Ann S. Robinson '00 of Lowell House, who received endorsements for both the Rhodes and the Marshall, said she appreciates that she has completed most of the application requirements already.

Saraiya echoed these sentiments. "It's good, because it ensures that you have all your application materials together early. The only drawback is that there is a short turnaround time to get your recommendation letters in order," she said.

"Applying for a Harvard endorsement against an extremely well-qualified pool of Harvard applications is intimidating, but shouldn't keep one from at least trying," she added.

The Rhodes application process continues with both a state and district interview before the eventual selection of 32 Rhodes Scholars from over 1,200 applicants, according to the Harvard College Guide to Grants.

The Marshall Scholarship has only a district interview.

Both scholarships are converging towards a common set of selection criteria, Berger said.

"There is a misperception that the Rhodes is only open to political careers," Lui said. However, she said, selection committees for both the Rhodes and the Marshall award scholarships to students from all academic disciplines.

While the Rhodes was once reserved for varsity athletes, and the Marshall for serious scholars, both now seek Renaissance students, Berger said.

"The Rhodes has changed a lot," Berger said, "They are looking for only basic evidence of physical vigor. The threshold is as low as interest in amateur hiking."

"The Marshall has become less scholarly and seeks students who will interact outside of the academy," Berger said.

Both scholarships highly value community service and a demonstrated intent to pursue projects that help under-served communities, he said.

Berger said that competition for University endorsement may be more stiff than at other universities.

"Harvard students have a phenomenal opportunity and a difficult

situation," he said. "OCS does its best, but there are many good people that don't get through."

Saraiya advised interested students to apply, despite perceptions that receiving an endorsement is improbable.