fulbright - essay tips
TRANSCRIPT
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!