Project Based Learning

When are Fellows applications open?

Most Fellows applications open in December and close in mid-February for admission to the program for coursework beginning the following academic year beginning with the fall semester.  Depending upon program space availability, some programs may re-open for transfer student applicants. However, acceptance would be on a provisional basis pending admittance to Smith.

I am interested in more than one Fellows program. To how many may I apply?

You may apply to as many Fellows programs as you want (applications for each program are evaluated separately and have no bearing on one another), but you may only participate in two programs during any one academic year. Accounting Teaching Scholars, Business Honors QUEST and Business Scholars do not count toward this limit.

How many Fellows programs may I participate in?

We welcome you to complete as many Fellows programs as fit into your academic goals, but you may only participate in two programs during any one academic year. Accounting Teaching Scholars, Business Honors QUEST and Business Scholars do not count toward this limit.

I want to study abroad. How would this affect my participation in my Fellows program?

Unless a program specifically notes that study abroad is incompatible with the 2-semester program, we encourage you to expand your horizon by studying abroad or accepting a semester co-op or internship.  It may be possible, though not guaranteed, that you could complete the Fellowship upon your return the following academic year.  Short term study abroad courses during winter, spring or summer breaks are always encouraged. See individual program websites for more details and consult with your Academic Advisor.

If I am in the process of applying to the Smith School, may I apply for Fellows at the same time?

You may apply to a Fellows program before you are accepted to Smith, but your admission would be on a provisional basis pending acceptance to Smith.

May I apply to a Fellows program if I am a Smith student on the Shady Grove campus?

Due to scheduling/major restrictions, we are typically unable to offer Fellows admissions to Smith students at Shady Grove. Individual exceptions must be approved.

What should I include in my cover letter for Fellows, and should I follow the standard cover letter format?

You should follow the standard cover letter format and address it to the faculty champion of the program to which you are applying. Introduce yourself and, 1) explain what interests you about the Fellows program, 2) explain how you see it meeting your academic and career goals and 3) explain what can believe you contribute to the program. Some programs may require additional application materials. 

I need a resume to apply to fellows; however, I am only a freshman, and I don’t have much on my resume yet. What should I include on my resume?

If you haven’t yet had work experience, you are welcome to list your activities, volunteer and other work in high school, and extra-curricular and other programs you are involved in at Maryland, so the selection committee can see the range of your interests and accomplishments. You should get in the habit of updating your professional resume. It should be a constant work in progress.

Participating in a Smith Fellows program is an honor as it provides a special opportunity to participate in dedicated courses, site visits, and case competitions as well as networking events with special guests from the world of business and alumni.

How do I include Fellows on my resume?

General Restriction for All Fellows Programs

There is no deferred admission to Smith Fellows programs. Students must begin in the first semester of the program sequence or their acceptance to the program will be canceled. Students accepted to programs with pre-requisite course requirements must complete the requirement(s) when the program starts, or acceptance will be canceled. Some programs do, however, allow for concurrent completion of pre-requisite coursework.

Participation

We welcome you to complete as many Fellows programs as fit into your academic goals, but you may only participate in two programs during any one academic year. Accounting Teaching Scholars, Business Honors QUEST and Business Scholars do not count toward this limit. Required Fellows courses and engagement with co-curricular events is expected. Students who fail to complete their Fellows program may not be admitted to another Fellows program in a subsequent academic year.

Enrolling in Fellows Classes

Fellows students will be cleared to register for the appropriate coursework at the appropriate time.  Dedicated sections of Fellows Courses are reserved for Fellows students only and no other student will be able to register for them.  It is expected the Fellows students complete the required coursework in the proper academic sequence, unless prior approval is received.

Attending Fellows Events and Activities

The majority of Fellows events and activities are restricted to students enrolled in the specific Fellows program. Should space allow, these events may be open to the general student body. 

Penalty for No Show

Fellows are expected to act in a professional and courteous manner. Students who RSVP to attend an event but do not attend (i.e., field trip/site visit, guest speaker event), may receive consequences including grade reduction and/or a financial penalty.