Frequently Asked Questions

Application Materials
How long should my resume be?
What types of experiences and activities should I put on my resume?
Do I need to send an official transcript?
What if I have attended more than one university- should I send all the transcripts?
Is it okay to go over the word limit for the essays?
Who should write my letter of recommendation?
What should the letter of recommendation cover?
How many letters should I send and is there a maximum number?
How should my letter of recommendation be sent?

International Student Applicants
Can I be accepted to the Washington, D.C. program even though I am an international student?
Is there a special deadline for international students?
If I am an international student but already studying at a university in the U.S., do I need to apply by the international student deadline?
Is there scholarship funding available for international students?
I am an international student but do not have a passport yet- should I leave that question blank?
Do I need to send proof of English proficiency?

Scholarship Application
How are scholarship awards determined?
What do I need to submit if I am applying for a scholarship?
Can I request scholarship funding after submitting the rest of my application?
Where do I access my Student Aid Report (SAR)?
I have not received my SAR for the 2009 school year; can I send the one from 2008?
My parents don't claim me as a dependent on their tax return- should I send my own instead?
I didn’t complete a FAFSA, but instead receive merit based scholarship funding – should I send proof of all grants and scholarships that I received for the current school year?
Can I use my existing financial aid package to pay for the TFAS summer or semester programs?

Technical Problems
If I have trouble uploading a document, what should I do?
I can’t access the Apply Yourself system pop-ups on my computer, what should I do?
How do I submit my online application?

LIVE
Where will I live?
How will I get to Washington?
Do I have to live in Student housing?
Can I bring my car?
What is it like to live in Washington, D.C.?
How will I get around in Washington without a car?
Do I need to bring my computer?
What should I bring?
Does the program include meals?
Is medical care available?
How much money should I bring?
Should I open a checking account in DC?

LEARN
Do I have to take the classes?
Will I receive credit for the classes?
Will I receive a transcript?
How should I dress?
How much will my books cost?
Are classes, site briefings and lectures mandatory?
How busy is the schedule?
What if my school's schedule prevents me from arriving by the start of the program?
Is The Fund for American Studies part of Georgetown University?

INTERN
Can I receive credit for the internship?
How will my internship be determined?
When will I find out about my internship placement?
Can I find my own internship?
Are the internships paid?
What if I want to intern for a member of Congress?
What will I do as an intern?
How will I get to my internship?
How should I dress?

DEADLINES AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION

What are the application deadlines?
Spring Semester Programs
Early Deadline: October 1
International Student Deadline: October 15
Final Deadline: November 1

Fall Semester Programs
Early Deadline: March 1
International Student Deadline: April 1
Final Deadline: June 1

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What is the benefit of applying for the early deadline?
Admissions and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis with priority consideration given to students applying for the early deadline. Additionally, students completing their applications for the early deadline will receive a 5% discount on their tuition balance.

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Is there a GPA requirement?
While there is no formal GPA requirement, the admissions committee typically looks for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Qualified candidates are well-rounded students who demonstrate ambition, academic ability, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. Weakness in GPA can often be compensated for with a strong resume, good recommendations, and well-written essays.

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What are my chances of being accepted?
The admissions process is competitive. Students with strong academic and extracurricular records have a good chance of being admitted. Accepted students come from a broad variety of schools, backgrounds, and academic majors. Qualified candidates are well-rounded students who demonstrate ambition, academic ability, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. Since the class sizes are fixed, rates of admission are dependent on the size of the applicant pool, which varies from year to year. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with students who apply early given preference in admissions, scholarship awards, and internship placement.

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What year should I be in school?
Sophomores and juniors are the ideal candidates for admission, as they generally have a sufficient academic background to handle the coursework offered in the Institutes. However, each year we accept a limited number of freshmen and seniors. Because the program is very rigorous, we look for freshmen with both outstanding academic records and good time-management skills. Graduating seniors are required to take the mandatory classes associated with the program even if they no longer need the credit. No classes can be taken for pass/fail credit. We look for seniors who are fully committed to all aspects of the program.

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Do all of my materials need to be submitted at the same time?
No. A student’s online application may be submitted before or after the student’s supplemental materials are received. Students may also send materials in different packages – all materials will be added to the student’s file as they are received. A student’s application will not be considered complete, however, until all application materials are received. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all materials have been received.

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Is the whole application due at the deadline or just the online portion?
Yes. The entire application is due at the deadline. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline and all supplemental materials must be received by the deadline to qualify.

