Why would you encourage your students to enter some of the most competitive scholarships in the world?

A Rhodes Scholarship is a truly amazing opportunity for talented few who are selected each year. But there are many benefits for those who apply but don’t ultimately make it to Rhodes House in Oxford.

‘It’s challenging and highly competitive but it’s a hugely rewarding experience,’ says Louise Dearnley , Deputy Warden for Selection & Scholar Affairs at The Rhodes Trust, which offers the Scholarship. ‘Students tell us they gain a lot from this process – they learn a lot about themselves.’

Dhvani Mehta National Secretary for the India Rhodes Scholarship describes how ‘The process of applying to the scholarship can encourage students to become more well-rounded, have a higher sense of self-worth, and equip them better for learning and employment opportunities almost anywhere in the world.’

Babs Wise, Barbara H. M. Wise who for nearly two decades ran Duke University’s Office of University Scholars and Fellows in the United States, supporting winners of Rhodes and other prestigious global scholarships:

‘Why would I encourage a student to think about these things and to really go for some of these high power, competitive awards like the Rhodes?’ asks Babs. ‘The answer really is the direct benefit to the student.

‘What you have to do in a Rhodes or any other Scholarship process is to think deeply about yourself – do some real deep self-reflection. It is the job of the staff and faculty to guide that reflection and help the student reflect on different things.

‘They need to be able to say who they are. What drives them. What’s the difference that they want to make in this world and how the heck are they going to get there?

She adds: ‘This process involves conversations along the way. Faculty need to be talking to their students and be asking questions such as “Who are you?”, “Why are you interested in these kinds of things?”, “What mark do you want to leave on the world”.

‘If we ask these questions I really do think that magic can happen to these students.’

How does your institution help students on their voyage of self-discovery?

Find out more about the wealth of benefits students will gain from undertaking the application process for the Rhodes and other competitive scholarships.