Essential Qualities of a Fulbrighter
Melissa’s Tips for Crafting a Successful Fulbright Application, Part 1
This year, I have written numerous posts sharing tips for the Fulbright application process. I discussed my Fulbright application timeline (spoiler: I applied three separate times!); shared Fulbright Semi-Finalist interview prep tips; and talked about what to do if you are a Fulbright alternate.
All of these blog posts have dealt with the period of time after the application is turned in. It’s time to talk about the application itself…
Welcome to my new blog series on applying for a Fulbright award! Along the way, I will share tips for each of the application components, from writing killer essays to finding your affiliate.
Are you applying for a Fulbright? Interested in coaching from a Fulbrighter?
Click here to see if coaching with Melissa would be a good fit for you!
But before I launch into practical tips, I’m going to take a step back and discuss what I believe are the essential qualities of an ideal Fulbright candidate.
The journey to a Fulbright award starts long before you sit down to write essays or request recommendation letters. You have been developing qualities for a long time that will set you apart as a Fulbright applicant. Here is a list of qualities that I consider essential:
Essential Fulbrighter Qualities
Curious and open to people, cultures, and the world
Creative, determined and motivated
Self-aware and reflective
Strong sense of how Fulbright connects with personal and career goals
Flexibility and willingness to adjust
Love for and interest in the host country
Sufficient language skills, if necessary
As you can see, these are qualities that develop gradually. As you craft your Fulbright application, keep coming back to this list. It will be key to emphasize how you have developed or are developing these qualities.
Thank you for reading this blog, and good luck on your Fulbright application adventure!
…and don’t forget! I am offering a limited number of Fulbright application coaching sessions this summer (June-September, 2024).