Tips on applying to the TED Fellows program
Set aside an uninterrupted couple of hours to fill out the form. The questions touch on your goals, accomplishments and connection to your community. You definitely don't want to write this on the fly!
We recommend you look at the application form first, then spend time offline composing your answers in Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing program. Keep an offline copy, in case of a broken connection or other error. TED cannot be responsible for text that gets lost.
We know that many of you are used to listing your academic achievements only, but, while important, they tell us only a little bit about you. As we say elsewhere, we are more interested in achievement than credentials. You do not have to have attended college or graduated to apply for a fellowship if you have done something remarkable.
We also understand it may be difficult for you to talk about your accomplishments, as it is not considered polite to do so. However, we are looking to understand why your are different, exceptional, a maverick or a mold-breaker, and your talent may show more in your community organizing work, art, writing, music, film, science or engineering. Tell us who you are from the heart, what your dreams are, what your bold plan for the future is.
Please read our TED Fellows policies and FAQ first to answer any questions you may have.
Pay special attention to your websites and your personal references. We follow up on these.
A few tech tips to keep in mind as you fill out the application form:
+ You may wish to clear your browser cache before and after submitting your application -- especially if you are using a shared computer.
+ Do keep an offline copy of all your responses. Take a screen capture of the application before you hit Submit, or email it to yourself if your browser allows this. TED cannot be responsible for text that gets lost.
+ Do keep an offline copy of your TED.com username and password. You will need this again.
+ If you have any technical trouble with the application form, contact TED immediately using the Contact TED form. Don't delay. Contact us right away so that we can solve your problem.
Key application dates in 2009
We will accept approximately 25 Fellows each to TED in Long Beach and TEDGlobal in Oxford.
Applications for
TED2010 Fellows
Open: August 7, 2009
Due: September 25, 2009
If you would like to be notified when applications open, please email fellows@ted.com.
See all the key dates for the Fellows program ยป
