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Undergraduate Scholars Program

For undergraduate students at George Mason University who are interested in learning more about political economy.

The Undergraduate Scholars program follows a rolling admissions policy, and applications will be evaluated monthly. Applications submitted after the deadlines listed below may be considered for future semesters.

The final application deadline for participation in the Fall is May 30th.

The final application deadline for participation in the Spring is January 15th.

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Details

The total award of up to $1,000 per semester includes: 

  • A stipend
  • Meals and all required readings
  • Advice on research, jobs, and graduate school

Qualifications

In order to be accepted into the Undergraduate Scholars program, you must be either:

  • Enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate program at George Mason University
  • Applying to a degree-granting undergraduate program at George Mason University

About the Fellowship

The Undergraduate Scholars program is a competitive, renewable fellowship program for undergraduate students at George Mason University. Fellowships are open to full- and part-time degree-seeking Mason students from any discipline who are interested in studying key ideas in political economy and learning how to utilize these ideas in academic and policy research.

Undergraduate Scholars study foundational and contemporary writings in political economy by notable scholars and attend a series of conversations with various Mason faculty and Mercatus scholars. Fellows will join a network of Mercatus students, alumni, faculty, and scholars who are conducting and engaging with cutting-edge research in contemporary political economy.

List of Undergraduate Scholars
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Have more questions? 

    1. I am planning on attending GMU next year; can I still apply?

    All Undergraduate Scholars applicants must be enrolled as a full- or part-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in good standing at George Mason University throughout their participation in the program.

    2. I am not an economics major. Am I still eligible?

    Yes, the Undergraduate Scholars program is open to Mason undergraduate students from any discipline or program.

    3. How do I apply?

    To apply to the Undergraduate Scholars program, click the "Apply" button above or below, and complete the online application, including:

    • A 1-2 page cover letter explaining:

      • your undergraduate school career to date,

      • your future academic and/or professional plans,

      • why you are interest in studying key ideas in political economy, and

      • what you hope to get out of the program.

    • A current resume

    • A current Mason transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable)

    • A few short answer questions

    4. I just submitted my application. When can I expect to hear from Mercatus with a decision?

    Students applying for the fall term of the Undergraduate Scholars program can expect to begin hearing from Mercatus with application decisions six to eight weeks after the application deadline. Students applying for the spring term of the Undergraduate Scholars program can expect to begin hearing from Mercatus with application decisions one to two weeks before the start of the spring term.

    5. May I have a job or other fellowship/assistantship and still participate in the Undergraduate Scholars program?

    Yes, the Undergraduate Scholars program is a supplemental program and fellows may hold jobs and other fellowships/assistantships during their time in the program.

    6. As a fellow, what am I required to do?

    Undergraduate Scholars are required to remain enrolled as a full- or part-time undergraduate degree-seeking student in good standing at George Mason University throughout their participation in the Undergraduate Scholars program, attend and actively participate in all aspects of the scheduled program of events, arrive on time and prepared for each event having carefully read any assigned readings in advance, and be honest, responsible, fair, and civil in all activities of the Undergraduate Scholars program.

    7. Why is it important for me to attend all required events throughout the academic semester?

    The terms of the Undergraduate Scholars program carry with them the expectation that fellows will be substantially involved in the entirety of the formal program schedule. Undergraduate Scholars study and discuss numerous key contributions to economics in a limited number of sessions, so attendance at each required event is vital. Undergraduate Scholars will also have the opportunity to attend other optional Mercatus Center workshops and events as their schedule allows.

    8. What is the schedule of events?

    Specific dates are subject to some variability and are communicated to successful applicants.

    9. How will the readings and other materials associated with my involvement in the Undergraduate Scholars program be provided?

    All required readings and other materials will be distributed to fellows in advance of each event. Undergraduate Scholars will have the readings at the beginning of each fellowship term.

    10. Are there additional opportunities for support for prospective or past participants in the Undergraduate Scholars program?

    Yes. Undergraduate Scholars who continue their studies in graduate school are also encouraged to apply to the Mercatus Center’s graduate student fellowship programs.

    9. Mercatus was unable to accept me as an Undergraduate Scholar this year. Can I apply again?

    Yes.

    12. I still have questions about the Undergraduate Scholars program.

    Email [email protected] regarding general questions about the program or questions about your application materials or application status.

    Ready to get started?

    Confirm your qualifications

    In order to be accepted into the Undergraduate Scholars program, you must be either:

    • Enrolled in a degree-granting undergraduate program at George Mason University
    • Applying to a degree-granting undergraduate program at George Mason University
    Apply Today