Question: How do I fill out the application online?
Answer: The online application consists of three parts. 
Part 1 is an online form in which the applicant enters their contact and education information along with a Voluntary Background Survey.  Submit the form to the Center for California Studies through Sacramento State's secured web site. Proceed to Part 2 via the hyperlink. NOTE: Although Part 1 is electronically submitted applicants must include a printed copy with their application packet.
Part 2 requests information about the applicant's school activities and awards, volunteer information and work experience.  The document can be saved to a computer with the latest version of *Acrobat Reader and information can be entered directly onto the form.
Part 3 is the Instructions to Recommender & Evaluation form.  The form can be printed or the hyperlink or document emailed to recommender(s).

Question: How do I fill out Part 2 of the application using Adobe Reader? Is there a way to actually type on the Reader document?
Answer: Yes.  Begin by entering your last name in the first field (Last Name). Tab between fields and enter the requested information. Fields that are repeated (i.e., Last Name) will fill in automatically.

Question: Can Part 2 of the application be saved to my hard drive before printing it?
Answer: Yes.  The newest version of Acrobat Reader allows you to save Part 2 of the application with the information you have filled out. We suggest that you print an extra copy for your records.

Question: Is it possible to have a program brochure mailed to me?
Answer: Yes, please click HERE to fill out the brochure request form.

Question: How many applicants do you usually get and how many are accepted?
Answer: In 2009, we had approximately 1,200 applications for all four programs for a total of 64 fellowship positions.

Question: If accepted, do I have to apply separately to Sacramento State in addition to applying to the Capital Fellows Programs?
Answer: No.  Fellows are not required to apply to Sacramento State since the application process is waived for fellows.  They must, however, complete the online Sacramento State application.

Question: In lieu of filling in the experience and activities section of the application, is an attached résumé acceptable?
Answer: No.  As stated in each of the applications, résumés are not accepted in lieu of the program applications.

Question: Do you accept applications on a rolling basis?
Answer: No. Applications for the Capital Fellows Programs are accepted during the application period only (generally, October through February) for the following fellowship year.  All applications must be postmarked by the application deadline.

Question: I would like to apply to more than one fellowship program. Do I have to submit separate applications or is there a way that I can apply to them with the same application?
Answer: Each program requires applicants to submit a separate application.

Question: Will it hinder my chances to get into a fellowship program if I apply for more than one?
Answer: No. You may apply to as many programs as you like. The members of the selection committees are aware that candidates often apply to more than one program. However, each program is unique to the branch of government it serves. Only apply to the programs that truly interest you, and make sure you individualize each application.

Question: What are the qualifications for being a fellow?
Answer: The program is open to anyone who will be at least 20 years of age and a graduate from a university or four-year college by September 1, 2010. No preference is given to type of major or how recently the applicant has graduated. Individuals with advanced degrees and those in mid-career are encouraged to apply.

NOTE: The Capital Fellows Programs do not meet the requirements for a F-1 or J-1 visa.

Question: To whom should letters of recommendation be addressed?
Answer: The letters of recommendation should be addressed to the program selection committee (e.g., “Dear Executive Fellows Selection Committee”).

Question: What should be included in the letter of recommendation and how should it be presented?
Answer: Complete instructions to recommenders are included in the application materials and requirements may differ from program to program. The letters of recommendation should be written on departmental or official letterhead. All letters need to be sealed by the author along with his/her signature across the envelope flap. Among other things, we look for indications of an applicant’s maturity, leadership ability, academic achievement, writing and critical thinking skills, and commitment to public service.

Question: Can letters of recommendation be sent separately from the application packet? If so, how should recommenders address their letters so you know it is part of my application?
Answer: We prefer to receive the application, including the letters of recommendation, in one packet. However, if this is not possible, please observe the following:

1. Have the recommender address his/her letter to the appropriate fellowship program and mail it to the address on the application by the postmark deadline.
2. Note in your application that a letter or letters of recommendation will be arriving under separate cover and provide the name of the recommender.
   

Question: I have been out of college for many years. Do I still have to submit a letter of recommendation from a professor?
Answer: No, but if you do not submit an academic reference, explain why.

Question: If I am planning to apply for more than one fellowship, do I need separate references for each one, or can I get three references and copy them and use them for all the Capital Fellowships for which I plan to apply?
Answer: No. Each fellowship program requires that the author of the letter of recommendation seal the letter in a separate envelope and sign his/her name across the seal. However, the recommender can address the letters to the “Capital Fellows Selection Committee,” make multiple copies, seal the letters in separate envelopes to submit with each program application.

Question: One of my letters of recommendation is from a campus letter service which does not release letters to students. Can I have that letter sent directly?
Answer: Yes. Please note in your application packet that the letter will be arriving under separate cover and from whom.

Question: Since the transcripts do not have to be official, will a printout from the university website of my academic record be sufficient?
Answer: Yes. You can send internet-generated transcripts as long as your name is included as part of the transcript.

Question: I studied abroad last fall, and my transcript for that semester will not be available before the application deadline. Thus, my current academic work will not be reflected on the university transcript included in my application. What should I do?
Answer: If the transcript is not available or arriving late, please note this in your application.

