Interested in graduate school and the Foreign Service?

Originally posted January 1, 2016 Last updated September 6, 2016

Today’s featured fellowship is the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship. It’s a highly competitive fellowship that supports you with graduate school and entry into the U.S. foreign service. Our consultant Kharmika, a graduate of Duke Sanford’s MPP program and a Rangel fellow, provides some tips and insight on applying for the fellowship in this week’s post.

Click here to apply for the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship by September 19, 2016!

Applying for The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship is a great idea for aspiring young professionals interested in helping formulate, promote, and represent U.S. foreign policy abroad.

Am I eligible to apply? 

There is no standard prototype for who should apply to this Fellowship. The Fellowship’s only parameters are that the applicant be a U.S. citizen, have an interest in attending graduate school, and have earned a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher from their undergraduate institution.

A bit of history:

In 2002, Secretary Colin Powell, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, and Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert announced the fellowship and its goals: to promote greater diversity and excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service. Thirteen years later, Rangel Fellows have represented the United States all over the world! The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad. Examples of their work include helping U.S. citizens during an unexpected natural disaster, possessing a mastery of the host country language and traditions, analyzing the local economy for potential U.S. investment, promoting American culture and values to a foreign audience, and issuing visas for tourism or education in the United States.

What’s included in the Fellowship?

In 2016, the Rangel program will reward 30 competitive applicants up to $47,500 annually to support attendance at premier graduate schools across the country. Rangel Fellows are expected to obtain a masters degree in a subject relevant to the work of the Foreign Service. Many Rangel Fellows have obtained masters degrees in international relations, foreign languages, economics, public policy, or business administration. The Rangel Program approves the school of choice and Rangel Fellow is expected to maintain a 3.2 cumulative GPA throughout the program. Over the next two years, Fellows also participate in professional development activities and gain hands-on experience through interning on Capitol Hill and overseas at a U.S. Embassy.

What happens after I’ve completed the Fellowship?

Rangel Fellows not only have to maintain a 3.2 GPA, obtain a graduate degree, and complete the internships; they also have to meet Foreign Service entry requirements. Rangel Fellows are required to obtain medical, suitability, and security clearances. He or she must also be committed to serving at least five years in the Foreign Service. Rangel Fellows who achieve all the Rangel Program requirements and meet the Foreign Service entry requirements will receive prestigious appointments as Foreign Service Officers.

The basics of the online application (and what makes a good applicant):

Competitive applicants are those that have demonstrated strong leadership skills and are able to convey these skills in their application. As a note, extracurricular, community, or volunteer activities that show a commitment to public service and social causes are important to highlight. Here are the components of the application taken from the Rangel Fellowship application requirements page (which can also be seen by clicking on this link):

• Background information (e.g., name, contact information, international travel).
• A personal statement (in 600 words or less) that discusses the applicants’ reasons for applying, interest in foreign affairs, commitment to pursue a Foreign Service career and any relevant experience or information.
• A statement (in 400 words or less) from the applicant that discusses his/her need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, including an explanation of:
  1. The financial assistance received during undergraduate studies
  2. Overall education-related debt
  3. Ability/plans to pay for graduate school independently
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • One from a faculty member
  • One from a community leader or other individual who can comment on the applicant’s non-academic accomplishments and his/her potential
  •  Note: In the online application, applicants will identify recommenders, who will be contacted by the program and asked to submit letters electronically. Below is a copy of the recommendation letter for your reference only.
    1. Recommendation Form
• Proof of U.S. citizenship with a copy of: (choose one)
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of U.S. citizenship
  • U.S. passport
  • (Note: This should be uploaded in easy to read PDF format.)
  • ** Applicants are required to bring originals to the interview, if selected as a finalist.
• Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
  • (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using either Word or PDF format.)
• GRE or GMAT Scores (copy of report sent to student)
  • (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using either Word or PDF format.)
• Official Financial Aid Statement from your senior year, if you received financial aid.
  • (Note: Applicants will upload this into the application using either Word or PDF format. If you did not receive financial aid, you do not have to submit this.)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended for credit. Please use university-generated transcripts. An official transcript would be best; a student copy is acceptable if it is in the format of an official transcript. If you are selected for an interview, you will have to bring an official transcript in a signed, sealed envelope, to the interview.

A few notes about the application:

The personal statement of interest (600 words or less) should be used to illustrate your motivation to join the Foreign Service and skills related to work in the Foreign Service. This is the ‘why me?’. The decision makers are looking for someone who will promote the mission of the Rangel Fellowship and the U.S. Foreign Service, and someone who can layout a vision for their future in a persuasive way. Academic achievement is also important. Include academic awards, achievements, and milestones you have achieved in your academic and professional career. Financial assistance is considered for the Fellowship. The selection panel is interested in backgrounds that show a financial need in order to attend graduate school. The Rangel Program also encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service. Do not concern yourself with trying to be a standout applicant by including information you think the selection panel will want to hear. It is far more important to concisely, yet authentically, create a narrative about yourself that explains why you want to join the Foreign Service and what you have done in your life that shows this. The selection committee is primarily concerned with picking applicants that represent the dynamism and diversity of the United States.

What I gained from the Rangel Fellowship:

The most rewarding part of being a Rangel Fellow is being a part of an accomplished and down-to-earth cohort of people with shared interests in social causes, global connectedness, and foreign policy. The mentorship that I have received during my time as a Fellow and after has helped me keep important values at the forefront while working everyday to be the best version of myself regardless of the challenges I face. The Rangel Fellowship has also inspired me to serve in a mentorship capacity to others that come after me. I hope to see you among the names who’ve received the fellowship!