All US applicants must apply for endorsement, in most cases from their undergraduate institution; for graduate and professional students in their second or later year of study endorsement by the graduate institution is preferred. Yale endorsement is given by the Yale committee for the Rhodes Scholarship and coordinated by Fellowship Programs at CIPE.
To apply for Yale's nomination for the Rhodes, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 (without rounding up) is required. Otherwise, the Yale committee will be guided by the criteria as stated by the Rhodes Scholarship Memorandum of Regulation for the US:
"Proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard is the first quality required of applicants, but applicants will also be required to show integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow beings, the ability to lead, and the energy to use their talents to the full.
"Mr. Rhodes believed that the last of these qualities was best tested through participation and success in sports. Participation in organized sports is not essential if applicants are able to demonstrate in other ways the physical vigor which will enable Rhodes Scholars to make an effective contribution to the world around them. Mr. Rhodes clearly expected such a contribution when he expressed the hope that Rhodes Scholars would come to “esteem the performance of public duties as [their] highest aim.” From this statement one may infer that he expected his Scholars to play an influential part in the betterment of society, wherever their careers might take them. It does not necessarily presuppose a career in the public sector. Mr. Rhodes desired that his Scholars be intellectually, morally, and physically capable of leadership in any field.
"...Mr. Rhodes sought Scholars who were more than “mere bookworms;” he wanted their intellectual talents to be combined with concern for others. Thus, the Committees of Selection assign the highest importance to this blend of character with intellect."
Rhodes Scholarships cannot be deferred.
Citizens of countries other than the US and Canada apply directly for Rhodes Scholarships under the auspices of Rhodes Committees in their own countries. See the Rhodes Trust website for information regarding Rhodes competitions in eligible countries.
Though Yale's endorsement is only required for the Rhodes in the US and Canada and the Global Rhodes, the Fellowships office is very glad to work with Yale applicants for other Rhodes competitions, and may be able to put them in touch with past candidates from their countries. Meetings by appointment.