Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria: you're a U.S. citizen at the time of application, have a B.A. from an accredited four-year U.S. institution not more than 3 1/2 years prior to the first semester of the scholarship, and have a cumulative grade-point average (after freshman year) of at least 3.7.
Keep in mind that the selection committee is looking not only for academic excellence but also for leadership potential, communication skills and ability to strengthen U.S.-British understanding.
Download an application form from the Association of Commonwealth Universities' Web site (www.acu.ac.uk) or get one from your school's Marshall adviser.
Prepare the other materials: a letter of endorsement from your university or employer, a 500-word outline of your proposed plan of study, a 1,000-word personal essay, four recommendation letters (at least two of which should be academic), and a college transcript.
Notify professors, teaching assistants and employers well ahead of time for any letters of recommendation you need from them.
Prepare any further materials requested on the application form.
Visit the official Web site (marshallscholarship.org) to find the address of your regional office.
Send the materials to the appropriate regional office by the October deadline. Apply well before the application deadline to avoid being too late.