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If items are postmarked by the deadline, will they still be accepted?
No. All materials must be received by the deadline to qualify.

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How should I send my supplemental materials, by mail or fax?
The student’s official transcript must be mailed in a sealed envelope from the student’s home university. All other materials may be sent via mail, fax or through the online application system.

Official transcripts should be sent by mail to:
(Acronym of Preferred Institute Applying To) Admissions Committee
The Fund for American Studies
1621 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Other application materials can be sent by fax to: (202) 318-0441 or be scanned and sent via email to admissions@tfas.org

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What is the fee for applying?
There is a $45 non-refundable application fee for each Washington, D.C. program.

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How do I pay the application fee?
The application fee may be paid online using a credit card at the time of submission of the online application. The system will prompt applicants to select a method of payment after hitting the “submit” button. The application fee may also be paid by check mailed to The Fund for American Studies, marked Attn: (Student’s Preferred Institute). The check should indicate the name of the applicant and institute to which he or she is applying.

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I am applying to more than one program; do I have to choose a preference?
Yes. Students are welcome to apply to more than one institute, but acceptance will only be offered to one institute at a time. Students will be considered for their preferred institute first, so they must select a preference.

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When will I be notified of my admission status?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions decisions are made within three weeks after the application is marked complete. International student admissions decisions are made within five weeks after the application is marked complete. Applicants will be notified by email and regular mail of their admissions decision. Applicants may also check their admission status online using their online application pin and password. Applications that are missing documents will not be reviewed, so students are encouraged to check online to verify that their materials have been received.

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Application Materials

How long should my resume be?
Resumes should be one-page in length. Detailed instructions, tips, institute-specific guidelines, and a sample resume can be found in the online application system under Downloadable Forms.

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What type of experiences and activities should I put in my resume?
It is important to include professional experience as well as campus and volunteer activities. Resumes will be used in the admissions process and will be sent to potential internship sites. Students may refer to the Resume Guide available in the Downloadable Forms section of the application system for further tips on writing a resume.

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Do I need to send an official transcript?
Yes. An official transcript is required in order for an application to be considered complete. Students are also required to upload an unofficial transcript into the online application. The transcript must be sent in a sealed envelope from the home university.

Official transcripts should be sent by mail to:
(Acronym of Preferred Institute Applying To) Admissions Committee
The Fund for American Studies
1621 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

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What if I have attended more than one university – should I send all the transcripts?
If a student’s grades from past universities attended are not on their current institution’s transcript, then they should send the transcripts from all universities previously attended.

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Is it okay to go over the word limit for the essays?
It is fine to go slightly over the word limit, but please do not upload lengthy documents.

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Who should write my letter of recommendation?
One letter of recommendation from a professor, dean or advisor is required. Any additional letters may be from a former or current supervisor. Letters from family members or friends should not be included.

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What should the letter of recommendation cover?
The letter of recommendation should include information on what makes the applicant a strong candidate for admission to an academic internship program in Washington, D.C. The recommender should comment on the student’s academic performance, time management skills, leadership potential as well as maturity.

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How many letters should I send and is there a maximum number?
Applicants are required to send only one letter of recommendation. Any additional letters received will be added to the applicant’s file.

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How should my letter of recommendation be sent?
The letter of recommendation may be sent through the online application system by the recommender or sent via mail or fax.

Recommendations can be sent by mail to:
(Acronym of Preferred Institute Applying To) Admissions Committee
The Fund for American Studies
1621 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

Recommendations can be sent by fax to: (202) 318-0441

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International Student Applicants

Can I be accepted into the Washington, D.C. programs even though I am an international student?
Yes. We do accept a limited number of international students each year. Because there are limited spaces, the application process is very competitive.

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Is there a special deadline for international students?
The international student deadline for summer programs is January 15, 2010. Those interested in the spring semester program must submit their application by October 15, 2010. Those interested in the fall semester program must submit their application by April 1, 2010.

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If I am an international student but already studying at a university in the U.S., do I need to apply by the international student deadline?
International students already studying in the U.S. may apply after the international student deadline. However, students applying for restricted scholarship funding specifically available to international students, must apply for the international student deadline in order to be considered.

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Is there scholarship funding available for international students?
Yes. There is limited scholarship funding available to international students. Alumni of TFAS international programs will receive priority admissions and scholarship consideration. International students must apply for the international student deadline in order to be considered for funding.

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What if I am an international student but do not have a passport yet – should I leave that question blank?

