Prepared by IIE’s Academic and Experiential Learning Division, November 2019
Fulbright Foreign Student Application
Study Objective and Personal Statement Guidelines
Essay Guidelines
Study Objective: The study/research objective description that you provide is a highly important part
of your application. It helps the reader better understand your proposed study goals. You should
take great care to write a clear and very detailed description of the program you want to pursue.
Vær oppmerksom på at norske søkere skal oppgi hvilke institusjoner de tenker søke seg til i USA
samt spesifisere studievalget i Study Objective.
• Be specific about your degree objective, major field and specialized interests within this field.
• Explain why you are interested in this area.
• 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?
• How are your research interests relevant to current trends/challenges in your home country?
• How will you apply your studies upon returning to your home country?
• The essay should be at least one page and no longer than two pages.
• Please use your own words. If you are planning to use someone else’s works or research you
must credit the source at all times.
Personal Statement: The personal statement is a narrative statement in which you give the reader
more insight into you as an individual and your future contributions. It should include information
about your education, practical experience, special interests, career plans, and your purpose in
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?
• The essay should be at least one page and no longer than two pages.
• Please use your own words. If you are planning to use someone else’s works or research you
must credit the source at all times