Tips for All Students:
Work closely with your faculty representative (FacRep). Ask them for feedback
on your short essay answers and essay.
Articulate a career "path" or field (though not necessarily a specific profession).
Even if you don't know exactly what you want do do, be clear about what issues you want to work on and
use the application to show readers how you're preparing yourself to make an impact.
Tell a cohesive "story" beginning with the career goal statement and supported by
activities, research, jobs/internships, transcripts, letters, and the essay.
Use the short essay answers to demonstrate your commitment to environmental issues,
tribal public policy, or Native health care.
Demonstrate a desire for problem-solving or consensus-building. Convince the readers
that you're going to make a difference.
Illustrate your leadership potential. The readers will look for students who can
motivate others, bring people together, take initiative, and implement practical solutions.
Request your transcripts well in advance. Remember that you'll also need to submit
transcripts from any colleges or universities that you attended before your current school (except
for courses taken during high school).
Briefly identify and explain any activities or honors that readers are unlikely to understand.
Alert the Foundation to any unusual circumstances or hardship that may have affected your academic performance
or limited your activities.
Research Congressman Udall's life and legacy. For the essay, choose a speech or piece of legislation that
clearly relates to your interests and career goals.
Limit your answers to the space provided on the application. Do not recreate the application, alter the format,
or attach additional pages. Altered or recreated applications and attachments will be deemed ineligible and will not be evaluated
by the selection committee.
Be sure that your application is easy to read and free of grammatical and typographical errors. Handwritten
applications will not be accepted.
Submit all necessary materials to your faculty representative by the campus deadline. The Foundation must
receive the complete application by March 2, 2011. Your
campus will probably have an earlier deadline.
Tips for Students Applying in the Tribal Public Policy or
Native Health Care Categories:
Clearly explain how you plan to use your education and experiences to benefit your
tribe or Native Americans in general.
Demonstrate your involvement and interest in tribal communities. You may take your
participation in cultural events, volunteer work, or other activities for granted, but all of these
activities illustrate your commitment.
Ask for a letter from a tribal leader or professional who can attest to your involvement
with your tribe or Native American organizations, in addition to letters from professors who can attest
to your academic performance and professional potential.
Read carefully the eligibility and documentation requirements for applicants in these
categories.
Ask alumni about the application process or about their
experience as a Udall Scholar.