I am having trouble uploading a document, what should I do?
All required writing samples and an unofficial transcript must be uploaded into the application system. All technical difficulties should be directed to the Apply Yourself technical support by clicking on the appropriate link within the system.

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I can’t access the Apply Yourself system pop-ups on my computer, what should I do?
Apply Yourself utilizes pop-up windows in order to provide instructions and notify the user of any errors. It is recommended that applicants configure their computers to allow all pop-ups from the Apply Yourself online application system.

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How do I submit my online application?
Once the application has been completed it may be submitted by clicking on the “submit” button at the top right of the screen. The system will provide details on any required questions that were not answered. Please note – The Fund for American Studies Admissions Committee will not have access to any information entered into the online system until applicants hit the submit button. Once the application has been submitted, no changes to the online application may be made.

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LIVE

Where will I live?
Students are matched with roommates of the same sex and are housed together in a furnished residential building in Washington, D.C. The building is convenient to public transportation. The living environment is conducive to fostering discussion among students and to building a sense of community.

As Georgetown students, Institute participants have full access to the many amenities of Georgetown University including the gymnasium, library, and free transportation to/from campus.

How will I get to Washington?
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Washington, D.C. Three major airports, an Amtrak station, and a bus station service the city.

Do I have to live in Student housing?
Students are encouraged, but not required, to live in the Student apartments. Living in the student housing provides convenience and saves time in a very busy schedule. Moreover, living together in student housing helps to facilitate interaction among students, which is an important goal of the program.

Can I bring my car?
Students are discouraged from bringing their cars. Parking on the street is limited to two hours for non-residents of the city. Short-term students are not eligible for resident parking stickers in the city. Student apartments are close to a subway station.

What is it like to live in Washington, D.C.?
Washington is a very livable city that is world-famous for its handsome architecture, stunning vistas and colorful landscape, as well as its world-class cultural attractions. Besides numerous monuments and landmarks, Washington is home to more than 90 museums and public galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. The Smithsonian comprises 16 museums, art galleries, and the National Zoo, all of which are free to the public. With its vibrant theater and music scene, Washington is second only to New York in number of public performances of the arts.

How will I get around in Washington without a car?
The Washington area is served by one of the most efficient, clean and safe transportation systems in the world. You can take the subway or a bus to locations throughout the city of Washington, DC, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you plan to take the metro, (which most students will have to do to get to their internship and special events) you should budget approximately $20-$30 per week for commuting costs. A free Georgetown University bus provides transportation between Capitol Hill and the main campus.

Do I need to bring my computer?
Student rooms are equipped for computer hook-ups. Many students set up email accounts when they arrive on campus through such free email providers as hotmail. The courses do not require extensive word processing or other assignments that make a computer a necessity.

What should I bring?
You must provide your own linens, towels, pillows, and all bath amenities. You may bring a computer, television or stereo if you desire. Laundry facilities are located in the building.

In packing clothes, be prepared for weather that can vary dramatically during the semester. January through March can be cold and snowy, and early spring can be quite warm. Early Fall is typically warm, but the weather turns cold by November. In class you may dress casually, but at internships and most Institute functions, professional dress is required. While dress codes vary from office to office, typically men wear coats and ties, while women wear dresses, skirts, or dressy slacks.

Does the program include meals?
Students are responsible for their own meals during the program. There are grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance of the student apartments, and cooking facilities are available in each apartment.

Is medical care available?
The medical facility at Georgetown University is open to all students with an I.D. card. A full range of primary health care services are accommodated by appointment. Urgent cases are accommodated during office hours and after hours are referred to the Emergency room at Georgetown University Hospital. The Student Primary Care Clinic Charges for all services. Student's insurance companies are billed first, and balances are billed to students. For information on purchasing student insurance, please call 202-687-4883. For international students, you are required to have health insurance, and may purchase it in your country or in the US. One website you may want to visit is www.gatewayplans.com.

How much money should I bring?
Please plan to bring enough money to cover meals, entertainment and transportation costs, incidental expenses, and whatever souvenir shopping you might want to do. A rough estimate of what a typical student spends is $125 per week.

Should I open a checking account in DC?
For students who wish to open a bank account, there are numerous bank braches in the Union Station/Capitol Hill area.

LEARN

Will I receive credit for the classes?
Most universities accept transfer credit from Georgetown University, however students are encouraged to check with their registrar or dean about the credit transfer policy. Institute classes will often satisfy a requirement within one's major, but may also be used as electives.

Will I receive a transcript?
Grade reports will be sent to all students, and official Georgetown University transcripts may be obtained through the university registrar.

