Fulbright - Essay Tips

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

First Paragraph: Hook!Simple LanguageWhy do I want to do this?What motivated me?

You can send your technical related document, so avoid using technical language and industry jargon.

Showcase your style and experience.

APPLICATION

Overall personalityAcademic background and work experienceContinuityCommitment and MotivationCommunication SkillsInsight in to your Personality (Personal

Touch!)

ESSAY

Serious intent to studyWant to attend their collegeMach between interests & abilities and what

the school has to offer (Showcase Poignancy …!)

Ability to think clearly and creativelyThoughtfulness, sincerity and interesting

angle

COMMON FLAWS

Careless mistakes (Content)Not answering the questionsA boring introductionLong windednessPassive-voice verbsBig words

HOW TO START?

Why do you want to study further? Reasons Get beyond clichés A reason which strikes a chord with you

Significant events in your life Turn negativity (e.g.: lack of skills or training) in to

possible strengthsResume: Learning from your experiencesWhy: the schools you have shortlistedList of people you have admired or who have

influenced you (e.g.: Recall Autism degree case)

ASSESS YOURSELF: BRAINSTORM

Chronological methodSkillsAccomplishmentsInfluences/Role Models

THINK…

How will it enrich the reader’s view of you?Does your essay show many layers of skills

and characteristics?Is it unique (Personal Touch …!)InterestingDetailsDon’t list your achievements alone. Mention

how it impacts you; changed you.

INTRODUCTION

Introduce your themeBring your most compelling idea to forefront

and structure your essay to that.

STYLE AND TONE

Simple; StraightforwardSound confidentBe definiteDownplay negativeBe conversationalEmphasize your active roleBe careful of humor

LANGUAGE

Vary sentence length; not too lengthyWord choice: very precise language; not

vagueUse active voice.

CONCLUSION

Synthesize, not summarizeReference to the school you are applyingExpand on broader significance – within

reasonClosing with goals; looking ahead often works

wellKeep on editing and sleep on itEditing checklist: educationplanner.com

DON’Ts

RepeatExaggerate/lieTell too muchComplain/blameFocus on negativeSeek pityRushCopy/buy

Make too many generalizations

Flatter the academyToo controversialBe aggressiveGlorify yourselfTypos/grammar

errorsUse clichés

DO’s

Give yourself to plan, reflect and revise

Read the question carefully

Write a separate essay for each application

Write to the length required

Research the college

Accentuate your positive qualities

Mention experience/work if not listed anywhere in the CV

Show yourself in the best light

REOSURCES

www.statementofpurpose.comwww.educationusa.state.govwww.gradschools.comwww.petersons.com

TIDBITS…

Research: University Department Faculty (GTAships)

GTAships: Can be Research and Teaching One can waive off tuition while other can living &

board!!!

Write to the faculty directly; Match them!