You will include a resume that frames your intellectual, personal, and professional background and accomplishments. The rule is one page for every decade of experience after secondary school.
Knight-Hennessy: UNC Endorsement Application
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Three separate forms must be submitted prior to the endorsement deadline in order to complete your application. These include:
- Personal Information form
- Upload Application form
- Submit Recommenders form
We have separated the forms so that you may complete the steps at different times. These forms cannot be saved and must be completed in one sitting.
Personal Information Form
This form allows you to provide information about you, your education, and your future plans to ODS and the Knight-Hennessy Selection Committee. You may complete this form prior to submitting your other application materials.
Personal Information Form
Essays
These essays are intended to give the Knight-Hennessy committee a chance to understand who you are and how you aspire to grow and learn. You may submit a maximum total of 1,750 words for both essays combined. Save all essays in one PDF to send to ODS.
- Essay One: Connect the dots. How have the influences in your life shaped you?
- Essay Two: How will you pursue your life’s calling? How will your Stanford education and your Knight-Hennessy Scholars experience support this?
Short-Answer Responses
These responses help to see a different side of you. Answer two questions:
- Short-Answer Response 1: Please tell us eight improbable facts about you.
- Short-Answer Response 2: Please list three goals/objectives that you are working toward right now.
Resume
University Transcripts
Provide a copy of your current unofficial UNC transcript, including your latest semester’s grades. Click here for information on how to obtain your transcript online. If you have taken higher education courses that are not reflected on your transcript, provide those transcripts as well.
Standardized Test Scores
While it’s helpful and preferred if you have your test scores by the time you apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program, this is not a requirement. You must, however, have any required test scores by the graduate degree program deadline. Your unofficial scores will suffice for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
Photograph
Provide a high-resolution head shot photograph (.jpg or .jpeg file) for promotional purposes. It does not need to be professionally taken.
- Essays, resume, transcripts, test scores, photograph
Video Story
Your video can be no longer than two minutes in duration. The prompt is: “Teach something to your cohort of fellow Knight-Hennessy Scholars.” This Video Story is not required for your ODS endorsement application. However, you are welcome to send it to our office for feedback, or meet with ODS to brainstorm ideas for the video.
Letters of Recommendation
Request 2 letters of recommendation directly from faculty using the form linked below. We encourage you contact your recommenders at least one month prior to the endorsement deadline and to share your personal statement, resume, and future goals with all recommenders.
Select two recommenders who know you well, whose opinions you trust, and who want to see you succeed. These individuals must be able to provide specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence of your ability and determination to make a difference. When choosing recommenders, consider the advice offered on the Knight-Hennessy Application Requirements page.
When you complete the following form, your recommenders will receive an email with instructions to upload their letters as PDFs. You should ask potential recommenders personally before completing this form.
Recommendations should be signed, on letterhead, and addressed to The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Selection Committee. Please read this letter of guidance and share it with individuals you ask to write a letter of recommendation. Contact ODS if you need advice on choosing and contacting a recommender.
Recommenders who have questions should contact ODS directly.
Submit Recommenders Form
After You Apply
Interviews with UNC Selection Committee
After reviewing the applications for endorsement, the UNC Knight-Hennessy Scholars Selection Committee will invite competitive applicants to participate in an on-campus interview. Applicants who are unavailable for on-campus interviews should contact ODS prior to the endorsement application deadline to discuss other interview options. Endorsed candidates will be notified soon after the interviews.
Next Steps for Endorsed Candidates
Endorsed candidates will be able to work with ODS to polish their applications prior to the Knight-Hennessy deadline. All application materials must be submitted online to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program before the final deadline. The applicant is responsible for submitting all materials online except the letters of recommendation, which must be submitted by the recommenders. Those who encounter difficulties should contact ODS. Endorsed applicants should provide a copy of their final application materials to ODS. Candidates must concurrently apply for their chosen master’s program. Your Knight-Hennessy application is separate and cannot be considered unless you are an accepted student.
Finalists are notified in early/mid December of their invitation to attend Immersion Weekend on Stanford’s campus in late January. ODS will organize practice interviews prior to the finalist interviews. Finalists will be notified within a few weeks after their interviews if they have been selected as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.
