- A Rhodes Scholar is a recipient of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
- The Rhodes Scholarship pays for a student's post-graduation schooling at Oxford University.
- Past Rhodes Scholars include presidents, prime ministers, and more.
What is a Rhodes Scholar?
More than just an academic award
A Rhodes Scholar is a student selected for their academic excellence, character, leadership potential, and commitment to service.
"Becoming a Rhodes Scholar is a significant honor and often opens doors to various opportunities in academia, public service, and leadership roles," says Dave Sherwood, a former Rhodes Scholar and co-founder of BibliU, an e-textbook platform. "Many Rhodes Scholars have gone on to make significant contributions to their respective fields and have become influential figures in society."
The Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship program was established in 1902 through the will of Cecil John Rhodes, an Oxford graduate, politician, and mining magnate. He established the program with the aim of identifying students who could make the world a better place.
"The scholarship is highly competitive and is considered one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world," says Sherwood.
Past Rhodes Scholars have gone on to become presidents, politicians, and world leaders (U.S. President Bill Clinton and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott); Nobel Prize winners (Howard Florey, who discovered penicillin); artists and musicians (Kris Kristofferson and Terrence Malick); and more.
Studies at Oxford University
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world, offering high-performing students the opportunity to attend the University of Oxford and complete a two-year postgraduate degree at no cost. Students have their tuition, housing, and living expenses fully covered and enjoy a variety of other benefits.
The Rhodes Scholarship selection criteria
The original criterion for Rhodes Scholars included:
- Literary and scholastic attainments
- Energy to use one's talents to the full
- Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak, kindliness, unselfishness, and fellowship
- Moral force of character and instincts to lead and to take an interest in one's fellow beings
Literary and scholastic attainments
Rhodes Scholars must meet rigorous requirements, both academically and in their community involvement. Applicants should showcase their academic achievements, including a strong GPA and test scores.
"Rhodes Scholars are very elite students who excel academically," says Diane Barnett, education consultant and admissions counselor at Knovva Academy. "But while academic excellence is the baseline for these students, and it's required to move forward in the process, grades alone are not enough to get accepted as a Rhodes Scholar."
Energy to use one's talents to the fullest
Prospective Rhodes Scholars should show evidence of personal drive, ambition, and commitment. To apply for a Rhodes Scholarship, you'll need your transcript, a passport or birth certificate, an endorsement from your current college or university, at least five referrals, and a full curriculum vitae detailing your academics, leadership positions, jobs, school and community involvement, political activities, and other achievements. You also must submit a personal statement of 750 words or less and an academic statement of study.
Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak
Diane Barnett continues, "Those awarded the scholarship typically have GPAs of 3.85 or higher. And community involvement, service, character, and a spirit of giving back are what set these scholars apart from other post-undergraduate programs.
Kindness, selflessness, and fellowship
Applicants also need to have excelled in an area outside the classroom, such as sports, research, or community involvement. "Students also need to have excelled in an area outside the classroom, such as sports, research, or community involvement," says Barnett.
Moral force of character and instincts to lead
The Rhodes Scholarship program also includes a comprehensive leadership and service program, giving students access to workshops, speakers, and exclusive retreats. Rhodes Scholars also enjoy a wide and prestigious alumni network, which can connect them to jobs and other opportunities while in school and upon graduation.
The impact of Rhodes Scholars
Being a Rhodes Scholar is an honor, but it's also a challenge. As one of the top universities in the world, Oxford's academic programs are rigorous. In addition to performing well in their academic programs, though, Rhodes Scholars are also expected to stay engaged in their community and be involved in extracurricular activities that broaden their horizons.
"Being a Rhodes scholar comes with high expectations for academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to society," Sherwood says. "Scholars are often expected to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the world, both during their time at Oxford and in their future endeavors."
U.S. Senator Cory Booker, for example, was not only a Rhodes Scholar in the 1990s, but he also served as president of the university's L'Chaim Society. Rhodes Scholar Salim Yusuf participated in a ground-breaking study on myocardial infarctions.
Rhodes Scholarship FAQs
To apply for the Rhodes Scholarship, prepare for a highly competitive process that varies by country. Visit the Rhodes Trust website for specific information on your region's application process and deadlines.
A few benefits of becoming a Rhodes Scholar include full funding for two years of study at Oxford, including tuition, fees, and a stipend for living expenses.
Not everyone can apply for the Rhodes Scholarship. There are specific eligibility requirements, including age and citizenship, which vary by country. Check the Rhodes Trust website for details.
