Frequently Asked Questions
The Julius B. Richmond Fellowship at the Center on the Developing Child is a one-year fellowship which supports the dissertation research of Harvard University doctoral students. It provides students with a $10,000 stipend in support of independent research that aligns with the broader mission of the Center. All Harvard University doctoral students from the biological and social sciences as well as the professional schools are eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting applications for the 2012-2013 academic year was Friday, December 16, 2011. Fellowship awards will be announced in March 2012.
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Answers to some frequently asked questions about the application process are included below.
Applicants are asked to submit 4 copies of the Richmond Fellowship Application Form, a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, an official transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a cover letter. Do I need to submit 4 sealed official transcripts and letters 4 official letters of recommendation?
In all, we should have 4 copies of everything you submit. For transcripts and letters of recommendation, you may submit one official copy and three photocopies of the original.
Is the Richmond Fellowship limited to students who have already passed their qualifying exams?
No, we do not limit the fellowship to students who have passed their exams, although the fellowship is more helpful to students who are ready to engage in the writing phase of their dissertations. Generally, students who apply have already completed their course requirements and are focusing on their research.
One of my mentors is at another university. Would it be okay to get a letter from her, even though she is not a Harvard faculty member?
Your primary mentor for the purpose of this fellowship will need to be a Harvard professor to maximize engagement during the year. Additional references may come from other universities.
What is the format of the 750-word statement (e.g., Times, 12, double-spaced)? Does the word limit include references or can I include those in the endnotes?
You can have your choice of fonts and you can choose to double or single space the statement. The word limit does not include endnotes.
Does the cover letter simply include the contact info of the primary faculty member who will submit a letter of recommendation as well as that of a second person who can provide a reference, or should there be more information included?
In addition to providing us the contact information for your faculty referees, use the cover letter as an opportunity to introduce yourself to us.
Do I have to submit my master’s program and undergraduate transcripts, too?
It is not necessary to submit your master’s program and undergraduate transcripts, although if your master’s degree studies were done at Harvard, they are most likely included in your official transcript.
If my master’s transcript is still on its way and arrives past the deadline, is that permissible?
Yes. Please indicate on the application that your master’s transcript is on its way.
How strict is the 750-word limit on the letter of intent? Will applicants be penalized if they go over by 100 words?
It is permissible to go over the word limit by a small amount, but please do not go over by as much as 100 words.
I am currently in the process of finalizing my doctoral committee, but the members of my committee are not yet official and there is a chance the individuals may change this spring. The committee will, however, be finalized before the start of the fellowship in September. Should I indicate this on the fellowship application, and if so, how?
It is fine to indicate that your committee members have not been finalized. We will, however, need to know the name of your mentor. Use the “NAMES OF ADVISORY/DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS” portion of the application form to indicate this.
What is the address to mail the application?
Richmond Fellowship
Center on the Developing Child
50 Church St., 4th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02138
Can you tell me what the time window is for submitting the application on the due date?
The application is due by 5PM on the deadline date listed on the application.