How should I dress?
The dress code for class is casual, but professional attire is required for internships, site briefings, and guest lectures.

How much will my books cost?
Books generally cost about $175, but students can often share a set of books.

Are classes, site briefings and lectures mandatory?
We fully expect each student to attend every academic and extra-curricular session, complete all reading assignments, participate actively in class discussions, and show respect and consideration to fellow Institute participants, faculty, and guest lecturers. Students are also expected to adhere to scheduled internship hours and complete all internship assignments.

How busy is the schedule?
The schedule is rigorous and designed to give students a rich immersion in education, politics, and government - the true Washington experience of a lifetime. Days are long, and free time is limited mostly to the late evenings and weekends. During program, you will have an intense internship, course, and lecture schedule, so be prepared to be busy. Because of the limited duration and intensive schedule of the Institute, we highly discourage long distance travel by participants or visits from friends or relatives during the program.

What if my school's schedule prevents me from arriving by the start of the program?
The program director will on occasion allow students to miss a few days of the Institute. However, because of the fast pace of the program, late arrivals are discouraged. Students must contact the program director to obtain approval for a late arrival.

Is The Fund for American Studies part of Georgetown University?
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is an independent nonprofit organization that has been an academic partner of Georgetown University for more than 30 years. TFAS employs Georgetown professors, and contracts for classroom space with the university. However, TFAS is not part of Georgetown and has no connection to the Georgetown graduate or undergraduate admissions offices. Participants are enrolled as Georgetown students for the semester.

INTERN

Can I receive credit for the internship?
Six credits will be granted for the internship seminar. This interactive seminar will enhance the D.C. experience and provide professional skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. Transferring this credit is based on the student’s home institution. Students must make arrangements through their registrar’s office for further details as each school has a different policy concerning internship credit.

How will my internship be determined?
Accepted students will complete a detailed internship questionnaire through which they can indicate interests, skills and preferences. Institute staff will use this information to match students with prospective intern sites. A student’s resume, writing sample, recommendation letter and transcript may be sent to potential internship supervisors during the matching process. If students are unsure about the type of internship they want, they are encouraged to contact the Institute staff for advice.

When will I find out about my internship placement?
The internship placement process can take several months from the time a student completes their enrollment. This process can be lengthy as the institute staff waits for sites to finalize their schedules and needs. The earlier a student is admitted to the program, the earlier they are likely to be placed in an internship. Students applying near the final application deadline will likely to be notified of their internship placement less than a month prior to the start of the program. Students have the opportunity to specify a preferred type of organization when filling out the internship questionnaire. However, no specific internship is guaranteed. If students decide to pursue their own internship placement they must notify their institute staff immediately.

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Can I find my own Internship
Yes, students who know where they want to intern or who have contacts in organizations are encouraged to arrange their own internship. However, the Institute staff must approve the internship. If a student is interested in interning in an office of a Member of Congress they should make the initial contact with the senator or congressman. Students should contact their institute staff if they decide to pursue their own internship.

Are the internships paid?
Generally internships are not paid, although some organizations offer a small stipend. Since thousands of interns come to DC each semester, substantial intern positions are very competitive and in high demand. Also, there are many organizations that cannot afford to pay an additional staff member but that offer interns incredible responsibility and significant work experience. Your reward is the contacts, experience, and knowledge you will gain.

What if I want to intern for a member of Congress?
Students who wish to work in Congress are encouraged to make the initial contact with their senators or congressman. In selecting interns, Congressional offices usually give preference to constituents. Approaching your own Representative or Senator will give you an advantage over other applicants. Our staff will work with you throughout this process and will also explore opportunities in other congressional offices.

What will I do as an intern?
Intern responsibilities vary, but all include substantive work, such as conducting research, coordinating events, managing databases, covering congressional hearings, fundraising, participating in direct service, and writing for newsletters or other publications. Students should expect clerical duties as well, such as filing, answering phones, database management or photocopying.

How will I get to my internship?
Students are responsible for getting to and from their internships by using university or public transportation. Directions can easily be found at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website, www.wmata.com.

How should I dress?
Washington is a conservative city when it comes to attire, so students should expect to dress professionally. While dress codes vary from office to office, typically men wear coats and ties, while women wear pantsuits, dresses, skirts, or dressy slacks. Once students’ internships are confirmed, it is encouraged that they contact their internship supervisors for information on the office-specific dress code. Students are required to dress professionally for site briefings and guest lectures but are not required to dress up for class.

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