Background:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Marshall Scholarships were instituted in 1953 by the British government to thank the United States for its involvement in the Marshall Plan and to bring intellectually distinguished young Americans who will be future leaders of this nation, to Great Britain to imbue them with an understanding and appreciation of British social and academic values.<\/p>\n The Scholarship:<\/strong>\u00a0 Forty Americans, selected through regional interviews by an advisory council, are fully funded (living allowance, tuition, books, air transportation, travel) for a two-year period at any university in the United Kingdom. By the time candidates begin studying, they must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college in the United States, be under 26 years old, and have attained a grade-point average after their freshman year of no less than 3.7.<\/p>\n Application:<\/strong>\u00a0 The application consists of a two page information sheet; a short statement (no more than 1000 words) about “academic interests and other pursuits;” a 500-word (maximum) statement about the academic program chosen; an official transcript; and four letters of recommendation plus a university endorsement. Students must identify two United Kingdom universities (a preferred and second choice) where they wish to study.<\/p>\n Who Should Apply:<\/strong>\u00a0 The best candidates are students with clearly defined academic and vocational interests plus a strong record of leadership and activities. They should have researched British universities carefully and have a good reason for pursuing postgraduate education in the United Kingdom. The Marshall Commission seeks people who will make a contribution to the life of a British university and will be future leaders.<\/p>\n