Frequently Asked Questions
DEADLINES AND APPLICATION SUBMISSION
What are the application deadlines?
What is the benefit of applying for the early or priority deadline?
What if I am a freshman- can I apply for the early deadline?
Which Institute should I apply for?
Is there a GPA requirement?
What are my chances of being accepted?
What year should I be in school?
Do all of my materials need to be submitted at the same time?
Is the whole application due at the deadline or just the online portion?
If items are postmarked by the deadline is that okay?
How should I send my supplemental materials, by mail or fax?
What is the fee for applying?
How do I pay the application fee?
I am applying to more than one program; do I have to choose a preference?
When will I be notified of my admission status?
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?
What 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 2008 school year; can I send the one from 2007?
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 TFAS 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?
What is the weather like in D.C.?
How much money should I bring?
Should I open a checking account in D.C.?
Will I have telephone and cable service?
How will I receive mail?
Who will my roomates be?
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 June 7?
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 internships paid?
What if I want to inten 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?
Summer Programs
Early Deadline: November 30, 2007
International Student Deadline: December 14, 2007
Priority Deadline: January 25, 2008
Final Deadline: February 25, 2008
Spring Semester Programs
Early Deadline: October 1, 2007
International Student Deadline: October 15, 2007
Final Deadline: November 1, 2007
Fall Semester Programs
Early Deadline: March 1, 2008
International Student Deadline: April 1, 2008
Final Deadline: June 1, 2008
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What is the benefit of applying for the early or priority deadline?
Admissions and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis with priority consideration given to students applying for the early and priority deadlines. Additionally, students completing their applications for the early deadline will receive a 5% discount on their tuition balance.
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What if I am a freshman – can I apply for the early deadline?
Freshmen are not eligible to apply for the early deadline or receive the tuition discount because they will not have any undergraduate grades available by the November 30 deadline. Freshmen are welcome to apply for the priority and final deadlines, though preference will be given to sophomores and juniors.
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Which Institute should I apply for?
Students should apply to the Institute whose curriculum and internship placements most closely match their career interests. If students have questions about the various programs or are having trouble selecting a program, please contact our institute staff to discuss them. 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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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, but 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. Admission is done 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.
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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 is that okay?
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
1706 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington , DC 20009
Other application materials can be sent by fax to: (202) 318-0441
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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. Applicants will be notified by and regular mail of their admissions decision. Applicants may also check their admission status online using their Apply Yourself 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 Apply Yourself 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
1706 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, but may not be reviewed.
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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
1706 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?
Yes. The deadline for international applicants is December 14, 2007.
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What 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 restricted 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?
Yes, the question may be left blank. As soon as a passport is obtained, the number must be provided to institute staff.
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Do I need to send proof of English proficiency?
All international students who have previously attended a TFAS international program or are currently studying at a university in the U.S. are not required to send proof of English proficiency. All other students are required to send proof of their proficiency.
Proof of English proficiency may be proved through a TOEFL score or a letter from an English professor attesting to the student’s English proficiency.
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Scholarship Application
How are scholarship awards determined?
Scholarships are awarded based on academic record, extracurricular achievement, leadership ability, and financial need. More than half of all accepted students receive scholarships. Awards are made on a rolling basis, so students needing financial assistance are encouraged to apply early.
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What do I need to submit if I am applying for a scholarship?
Students from the U.S. are required to complete the scholarship portion of the online application including the scholarship statement, as well as send in the appropriate Personal Financial Materials. Details on what materials are required may be found at www.dcinternships.org/images/2008/financial.pdf.
International students applying for a scholarship are required to complete as much of the online scholarship application as possible and MUST submit the scholarship statement.
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Can I request scholarship funding after submitting the rest of my application?
No. Admissions and scholarship decisions are made at the same time, so applicants wishing to apply for funding must complete the scholarship application at the time of submission. If an applicant selects that they would like to apply for a scholarship, their application will not be considered complete or reviewed until the Personal Financial Materials are received. Details on what those materials are may be found at www.dcinternships.org/images/2008/financial.pdf.
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Where do I access my Student Aid Report (SAR)?
The SAR may be accessed through the U.S. Department of Education's website www.fafs.ed.gov or obtained from the student’s home institution’s financial aid office. The individual’s PIN and password are required in order to log-in to the site.
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I haven’t received my SAR for the 2008 school year; can I send the one from 2007?
Yes. It is fine to send the SAR from the 2007 school year.
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My parents don’t claim me as a dependent on their tax return – should I send my own instead?
Yes. The tax return that claims the applicant as a dependent should be sent.
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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?
Yes. Applicants receiving any funding for the current school year, including merit-based or athletic scholarships, must send a copy of their financial aid award summary detailing any grants, loans or scholarships that were received. This does not need to be in a formal letter format, but may be a print-out from a university online system.
