Questions

Do work samples need to be anonymous? Are there font and spacing requirements for the 40 page sample?

Hi Ryan - no, work cannot by submitted anonymously given the nature of the submission and selection process. That said, know that applications are kept private.

As for font and spacing, please use your best judgment as you prepare your file of written work. If it's work that has already been published, most candidates include that in the format that it was published - so if the publication's logo appears, that is not an issue. If your written material is new material that has not yet been published, and that you will be preparing in a word processing program, then our recommendation would be to keep those sections double-spaced for ease of reading for the selection committee.

I attempted to submit my application this morning, but the system will not let me upload my resume, statement, and writing packet (I get an error message saying that there is an invalid link or something along those lines). I know that hard copy submissions are not favored, and I do not want to do anything that weigh unfavorably against me. Is there another way to submit (via email, for instance)? Is there a way to get around this obstacle?
Kind regards,
Mike
Michael F. Duggan, Ph.D.

Hi Michael - can you please try uploading your material again? We've received quite a few applications since you submitted your question, and so my sense is that there might be an issue with your browser. Perhaps try another internet browser. If that doesn't work, let me know and we can figure out another way for you to submit your material.

Is it possible to see a couple of sample resumes or biographies used by past successful fellowship applicants---to get an idea of what a model resume looks like? (I'm trying to figure out how detailed I should be, and how far back to go.)

Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with another applicant's resume, or any other files for that matter, as we ensure that all material sent to us remains confidential, which I'm sure you can appreciate.

Hey there. As a playwright, would one 40-page sample from the same script be admissible?

Yes, you can submit one sample of 40 pages.

Good afternoon: I have another question: is there a limit of pages or characters for the bio or résumé ? Thank you.

Hi, no, there is no page or word limit for the resume.

Are letters of recommendation (or name of referees) required with the application ?

Hi - No, letter of recommendation, or references, are not required during the initial phase of submitting your application. However, if a candidate is short-listed and interviewed, references will need to be submitted at that time.

Is there a citizenship requirement to hold a fellowship, or is the legal right to work and study in the US sufficient?

Hi Jess - it is not required for a Fellow to be a citizen. It sounds like you are legally able to work and live in the US, and so you shouldn't have a problem if you were awarded a Fellowship. We can on occasion provide paperwork to support a visa for those who might need one, but we do not look at citizenship as a deciding factor as we review Fellowship applications.

What are the stipulations for the required writing samples? Should they follow published or thematic guidelines?

Hi MG - Thank you for your interest in the New America Fellows Program.

We've answered this question in the FAQ posted on our site, and I'm copying the link below.
http://www.newamerica.org/fellows/frequently-asked-questions/

Please take some time to review the FAQ in full, and if you still have questions, please let us know.

Hi ... I noticed in the FAQs that there's an information session about the Fellows Program in Washington, D.C. on Tues. 12/6. I'm inquiring about details of the session such as its start time and format. Thank you.

Hi David - we've just updated the event page for the DC information session. The session will include time to meet current and former Fellows and New America staff, as well as a panel that includes 2-3 Fellows in a conversation moderated by the Peter Bergen, Director of the Fellows Program.

https://www.newamerica.org/fellows/events/2018-fellows-info-session/