Prepare yourself for a rigorous application process by first making certain that your goals fit with the scholarship's purpose of helping committed change agents in government or public education. Truman scholarship winners go on to received advanced degrees in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Education, Public Policy or International Affairs.
Meet the legal requirements of US citizenship for the scholarship. You must be a full-time junior or senior college student too.
Ask yourself if you have demonstrated involvement in community service, political activities, advocacy groups or related internships. Your college record should show a high grade point average with a strong curriculum. Know that winners must work in public service for three of the first 7 years post-graduation. If you do not do that, you must pay back the scholarship.
Find the faculty representative for your school through the locator tool on the Truman website. You can only apply for a scholarship through a nomination from your Truman faculty representative or Truman nomination committee at your school.
Complete the five-page online application that must include a well-written personal statement that focuses on your passions and achievements in public service. Along with the Institution Nomination form and letter, also send three more letters of recommendation along with your college transcript.
Pay particular attention to completing your policy proposal, which should address a particular issue. Address the proposal to the most appropriate government official. Collect research data describing the problem. Use persuasive arguments for your position with specific recommendations.
Check the application deadline, which is usually in early February. The Foundation announces finalists later that month. After complication a Finalist Confirmation Form, you must undergo a finalist interview. Harry S. Truman scholarship recipients are usually announced by the last week in March.