The Archer Center

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Summer 2012 Application Deadline: November 1, 2011

How do I apply?
What makes a good candidate?
How much does it cost to participate as an Archer Graduate Fellow?
Can I still receive financial aid as an Archer Graduate Fellow?
What about transportation?
Where do Archer Graduate Fellows live?
Who participates in the program?
What classes will Graduate Fellows take in Washington, D.C.?
Where can Archer Graduate Fellows intern?
How much do Graduate Fellows work and will they get paid?
Who should I contact for more information?

How do I apply?

You can download the application here. A full application includes the information sheet, a resume, a writing sample, a personal statement, a transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a list of desired internship placements. The packet must be submitted to your campus representative by the campus due date. Selection takes place in the fall for the following summer semester.

What makes a good candidate?

A good candidate is a student who is interested in pursuing a semester in Washington and is interested in participating in intellectual exchange centering on government and politics. The key factor is your ability to make a compelling case, in your application and interview, for why you should be allowed the opportunity to participate in a summer in Washington D.C.

How much does it cost to participate as an Archer Graduate Fellow?

Your home institution charges a flat extension program fee in lieu of the usual tuition and fees paid to your home campus, in addition to certain mandatory fees (at the discretion of the campus). The program fee is currently $3,900*. Students pay this program fee, cost of books, and the living expenses incurred while working in Washington, D.C.

Estimated Budget (not including tuition/fees):
Housing (no meals)	$3,028
Transportation to/from and while in D.C. (Flight, Metro, bus)	$1,000
Meals (groceries/dining out)	$1,500
Entertainment/weekend trips/miscellaneous	$1,000
Total:	$6,528

*The Archer Extension Program Fee is subject to increase in conjunction with annual standard tuition increases across the UT System. 

Can I still receive financial aid as an Archer Graduate Fellow?

If you qualify for financial aid from your home institution, your participation in the Graduate Program in Public Policy will not affect your eligibility because you will be registered as a student on your home campus. The Archer Center will work with your financial aid office to ensure that the increased costs associated with the extension program fee and the cost of living in Washington, D.C. are considered.

In addition to any financial aid that you may receive from your campus, you may be eligible to receive a housing subsidy from the Archer Center. If you would have paid less than $3,900 in tuition and fees to enroll in 9 semester credit hours, the Archer Center will provide you with a housing subsidy to be paid directly to Washington Intern Student Housing. This subsidy will not to exceed the difference between what you would have paid in tuition and fees and the $3,900 extension program fee.

What about transportation?

Students are discouraged from driving in Washington, D.C. The city has a wonderful Metro and bus system that makes it easy and relatively inexpensive to navigate the city and surrounding areas. Visit www.wmata.com for more information.

Where do Archer Graduate Fellows live?

Archer Graduate Fellows have the option of living in historic town homes on Capitol Hill as part of an arrangement with WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing). Archer Fellows can choose to live with other Fellows in homes just blocks from the Capitol and the Supreme Court. The Archer Center will assign roommates and negotiate costs, but all payments will be made directly to WISH. More information on WISH can be found at www.internsdc.com.

Who participates in the program?

Masters and Doctoral students from any University of Texas System Institution are welcome to participate. Approximately 20 Archer Graduate Fellows from across the UT System will be accepted to participate in the Summer 2012 Program.

What classes will Fellows take in Washington, D.C.?

All Archer Graduate Fellows enroll in the same courses – 9 hours total. Six hours of credit for your internship and three hours of courses you will take in D.C. at The Archer Center. The courses are specially designed for Archer Graduate Fellows and are taught by UT System professors in Washington. Your campus will have special designations for these courses in the course catalog. Check with your campus contact for more specifics. The courses currently offered are:

Government Research Internship

Federal Policymaking: A View from Inside the Federal Government

Where can Archer Graduate Fellows intern?

Anywhere you want. The Archer Fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity for you to live and work in our nation’s capital city and take advantage of all that it has to offer. Students should think of their dream job opportunity in D.C. and go from there. Students are responsible for researching and applying for internships on their own, but the Archer Center is there to guide and assist throughout the process. Our program has a fantastic reputation for providing high-quality interns, so each semester it becomes easier and easier for our students to get placed.

How much do Graduate Fellows work and will they get paid?

Students are required to intern at least 40 hours per week. The vast majority of internships are unpaid. There are a few exceptions, but it is highly unlikely so students should not plan on earning an income in D.C. You are prohibited from having an outside job while in Washington. Archer activities, a full time internship and an academic course load will keep you busy.

Who should I contact for more information?

Please contact your campus representative or the Archer Center Click here.