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Can I use my existing financial aid package to pay for the TFAS summer or semester programs?
Yes, student loans can often be used to cover the cost of the program, but the loan money must be acquired through a student’s home college or university. The Fund for American Studies or Georgetown University can not certify loans for TFAS students. A student’s home institution must be willing to participate in a consortium agreement in order for university certified loans to be used for the TFAS programs. Students are encouraged to speak with their home institution’s financial aid office early in order to begin this process. If a student is interested in using their existing financial aid package they should contact institute staff and they will be willing to help students with this procedure. Please click here for a copy of the consortium agreement as well as further information on using financial aid packages to pay for TFAS programs.
Please note that the Georgetown University code can not be used to complete the FAFSA.
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Technical Problems
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?
Housing for Institute students is provided in apartment-style units on the campus of Georgetown University or in a residential area of Capitol Hill. All students are matched with roommates of the same sex and are housed together with other TFAS students. Regardless of the location, each apartment has twin-size beds, desks, closets as well as a living/dining area, and a kitchen with stove, refrigerator and freezer. There is at least one full bathroom in each apartment.
All summer institute participants will have full access to the many amenities of Georgetown University regardless of where they live. Those amenities include the gymnasium, library, computer labs and free transportation to/from nearby Metrorail stations during the weekdays.
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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.
Airports that service Washington, DC:
- Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA)
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
- Amtrak station Washington – Union Station, DC (WAS)
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Do I have to live in TFAS housing?
Students are strongly encouraged to live in one of the Institute’s housing options. Living on campus or on Capitol Hill provides convenience and safety. Moreover, living with fellow TFAS students helps to facilitate interaction among other program participants, which is an important goal of the Institutes. If students have a good reason to live off campus, they must contact their Institute staff to discuss and receive permission.
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Can I bring my car?
Students are discouraged from bringing their cars. Parking is not available on campus, and parking on the street is limited to two hours for non-residents of the city. Summer and short-term students are not eligible for resident parking stickers. The university provides free buses to nearby Metrorail stations. If a student does decide to bring their car they are responsible for coordinating parking on their own.
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What is it like to live in Washington, D.C.?
Washington is a fun city that is world-famous for its history, architecture and world-class cultural attractions. Besides numerous monuments and landmarks, Washington is home to more than 90 museums and public galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution ( www.si.edu), the world's largest museum complex. The Smithsonian comprises 19 museums including and the National Zoo ( natzoo.si.edu), and are all 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. For more information about the city, visit our Resources page.
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How will I get around in Washington without a car?
Georgetown University Transportation System (GUTS) provides shuttle bus service to several parts of the city. These include the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line), the Rosslyn ( Arlington) Metro Station (Blue/Orange line) and Capitol Hill. This bus service is free for TFAS students. The Washington area is served by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, one of the most efficient, clean and safe transportation systems in the world (see www.wmata.com for more information). Students can take the metro or a bus to locations throughout the city of Washington, DC, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The Washington Metro system serves the campus, with a bus stop located directly outside the university's main gate. If students plan to take the metro, (which most students will have to do to get to their internships and special events) they should budget approximately $20-$30 per week, though costs will vary depending on their commute. All internship sites are accessible via public transportation.
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Do I need to bring my computer?
Although students may bring a computer, they can access email, the web, and various software packages in numerous computer labs throughout campus. In addition, students can access e-mail and the Web via network terminals in common spaces across campus such as the Intercultural Center, the Leavey Center and the Lauinger Library. Students will have internet connections in their rooms and will also receive a Georgetown email addresses upon their arrival.
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What should I bring?
Students must provide their own sheets, towels, pillows, and all bath and kitchen amenities including pots and pans, and toilet paper. Students may bring a microwave, computer, television or stereo if they desire. Laundry facilities and vending machines are located in the basement of the building. Students do not need to bring bookshelves or other furniture, as ample furniture is provided. Students may wish to bring posters or other decorative items to brighten up the rooms. Students should also bring cleaning supplies, as maid service is not provided during the program.
In packing clothes, be prepared for weather that can be very hot and humid, but can vary dramatically during the eight weeks. As summer afternoons are often punctuated by heavy thunderstorms, an umbrella or raincoat is also necessary. In class students 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.
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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 campus and Capitol Hill housing. Cooking facilities are also available in each apartment. Students can purchase a meal plan for the summer, although internship and class hours often make this option less practical. Most students do not purchase a meal plan. If students would like to purchase a plan, they should call Georgetown Dining Services for information at 202-687-7549 or 202-687-4509.
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Is medical care available?
