How to apply for a FULBRIGHT scholarship
Compiled by :E.Lukas (Fulbright Scholar)
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THREE MAIN ESSAYS
1.Study Objectives essays
2.Personal Statement Essays
3.Writing Sample
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Study objectives
The study/research objective essay is a critical component of
your application. It helps the reader better understand your
proposed study goals and why you would be a good fit for
academic study/research in your particular field. You should take
great care to write a clear, concise, and detailed description of
the program you want to pursue, that includes the following
points:
❖ Be specific about your degree objective, major field, and
specialized interests within this field.
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❖ Explain why you are interested in this area of study or researc
❖ Describe the kind of program you expect to undertake.
❖ How does this fit into your educational background?
❖ How does this fit into your future objectives and goals?
❖ If you prefer a program that focuses on theoretical vs. p
application or technical vs. policy, include this as well.
❖ How are your research interests relevant to
trends/challenges in your home country?
❖ How will you apply your studies upon returning to your
country?
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Please pay close attention to these guidelines:
❖ Do not include references to proposed universities or faculty.
❖ The essay should be at least one page and no longer than two
pages.
❖ Please use your own words; do not plagiarize . If you are
planning to use someone else’s works or research, you must
acknowledge the source at all times .
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Personal Statement essay
The personal statement essay is a narrative statement in which you give the reader
more insight into you as an individual and your future aspirations. It should include
information about your education, practical experience, special interests, career
plans, and your personal reasons for applying for study.
❖ Explain who you are, what is important to you and what you intend to
accomplish in your life.
❖ Demonstrate your unique qualifications for your chosen field.
❖ Discuss experiences, people, and events that inspired you to pursue this field of
study.
❖ Demonstrate your commitment to your field of study.
❖ What kind of contribution do you want to make?
❖ What do you intend to do with your degree?
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Please pay close attention to these guidelines:
❖ Do not include references to proposed universities or
faculty.
❖ The essay should be at least one page and no longer
than two pages.
❖ Please use your own words; do not plagiarize . If you
are planning to use someone else’s works or research,
you must acknowledge the source at all times .
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Writing Sample:
The writing sample (required for PhD applicants and
some Master’s fields of study) should always be related
to your field of study and ideally within the area of
specialization you are applying for. The sample should
be 10-20 pages in length including a cover page and
bibliography.
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❖ The writing sample should be a sample of your best work to enhance
your application:
❖ It should be well written and show a good grasp of English.
❖ It should reflect your analytical thinking ability.
❖ It should show your grasp of the complexity of the topic.
The writing sample can be a published work or an original writing
sample
❖ If it is a published work, you should be the lead author of the article.
❖ If a published work, it should be from a peer reviewed publication.
❖ If it is an original writing sample, a chapter from a thesis or a senior
project paper is ideal. Pay attention to the writing style.
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Different fields of study may expect you to be
familiar with the recommended writing style,
these are:
❖ Humanities, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts – MLA style
❖ Social Sciences, Education, Biological & Earth
Sciences, Business, Linguistics, Anthropology
–APA style
❖ Sciences – CSE
❖ Others – Chicago Manual of Style
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