The Rhodes Scholarship is the most well-known, and probably the most competitive scholarship in the U.S. Winners (there are a maximum of 32 in the U.S. annually) are eligible for two years of study in any field at Oxford at the "senior" undergraduate, or occasionally, the graduate level. The scholarship pays all tuition, plus a generous stipend for living expenses and travel (which is strongly encouraged).
The selection procedure has two main stages. Students apply directly
to a state selection committee, usually the first or second week of October.
(They may apply in either the state in which they are legal residents, or the
state in which they have attended college for at least two years.) The
state committee meets, reviews files, holds interviews of a limited number of
applicants, and then may nominate a maximum of two individuals for regional
competition.
Each regional committee may then select a maximum of four scholars.
The official application emphasizes first, that while "proven intellectual
and academic ability of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants,"
they will also be required to show "integrity of character, interest in
and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to
use their talents to the full." Second, that while Cecil Rhodes believed
"energy" was best demonstrated by participation and success in
sports, it is now held that "participation in varsity sports is not essential
if applicants are able to demonstrate in other ways the physical vigor which
will enable the Rhodes Scholars to make an
effective contribution to the world around them."
Candidates must be 18-23 years old, have senior standing, superior academic
ability, a history of service and leadership, be well-informed on global issues
and of proven physical vitality.