Selection Criteria

The following criteria are weighed in selecting participants for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF):

  • Academic promise (Princeton's MMUF program has no minimum GPA for applicants);
  • Interest in pursuing a PhD, in an eligible discipline of the humanities or humanistic social sciences (a list of eligible fields can be viewed here);
  • Potential for serving as a mentor and teacher for a wide variety of students;
  • Activities and leadership that reflect an interest in social justice issues and the promotion of multivocality;
  • Availability for, and commitment to, full and enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the MMUF program, including attendance at conferences and regular meetings;
  • Response to a short essay prompt about how the applicant’s life experiences and academic goals would contribute to furthering the goal of a diverse academy; and
  • Status as a US citizen or permanent resident. Students who are not US citizens or permanent residents may also be eligible to apply after a discussion with the program director.

For more information, visit the MMUF Organization eligibility page.