Though it can be heartbreaking, not winning a Rhodes should not prevent any student from pursuing their individual goals or aspirations. Bader said he just wants to help Hopkins students achieve their potential.
"I want to help students realize their dreams," he said.
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