Application FAQs
How does the application process work?
Our initial online application asks for basic information like your name, contact information, citizenship status, social security number, college grade point average, and past standardized test scores. After screening all applications we receive, we will notify successful first-round applicants that we are interested in scheduling a phone interview. After these interviews, we’ll hold in-person meetings here in New York for those candidates we sense may be a good fit for the fellowship. We’ll hold half-day sessions where candidates participate in another round of interviews, a practice tutoring session, and group discussions. Please see the Admissions page for more details.
Do I have an admissions advantage applying to the first deadline?
Yes. Our admissions criteria are the same for both deadlines, but because we aim to fill half of the fellowship slots per deadline and anticipate a larger pool of applications for the second round, your overall chances of admission are likely going to be greater if you apply early.
If I’m accepted to the corps, can I get an extension on my decision to join?
Because of the short turn-around time between your invitation to join the Fellowship and the beginning of training in August, prospective Fellows must inform Blue Engine of their decision to accept or decline the offer within 10 days of receiving their invitation. Extensions will be granted only on a case-by-case basis.
If I’m not admitted during the first round, can I apply again?
You may not apply to Blue Engine twice in the same Fellowship year. Applicants are encouraged, however, to apply in future years. In addition, we encourage applicants to use that extra year to strengthen their resume in the areas of education, volunteerism, and youth development.
Can I defer my offer of admission?
Blue Engine does not grant deferments.
I’m currently an undergraduate student interested in applying to Blue Engine in future years. What can I do now to gain the kinds of experiences that will prepare me for a successful candidacy?
We’re glad you’re thinking ahead! As a first step, review the qualities we’re looking for. Think also about pursuing leadership opportunities such as heading up a campus club, getting involved in volunteer service, or starting up a new initiative. And make sure you keep up with your studies! A prior record of academic achievement is one of the strongest things that Blue Engine looks for when selecting Fellows.
What does the online application consist of?
Please refer to our Admissions page for a review of the online application.
Who should I list as my references?
Blue Engine recommends that you list people who know you well in professional and academic contexts. We’re looking for three dimensional pictures, not boilerplate descriptions from people who know you in passing. The best references will be open to talking candidly about your areas of strength and weakness. In short, list only those people who really know you as opposed to people who you think will impress the admissions committee.
When will I need to turn in my college transcript?
Applicants who are selected to participate in an in-person interview (stage three) will be required to bring an official copy of their college transcript to Blue Engine’s offices in New York.
I live far away from New York City. Will Blue Engine help cover the cost of my transportation?
All applicants must attend the in-person interview regardless of where they live. Unfortunately, Blue Engine is unable to cover transportation costs for in-person interviews at this time. If you are selected for an in-person interview and costs will prohibit you from attending, please send an email to admissions@blueengine.org.
Can I start an online application, save it and return to it later?
No. There is currently no way to start an online application and return to it later. We strongly recommend that you compose your application in a word processing program (such as Microsoft Word) and then upload the final version into the web application.
Is there a waiting list for the Blue Engine Fellowship?
Yes. At the end of each application cycle, we will place a limited number of highly qualified candidates on a Fellows wait list. This wait list will be actively monitored and maintained until the beginning of training in August. It is likely that we will end up filling one or more positions from the wait list this year.
Where else can I learn about Blue Engine?
Blue Engine will be at a number of Nonprofit Career Fairs across the New York region this spring:
February 18: Georgetown Government & Non-Profit Career Expo
February 19: Yale Nonprofit Career Fair
February 19: NFP Networking Fair – Philadelphia (at Haverford College)
February 26: Princeton Nonprofit Career Fair
March 3: NYU Non-Profit, Education and Healthcare Job Fair
March 5: Columbia Not-for-Profit and Public Service Career Fair
We hope to see you there! Please contact the individual career fairs for registration information.
