Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships

The Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships are among the most prestigious and competitive academic awards in the world. Beyond funding postgraduate study in the United Kingdom, they represent a commitment to intellectual excellence, leadership through service, and international understanding. These fellowships invest in individuals who will shape the future through scholarship, public engagement, and moral leadership.

Because these awards reflect the values of global citizenship, ethical responsibility, and public purpose, Arizona State University approaches nomination with care and intention. Institutional nomination is not automatic; it signals a collective judgment that a candidate is prepared to represent ASU at the highest level.

ASU has a strong record of success with both scholarships, including Nathaniel Ross (Rhodes Scholar, 2023) and Marshall Scholars Katie Pascavis (2023) and Alexander Sojourney (2021). Each year, ASU nominates a small number of exceptional students and alumni whose accomplishments, character, and aspirations align with the mission of these awards.
 

ASU follows a spring-centered nomination process. Decisions about institutional endorsement are made before summer begins, allowing the summer months to be devoted to focused application preparation for endorsed candidates.

The process has four stages:

1. Intake and Early Advising (February–April)
2. Spring Readiness Review and Endorsement Decision (May 1 deadline)
3. Summer Application Preparation (June–August)
4. Final Review and National Submission (September–October)

This structure emphasizes early readiness, clear expectations, and intensive support where it is most warranted.

Applicants must meet the formal eligibility requirements published by the Marshall Scholarship and the Rhodes Trust. However, institutional endorsement is based on a higher standard than eligibility alone.

Highly competitive candidates will:

• Present a well-researched and academically coherent plan for graduate study in the UK or at Oxford;
• Demonstrate sustained intellectual distinction, leadership, and service;
• Maintain an outstanding academic record in a rigorous curriculum (typically GPA 3.7+ on a 4.0 scale);
• Articulate a clear long-term vision rooted in public purpose; and
• Have cultivated strong relationships with faculty and mentors who can write detailed, comparative letters of recommendation

These awards do not simply seek the “best students,” but individuals of outstanding promise, integrity, and impact.

The timeline below applies primarily to currently enrolled ASU students, including graduating seniors and eligible rising seniors. A limited late-entry pathway exists for eligible alumni.

Step 1: Intake Questionnaire (Opens in February)

Students and alumni interested in the Marshall or Rhodes Scholarships will complete a short intake questionnaire early in the spring semester.

The intake questionnaire:

• Helps assess basic eligibility and award fit;
• Clarifies whether an applicant is better positioned for the upcoming cycle or a future year; and
• Allows ONSA to provide appropriate early guidance.

Completing the intake questionnaire does not constitute an application or a commitment to nominate.

Step 2: Spring Readiness Review (Deadline: May 1)

Students seeking nomination in the upcoming cycle must submit full readiness materials by May 1.

The Readiness Review asks candidates to demonstrate preparedness for a nationally competitive application. Required materials include:

• A résumé or CV;
• Unofficial transcripts;
• A statement outlining academic direction and long-term goals; and
• Information about intended letters of recommendation.

Full details and requirements will be provided to students who have completed the intake questionnaire.

This review is the point at which ASU determines whether it will offer institutional endorsement for the Marshall and/or Rhodes Scholarships. Applicants who are not endorsed at this stage are encouraged to consider other fellowships or to prepare for a future application cycle.

Step 3: Summer Application Preparation (June–August)

Only candidates who receive institutional endorsement proceed to summer advising.

During the summer, endorsed candidates will:

• Work closely with ONSA to develop an application strategy and select UK graduate courses;
• Draft and revise application essays;
• Coordinate with faculty recommenders; and
• Prepare for potential interviews.

Because advising resources are limited, students who are not endorsed do not continue in the Marshall or Rhodes process during the summer.

Step 4: Final Review and National Submission (September–October)

In late summer and early fall, ONSA assists endorsed candidates with final nomination review and submission of applications.

• Early September: Final Nomination Interviews
• Mid-September: Marshall Scholarship national deadline
• Early October: Rhodes Scholarship national deadline

Endorsed candidates transition to interview preparation following submission.

ASU recognizes that alumni may learn about the Marshall or Rhodes Scholarships after the spring semester. In limited and exceptional cases, eligible alumni may be considered for nomination through a late-entry process in early summer.

Late entry is not available to currently enrolled students and is contingent on advising capacity and demonstrated readiness.

Institutional nomination reflects readiness, not potential alone. Students interested in the Marshall or Rhodes Scholarships are strongly encouraged to begin preparing early by cultivating faculty relationships, clarifying academic goals, and engaging in sustained leadership and service.

Questions about the nomination process or eligibility should be directed to [email protected].