What is the Rhodes scholarship acceptance rate?
The Rhodes Scholarship is a competitive and prestigious program that allows outstanding students from around the world to pursue postgraduate studies at Oxford. Scholars are chosen not just for their academic prowess but also for their leadership potential and commitment to addressing global challenges.
The Rhodes Scholarship is known for its rigorous selection process. Each year, several thousand students from over 60 countries apply for the scholarship, but only a limited number of scholars are selected. Globally, according to the Rhodes Trust, the overall global acceptance rate stands at 0.7%.
In the United States, in 2020, approximately 2,300 students sought their university’s endorsement for the Rhodes. From there, 288 participating institutions nominated 953 candidates; around 200 were chosen as finalists and 32 of those were ultimately selected to be Rhodes scholars. Thus, that year in the US the acceptance rate was around 1.3%.
So, if you’re interested in applying for the Rhodes, I have good news and bad news for you.
The bad news: your chances of winning the Rhodes scholarship are inherently low, no matter how accomplished you are as a candidate.
The good news: applying for the Rhodes scholarship can be an incredibly rewarding experience. This application will force you to think deeply about yourself and clarify the impact you want to make on the world. Plus, there are sure-fire things you can do to boost your chances: write a clear and compelling academic statement, identify the right set of recommenders, and follow the unwritten rules for writing a great resume.
Going into the process with the most informed possible perspective can help you avoid common errors and show the selection committee the incredibly talented person you really are. My Rhodes Application Guide is packed with information to help you make the most of the process.
My 34-page Rhodes application guide includes:
An explanation of how I structured my own personal statement as a finalist
Tips on nailing the academic statement
The unwritten rules of writing a great resume
Sample emails to help your recommenders write the best possible letter
And more! Check it out.