The on-campus medical facility is open to all TFAS students. 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. Students must present their Georgetown ID card in order to be seen at certain medical facilities on campus.
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What's the weather like in DC?
Washington summers are hot, muggy, and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are very common. The average high temperature is 84 degrees (29 Celsius) in June, 89 degrees (31 Celsius) in July and 87 degrees (31 Celsius) in August. Apartments and classrooms are air-conditioned.
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How much money should I bring?
Washington is a relatively expensive city, so students should plan to bring enough money to cover meals, entertainment and transportation costs, incidental expenses, and souvenir shopping. A rough estimate of what a typical student spends is $125 to $175 per week.
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Should I open a checking account in DC?
For students who wish to open a bank account, there is a PNC Bank branch office in Georgetown at Wisconsin and M Sts, NW. While there are no banks located on the Georgetown campus, there are automatic teller machines (ATMs) on campus in several locations, including the Leavey Center.
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Will I have telephone and cable service?
There are phone jacks in each bedroom and living room, but students need to bring their own telephone. Students may opt to set up local phone service in their apartments for a fee. Long distance calls can be made through prepaid calling cards sold by the university or through a student’s own calling card such as MCI WorldCom (1-800-888-8000) or AT&T. Cable is also available for a fee.
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How will I receive mail?
Students will be provided with a mailbox in the dormitory complex during their stay on campus and will receive their mailbox number and address when they arrive. The Georgetown campus is served by its own mail service. Please be aware that there is a history of delays in receiving forwarded mail. Also please note that university mailboxes will be able to accommodate flat mail only. Packages sent via UPS, FedEx, or other special carriers will be left for in the Residence Hall Office.
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Who will my roommates be?
Students will be matched with their roommates by our staff based on compatibility information that they will provide in a housing questionnaire once they have been accepted. TFAS will notify students of their roommates' contact information prior to the start of the Institutes, typically in mid-May.
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LEARN
Do I have to take the classes?
Yes, all students are required to participate in the two core academic courses, as well as take part in their internship. As the Institutes are carefully structured, students must take courses offered in their programs only. Student may opt out of the Internship Seminar course. Classes can not be taken for pass/fail credit.
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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 at their college or university.
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Will I receive a transcript?
Students will have access to grades online. To receive an official transcript, students must complete a request form through the university registrar and pay a one-time fee of $12.00.
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How should I dress?
Professional attire may be required for internships, though students should check with their internship supervisor on specific office dress-code policy. 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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How much will my books cost?
Books generally cost about $100-$200, but costs vary by Institute. Students can purchase books at the Georgetown University bookstore after they arrive or they can also often be purchased through an online. Students often share a set of books.
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Are classes, site briefings and lectures mandatory?
Yes. Students are expected to attend every academic and extra-curricular session, complete all reading assignments, participate actively in class discussions, and show respect to fellow Institute participants, faculty, and guest lecturers. Students are also expected to adhere to scheduled internship hours and complete all internship assignments.
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How busy is the schedule?
The Institutes schedule is rigorous and gives students a rich immersion in education, politics, and government -- the true Washington experience of a lifetime. Days are long, lasting up to ten hours with internships and classes. Free time is limited mostly to the late evenings and weekends. During the eight weeks of the program, students will have an intense internship, courses, and lecture schedule, so should be prepared to be busy. Because of the limited duration and intensive schedule of the Institute, TFAS discourages long distance travel by participants or visits from friends or relatives during the week.
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What if my school's schedule prevents me from arriving by June 7?
Since the spring semester at some schools extends into June, the program staff 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 are encouraged to try to arrange their final exams so that they can arrive on June 7. Students must contact their Institute staff to obtain approval for a late arrival.
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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 35 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 summer and will receive a transcript from Georgetown University upon completion of the program.
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INTERN
Can I receive credit for the internship?
Yes. Students who opt take the Internship Seminar will receive three academic, transferable credits from Georgetown University. Students must arrange for credit for the transfer of the credit for their internship through their home university.
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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.
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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 are unlikely to be notified less than a month prior to the start of the program. Students have the opportunity to specify the preferred type of organization when they fill 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, for ICPES, IPVS, or IPJ only. Students applying to the IBGA program may not find their own internships. 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.
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Are the internships paid?
Generally internships are not paid, although a few organizations offer a small stipend. Many organizations cannot afford to pay an additional staff member but offer summer interns incredible responsibility and a significant work experience.
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What if I want to intern for a member of Congress?
ICPES students who wish to work in Congress are encouraged to make the initial contact with their senators or congressman as early as possible. Most deadlines for Congressional summer internship applications are on or before April 1. In selecting interns, Congressional offices usually give preference to constituents. TFAS staff will work with students throughout this process. IBGA students can not intern for a member of Congress.
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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.
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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.
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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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