Selection Weekend
Every spring the Jefferson Scholars Foundation brings candidates to Charlottesville to compete for one of the Jefferson Fellowships. The weekend features interviews, a dinner at the Rotunda, discussion with existing Jefferson Fellows, and the annual Jefferson Fellows Symposium. At the symposium, candidates will have an opportunity to hear the latest research from current Fellows.
During the weekend, candidates are encouraged to explore what Charlottesville and the University of Virginia offer. The facilities and faculty at the University are some of the best in the nation. During the course of the weekend, you have the opportunity to meet with several distinguished University professors.
Preparing for Selection Weekend
The most important advice we can offer in preparation for selection weekend is to relax. If selected, you are already one of the University’s best prospective Ph.D. candidates. There is no need to convince anyone of your excellence. Keep in mind, however, the goals of the Jefferson Fellowship. The Foundation promotes students who have both outstanding academic potential and leadership skills. The Foundation also encourages the wide dissemination of academic knowledge. You should be able to explain your research to interested individuals both inside and outside of your field.
The most critical component of the selection weekend is the presentation you will give to the selection committee on Saturday, February 25. The committee will be composed of alumni of the University of Virginia and faculty members outside of your academic discipline. The presentation should focus on your past, current, or future research. The format of the talk is entirely up to you, but please contact us ahead of time to request any special Audio-Visual equipment. The Jefferson Scholars Foundation also recommends bringing multiple copies of your talk.
RSVP
This year, both candidates and participants will have the opportunity to RSVP online for the selection weekend. The link for the RSVP will be posted soon. You may also RSVP by regular mail or over the phone by contacting Karen A. Tapscott at 434-243-9034.
