How to Apply
Step-by-Step Admissions Guide
TWC staff are available to assist you at every stage of the admissions process. Many of the application components you submit will be referred to prospective internship sites after you are accepted.
Decision Making
- Discuss credit and cost arrangements with your liaison.
- Consider timing (fall, spring or summer).
- Talk to your parents.
- Contact info@twc.edu [2] with any questions.
Preparation
- Review the checklist of supporting documents [3] for the application.
- Identify letter of recommendation providers.
- Request transcripts.
- Confirm your liaison’s approval.
- Meet with your career services office to review your résumé.
- Identify your fields of interest for internship.
Online Application
- Go to the Student Portal [4].
- Create an account.
- Start and submit the online application by following the instructions.*
*Throughout the process, you can save your application and return to it at a later time.
Acceptance
TWC’s admissions committee will review your application and a decision on admission will be sent via email.**
**Your application will be reviewed within 2 weeks of completion.
Special Considerations and Rules Regarding the Online Application
- Florida State University students will be asked to provide a signed hard copy liaison approval form (available in the online application).
- Dickinson College students must consult their Global Education Office before starting the online application.
- University of Toledo and Bridgewater State University students must consult their campus liaisons before starting the online application.
Some Program-Specific Application Requirements
- Córdova Congressional Internship Program [5] applicants must also complete a special application.
- Postgraduate Professional Development Program [6] applicants need not have campus liaison/sponsor approval. In the online application, applicants should select one of the terms that begins with “Postgraduate.”
- Competitive Government Program [7] applicants may not need sponsor approval and will complete slightly different application components.
- Intern Abroad Program [8] applicants can view requirements on that section of the website.
- Academic Seminar [9] applicants should also refer to the relevant section of the website.
Additional Resources
- Application Documents [10]
- Resources [11]
Application Documents
Checklist of Documents to Submit with Application All Students
You should prepare all of your application materials carefully, as they will often be referred to prospective internship sites after your acceptance!
Resume: Include a one-page resume that outlines your educational background, honors or recognitions, work experience, activities, special skills, travel interests, etc. Please be sure to include any computer-related expertise or foreign language skills, as well as prior internships and community service activities. If you do not have a current resume, check with your campus career center for advice on format.
Statement of Professional Interest: In approximately 100 words, describe the kinds of activities in which you would like to be involved during your internship and how these activities would relate to your career goals. Please do not specify the name(s) of any particular organization in this statement.
Issues Essay: Please compose an essay of approximately 500 words to be used as a writing sample. This component of the application provides you with an opportunity to reflect on a key issue with which you may wish to be engaged during your internship and demonstrate your written communication skills to TWC and prospective internship site supervisors. You should ensure that your essay is relevant to the professional field in which you'd like to intern and includes your personal opinion on the issue discussed.
Transcript: You should make arrangements to have an official transcript sent to The Washington Center. Our address is The Washington Center, ATTN: Enrollment Services, 1333 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Letters of Recommendation*: Two letters of recommendation are required. One of these letters must be from a faculty member, while the other may be from a professional supervisor. Neither letter should come from a family member or friend, and we suggest that you do not request letters from high school teachers. If you have below a 2.75 GPA, you will need to obtain three letters total (two of which should be from faculty members).
Students Attending Schools Outside of the United States
- All documents above
- TOEFL score
- Copy of passport
*Will be submitted online directly by provider
