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Thank you for taking the time to write a letter of recommendation for a nationally competitive scholarship application. Yours is a valuable contribution to this formative process and we appreciate your advocacy on behalf of the applicant.
Please be aware, it is a matter of NCS policy that applicants must waive their right to see your letter of recommendation. We also cannot accept letters authored by applicants; the endorsement must be from the letter-signer.
At any time in the process, from brainstorming the first draft to finalizing your letter, we are delighted to help. Please contact ncs-ousf@duke.edu if you would like to discuss further or for questions or concerns
| Criteria |
The Scholarship is awarded each year to one American student who exemplifies the core values embodied by its namesake:
In addition to their academic qualifications, awardees demonstrate strong character, instincts to lead, and commitment to both local and global communities. |
| Endorsement Required? | Yes. This is a multi-stage process. |
| Number of Recommendation Letters | 3 total, two of which must be academic in nature. |
| Stage | Description | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement Application Deadline |
NCS will convene a faculty committee to decide which applicant will go forward to compete at the national level. | November 1 |
| Endorsement Decisions Announced | Mid-November | |
| National Deadline | OUSF will transmit all the application materials, including letters of recommendation, to the national foundation. | November 30 |
FAQs
For the Endorsement Round: Submit your letter by email to ncs-ousf@duke.edu
For the National Round: NCS will transmit the application materials for the endorsed candidate, you will not need to resubmit your letter.
Please address your letter to the “Michel David-Weill Selection Committee”
- How does the applicant meet the Michel David-Weill criteria? What is outstanding about their scholarship, leadership, and/or character?
- Why is Science-Po the best place for them to study?
- How does their study plan fit into their future ambitions?
- What examples can you share that illustrate your strong endorsement for the candidate?
- How does this applicant compare to other people you have taught/supervised?
Applicants are instructed to let you know as soon as they learn the decision of the campus endorsement committee. Endorsements are usually made by NCS in mid-November.