Welcome to the Government, Law, and Public Policy career advising page! Wellesley's rigorous liberal arts curriculum prepares students and graduates to make a difference in the world, equipped with a skill set that is especially relevant in these industries. Careers in these areas require that individuals understand historical context, exhibit critical thinking, and display passion for service — whether it be in an NGO, a think tank, government agency, or the private sector. These industries are often intertwined. For example, a student exploring a career in law may contemplate a career in international development or the Foreign Service. Given the overlap, it is important to define your personal interests and explore how they align with careers in this space to identify what fulfills you most.
Students and graduates are encouraged to get started by exploring the resources below and scheduling an appointment in Handshake to meet with Nicole Park (Career Advisor for Government, Law, and Public Policy)
Law Resources
Is law school right for you? Explore the resources and videos below to learn more about careers in law and applying to law school.
Appointments can be scheduled in Handshake for Mon–Fri.
Sign up for newsletters!
Update your Career Interests in Handshake to sign up for Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy emails! You'll learn about events, discover opportunities, hear alumnae stories, and more.
Law School Acceptance Rate
83%
83% of Wellesley applicants are accepted to at least one law school (based on 5-year data from 2015–2020)
Did you know that citizens of any country are now eligible to apply for the Rhodes Scholarships, for graduate study at the University of Oxford? Campus deadline for Wellesley applicants for Global Rhodes is typically in early June and for the Canadian and US Rhodes typically in late August. Application deadlines for other Rhodes competitions may fall even earlier (see their website, and Career Education deadline listings). All prospective Wellesley Rhodes applicants are encouraged to seek advice from Kate Dailinger, of Wellesley's Career Education, and learn more through this resource page.
*As of March, 2024, the Mitchell Scholarship has paused the selection of new Scholars. There will be no new class selected in autumn 2025, but they hope in future to be able to re-open this award.
Supports one year of study in any discipline at a university in Ireland. Eligible are graduating seniors and graduates who are US citizens between the ages of 18 and 30. Campus application deadline for seniors (who must seek institutional nomination) typically in August; graduates apply directly for the Mitchell but are very welcome to seek application advice from Wellesley's Fellowships office.
Supports a two-year master’s degree in any field at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), but Economics is especially encouraged. Eligible are graduating seniors at Wellesley who are US citizens. Campus application deadline typically in November.
Established by the will of Alice Alvira Stevens, Class of 1891, the Mary Elvira Stevens Traveling Fellowship is available to a Wellesley graduate who is at least 25 years of age in the year of application and supports up to a full year of purposeful travel outside the United States. We invite proposals that will inspire reflection and growth and lead to more fulfilling and productive personal and professional lives. Campus application deadline typically in the spring.
Supports one or two years of study in any discipline at a university in the United Kingdom. Eligible are graduating seniors and recent gradiates who are US citizens. Campus application deadline for Wellesley's endorsement typically in August.
Supports one-year professional placements (along with language training) in Asia for those who have not had extensive experience in Asia. Eligible are US citizens or permanent residents who are graduating seniors, recent graduates, and professionals under the age of 32 - or if older, no more than three years out from receiving bachelor’s degree [Davis Scholars, we're looking at you]. Direct application deadline typically in October.
