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Join the Fellowship

Applications Open Fall 2026

The Opus Society recruits annually each fall. Applications are competitive and intentionally selective.

The Right Candidate

Clemson students with ambition and a real pull toward public service, ready to commit two years.

We're not looking for a fully formed professional record. We're looking at your trajectory, how you write, what you're curious about, and whether you have the potential to make the most of two years in this fellowship.

  • CommitmentAble to commit to both years of the fellowship, regardless of what year you're in now.
  • GPA3.0 cumulative or higher.
  • InterestDemonstrated curiosity about public service, policy, law, or government, even if you haven't figured out which one yet.

The Application

The application is designed to show us who you are and how you think. The students who write like they've really thought about this stand out immediately.

  • ResumeA current resume or activity summary reflecting your academic background, involvement, and interests.
  • ReasonWhy public service, and why now. Specific is better than polished.
  • Short AnswerOne or two questions designed to assess how you think about problems rather than what you know.
  • InterviewFinalists are invited to a 30-45-minute conversational interview with one or two board members.

Recruitment Calendar

Late August

Applications open; involvement fair tabling begins

Mid-September

Application deadline

Late September

Finalist interviews; decisions communicated

October

Orientation and Semester 1 programming begins

One shot each year. If you're drawn to this, apply.

Apply to the Fellowship