Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Who is eligible to submit to the Porter and Field prizes?

The Porter and Field Prize competitions are open to all students enrolled in Yale University for a degree. 

I completed my studies in December so, I am no longer a student enrolled for degree. Am I eligible to compete in the Porter and Field prize competitions?

Yes, if you were enrolled for degree during any part of the current academic year, you are eligible to submit to the Porter and Field prize competitions.

Do I need to be nominated by a professor or my department in order to apply?

No, the Porter and Field prize competitions are open to all students enrolled for a degree, provided that the submissions meet the provisions of the prize conditions listed on the Porter and Field prize web page.

Application

I would like to apply for both prizes, do I need to fill out two copies of the application and provide two copies of my submission?

There is no need to submit two copies of your submission. The judges will determine whether your submission meets the requirements for the Porter Prize, the Field Prize, or both.

Submission

Can I submit a work written in a language other than English?

Yes, provided that it is accompanied by an English-language translation.

I am submitting a paper for consideration, how should I submit it?

Entries are submitted through the Yale Student Grants and Fellowships platform. 

Yale College student submissions.

Graduate or professional school student submissions.

If my dissertation has a précis that is more than one page must I re-write it?

Yes, all entries must be accompanied by a separate one-page summary that is written in non-technical language for an intelligent but non-expert reader.

Can I submit a work written by more than one author?

Yes, provided that it represents substantial independent scholarship on your part.  When submitting, you will be asked to identify a faculty advisor or director of studies to attest to your substantial independent scholarship.

After Submission

When will I know the status of my submission and how will I know if I won?

Recipients of the Porter and Field prizes are kept confidential until Commencement day. If you have been awarded a prize and are not on campus for the commencement ceremonies, you will be notified via email.

Are the names of prize winners listed on the web?

Yes, the names of past prize winners are located on the Porter and Field prize pages on the Office of the Secretary website.