https://hertogfoundation.org/programs/political-studies

Eligibility

Any college or university undergraduate, or very recent graduate (2024 or 2025) not already pursuing an advanced degree, may apply to the Political Studies Program.

Admission is extremely competitive, and every year we decline admission to many highly qualified applicants simply due to lack of space. A typical competitive applicant will have:

• An academic writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s powers of analysis and independent thought, and not only their ability to do scholarly research or comment on a text.
• An undergraduate GPA > 3.5
• A statement of purpose that tells us how the applicant’s interests and ambitions relate to the preferred program. The statement of purpose is very important and deserves careful attention.

Award

Each year, the Hertog Foundation brings together top college students to the nation’s capital to explore the theory and practice of politics in an intensive seminar setting with outstanding faculty. Political Studies Fellows take courses in a wide variety of subjects, from political philosophy to contemporary public affairs, from economics to foreign policy. In the afternoons and evenings, they have the opportunity to hear from leaders in American government and politics.

All fellows receive residential accommodations and a $3,000 stipend to offset travel and living expenses.

Deadline

Applicants who apply by the Early Decision deadline (01/13/25) will receive priority consideration. Early Decision applicants are expected to participate in the fellowship if admitted and to withdraw applications from other opportunities. If not admitted in the Early Decision round, applicants may defer to Final Decision to be reviewed again.

The Final Decision deadline is February 24, 2025.