Program FAQ
Selection process FAQ
Application FAQ
First-Year Student FAQ
Program FAQ
Are Robertson Scholars Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill students?
While all Robertson Scholars have full student privileges at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, each scholar is primarily enrolled at only one of the two universities. Scholars receive their diploma from their home university; however, their transcript will note their coursework at the other campus and their participation in the Robertson Scholars Program.
How do Robertson Scholars get to classes on the sister campus?
The Robertson Express Bus, open to all members of the Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill communities, provides regular transportation from Duke's West Campus to the main campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. The bus ride, which takes about 20 minutes, allows scholars to easily attend classes and activities on the sister campus. Click here to view the schedule for the Robertson Express Bus.
Is any particular major required for Robertson Scholars?
Robertson Scholars may major in any subject offered at their home institution. Scholars major in subjects as varied as physics, history, international studies, environmental engineering, English and biomedical engineering. Some scholars have chosen Program II at Duke and Interdisciplinary Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, which are self-designed degree programs. Scholars may double major, minor, or obtain a certificate in a variety of subjects.
How do scholars determine their plans for the Robertson summers?
Scholars work with the Assistant Director for Summer Enrichment to, within the design of each summer, select a location and determine the nature of their summer engagement. Scholars may also work with faculty at the universities and community contacts in the United States and abroad.
How long do the summer programs last, and how much funding is available to scholars?
The first and second summers last a minimum of 8 weeks. The length of the third summer is determined by the scholar. Scholars receive up to $4,200 for the first summer and up to $6,300 for the second and third summers.
What do Robertson Scholars do after college?
Short answer: all kinds of stuff! Long answer: the first class of Robertson Scholars graduated in 2005. They and the graduates who have followed pursue a variety of paths. About a third of Robertson graduates immediately delve into further education in top graduate and professional schools. For example, scholars are pursing law, medical and business degrees; PhDs in comparative literature, applied physics, history, and development economics; and master's degrees in public health, art education, and environmental engineering. Another third of the Robertson graduates work in the social sector through jobs and fellowships, leading, teaching, researching, and strategizing for non-profit institutions in the United States and abroad. The final third of graduates take jobs in business and finance, many working for top investment banks and consulting firms. Click here for an abbreviated list of Robertson employers, graduate schools, and awards and fellowships.
What is the financial value of the Robertson Scholarship?
The Robertson Scholars Program provides full tuition, room and board, and mandatory fees for scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. These benefits last for four years. Scholars receive a laptop and have access to three summers of generous funding. The scholarship is valued at
* Over $200,000 for Duke students
* Over $155,000 for out-of-state UNC-Chapel Hill students
* Over $85,000 for in-state UNC-Chapel Hill students
Selection process FAQ
How do I apply for the program?
Students interested in the Robertson Scholars Program are strongly encouraged to complete the Robertson Scholars Program application in addition to their application to Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill. The application is intended to supplement the students' applications to Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill by providing information specific to the Robertson Scholars Program's criteria. For students wishing to be considered for the Class of 2015, the application will be available in mid-September, via a link on the Robertson Scholars Program Web site.
Do I have to complete my application to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill before I submit the Robertson Scholars Program application?
No. You may submit your Robertson Scholars Program application at any time before or after you submit your application to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill, as long as it is before the December 1 application deadline. Keep in mind, however, that you must complete an application to one or both of the universities to be considered for the Robertson Scholars Program.
Do I have to apply early decision/early action to be considered for the Robertson Scholars Program?
No. Although the deadline for submitting the Robertson Scholars Program application is December 1, you do not need to complete your admission application to Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill until the regular admission deadlines to be considered for the Robertson Scholars Program or other merit scholarships.
Do I have to apply to both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill to be considered for the Roberson Scholars Program?
No. Students can apply to one or both of the schools. Only students who apply for admission to both universities will be considered for the Robertson Scholars Program at both schools. Applicants to one of the two schools will be considered only at the school to which they applied.
Can I be considered for the Robertson Scholars Program at both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill?
Yes. A student who completes admission applications to both Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill can be considered for the Robertson Program at both schools. However, because the Robertson Scholars Program's selection processes at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill are independent of one another, a student who applies to both universities will be considered separately by the two Robertson committees and may or may not be selected for further consideration as a Robertson candidate based on the applicant pool at each university. Students may be named as finalists for the Robertson Scholars Program at both schools; if so, they will have to decide at which school they wish to be considered.
How will I know if I am a candidate for the Robertson Scholars Program?
Applicants selected as semifinalists will be contacted in late February to schedule a phone conversation. We do not notify those students who have not progressed to this stage. If you have not been contacted by March 6, you have not been selected for future consideration by the Robertson Scholars Program.
Do North Carolina residents receive special consideration for the Robertson Scholars Program?
No. All students are considered equally regardless of their state or country of origin.
Are international students eligible for the Robertson Scholars Program?
Yes. All students applying to Duke or UNC-Chapel Hill are eligible for consideration for the Robertson Scholars Program. There are no restrictions on citizenship or residency for this program and Robertson Scholars hail from many countries around the world. International students should contact the Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill admissions offices for information about international student admissions.
How many people from each high school can apply for the Robertson Scholars Program?
There is no limit to the number of students from each school who can be chosen as semi-finalists, finalists, or winners in the Robertson Scholars Program selection process. In addition, there is no limit to the number of students from each school who can complete the Robertson Scholars Program application. It is not uncommon for a class of Robertson Scholars to include two or three people who graduated together from a particular high school.
Application FAQ
Who should write my letters of recommendation for the Robertson Scholars Program application?
The application requires two letters of recommendation: one from a personal mentor who has direct knowledge of how you could make a difference in the world, and one from someone within your school community who can attest to your ability to thrive in the academically rigorous environments of Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill. These letters should provide information specific to your qualifications for the Robertson Scholars Program
Can my letters of recommendation for the Robertson Program be redundant of letters in my Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill applications?
Yes. One or both of the letters may be redundant of the letters in your Duke and/or UNC-Chapel Hill application. What is most important is that the letters address what we're looking for in the letter prompts.
