Harry S. Truman Scholarship

Up to $30,000 for 2-3 years of graduate study. Applications will open in fall, but you can start working on your application now. 

Characteristics of Potential Truman Scholar  

• Track record of outstanding service, leadership, academic potential.
• Ability to meaningfully discuss a wide range of domestic and global events.
• Extremely competitive (typically 1 Truman Scholar per state).
• Ambitious and committed to becoming a change agent.
• A junior at time of application

Timeline

Summer/Fall

• Thoroughly read Truman website.
• Notify Lesha Greene at leg78@pitt.edu with your intent to apply ASAP. YOU MUST BE ENTERED INTO THE TRUMAN ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM before you can begin your application.
• Schedule a minimum of 3 advising appointments with Aidan Beatty to discuss drafts of your application before the campus deadline.
• Begin research for policy proposal. Find faculty mentor with expertise in area of your policy topic. Meet with faculty mentor for initial discussion; make additional appointment for later in November to go over your policy draft.
• Seek appropriate letter writers who can speak to leadership, service, and intellect
  • Discuss your choice of letter writers with Lesha ASAP.
  • Get a commitment from 3 recommendation writers who can write about you in one of three capacities; visit Truman Scholars website for instructions and letter of recommendation forms.
  • Prepare recommendation packets by following instructions on the scholarships page.
  • Give 3 recommendation writers SOLID draft of your application BEFORE THEY COMPLETE THEIR LETTERS.
  • Recommendation writers should send letters to Lesha Greene at leg78@pitt.edu by December.

After September

• Campus interview of candidates; selection of 4 nominees (and up to 3 additional nominations for transfer students).
• Campus selection committee feedback is given to nominees. Nominees continue to work on applications until final campus deadline.
• Submit final application.

December 1: First Campus Deadline

Complete application due, including 3 letters of recommendation, policy proposal, and all transcripts.

Early February

Final application is due.

Late February

Finalist posting.

March–early April

Regional review panels.

Mid-April

Scholar posting.

Late May

Truman Scholars Leadership Week.