Question: I am a Permanent Resident, but not a citizen. Can I still apply?
Answer: Yes. Please see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/PermRes.htm for further clarification.

Question: Do you accept international students or non-US citizens?
Answer: Yes, but note, since program participants are both graduate students and employees of the university, fellows must be either U.S. residents or have obtained a visa to work in the United States. Providing documentation of eligibility to work is the responsibility of the applicant; the University is not able to help with this process. Eligibility documentation must be provided prior to the personal interview.

The Capital Fellows Programs do not meet the requirements for a F-1 or J-1 visa.

Question: I am very interested in learning about the California government, but have never lived or studied in California. Will this affect my chances of being accepted?
Answer: No.  Applicants need not be residents or have studies in California.  However, applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge of and a commitment to the state. 

Question: Do I have to have my four year degree at the time I apply?
Answer: No.  You must obtain your degree by September 1, 2010. All incoming fellows must provide proof of graduation from a university or four-year college prior to the start of the fellowship.

Question: How much does G.P.A. weigh in on your decision of who is accepted?
Answer: Although your G.P.A. is important, it is only one consideration among many that selection committees weigh.

Question: Do you have to be enrolled at Sacramento State in order to apply for a fellowship?
Answer: No. Anyone with a four-year degree from an accredited institution may apply.

Question: Are the Capital Fellows required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Answer: No.

Question: Are applicants already pursuing an M.A. degree evaluated on a different basis?
Answer: No, the only educational requirement for the programs is completion of a baccalaureate degree.

Question: I am interested in the fellowship opportunities and as a law school graduate I’m curious if there are legal-specific opportunities. I recognize that graduate students are encouraged to apply, but I would be particularly interested in making use of my legal degree.
Answer: Law school graduates have put their legal training to use in each of the four programs, and fellows are matched to placements that best utilize their education and skills. However, a specifically legal-related work assignment is not guaranteed.

Question: I have been accepted into Law School for this fall, but I would really like to defer my enrollment for one year and pursue a fellowship. Is an early departure from a program acceptable?
Answer: Fellows commit to remain in their placements until the program concludes; however, it is possible to make arrangements with the program director for an early departure necessitated by enrollment in an academic program the following fall.

Question: What is the public transportation system in Sacramento?
Answer: Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) has a bus line service and a light rail system that serves the greater Sacramento area. Visit www.sacrt.com for more details.

Question: Is there transportation aid for the fellows?
Answer: As Sacramento State employees, fellows are eligible to purchase a Sacramento Regional Transit District pass (valid through December 31) for a fee of $10. When fellows are enrolled as students in the spring, they are eligible to use local public transportation free of charge. Required program-related travel costs for the Judicial Administration Fellowship (a statewide program) are paid by the program.

Question: Does the fellowship provide housing options at Sacramento State or any off-campus locations?
Answer: No. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own housing. Current fellows are always a good resource and often fellows share housing with others in their class. Sacramento has many desirable neighborhoods and, in comparison with the Bay Area or parts of L.A., rent is typically more affordable.

Question: How are the fellowships funded?
Answer:The Capital Fellowship programs are publicly funded through the state General Fund and the California State University (CSU). All four fellowship programs are administered through the Center for California Studies, a unit of Sacramento State, in partnership with their respective government branches.

Question: I would rather do my fellowship outside of Sacramento. Is this possible?
Answer:The Judicial Administration Program places Fellows in selected courts across California, and all Assembly, Executive and Senate Fellows work in Sacramento.

Question: Since I would earn credit at Sacramento State does that mean that I am enrolled in a graduate program at Sacramento State?
Answer:Upon acceptance into the program, fellows are automatically enrolled as unclassified graduate students at Sacramento State. A portion of the units earned may be applied to graduate programs upon completion of the fellowship. There is no standard rule, and units are accepted by graduate schools on a case-by-case basis.

Executive and Judicial Administration Fellows earn graduate credits through the Department of Public Policy and Administration; Assembly and Senate Fellows earn graduate credits through the Department of Government.

Question: I would like to send in an application for the fellowship, but I am currently abroad. Will you accept international postmarks?
Answer: Yes.

Question: When do applicants receive notification of their selection for interviews?
Answer: Invitations to interview will be sent mid-April 2010.

Question: When and where are the interviews? Is it possible to interview for multiple fellowships?
Answer: Interviews for all four programs take place in late April/early May (Sacramento interviews take place during the first week of May and Los Angeles interviews take place during the second week of May). It is possible to interview with more than one program and every effort will be made to coordinate your interview times.

Question: With the interviews taking place in the first two weeks of May, they may conflict with final exams week and/or commencement weekend. What can be done to accommodate for this?
Answer: All interviews must be conducted during the two interview periods. There are no exceptions.

Question: Is an in-person interview required for those applicants who are invited to interview or can it be conducted by teleconference?
Answer: Applicants who pass the paper screen must interview in person in either Sacramento or Los Angeles. No phone or teleconference interviews are conducted.

Question: Is it possible to defer your placement as a Capital Fellow?
Answer: No. Once the position is offered to you, you must decide to accept or decline for the current year.