Note, too, that a number of applicants include long opening paragraphs with extensive background information that contextualizes their topics. Provide support material in your body paragraphs as well: details, examples, and anecdotes are a must. You sell yourself, support your claims—whatever words you want to use—when you include adequate evidence or support in each paragraph throughout your curriculum vita. Include thoughtful insights about your experience. In other words, in addition to describing and detailing what you have done, reveal what you have learned and what insights you have gained— about yourself, about a subject, about an experience. Develop a thoughtful relevant conclusion—one that adds to your discussion and brings it to a close. The best advice is to stop when you are finished; do not tag on a needless summary or add a paragraph of generalizations and empty statements. Often you can end with the preceding paragraph and bring it—and your essay—to a close by adding a memorable sentence or two. As noted above, many writers end by focusing on what they plan to do after their Fulbright experiences. Language, Style, and Tone Use concrete and specific language; avoid general and encompassing statements. Instead of saying that you value social equality or diversity, show what you have learned and generate specific statements and explanations for why you value these ideals. Choose words appropriate to your audience—a group of thoughtful but non-specialist readers. Avoid jargon—unless necessary—and explain esoteric terms and disciplinary-specific vocabulary. Develop a tone that strikes a balance between too personal or too academic. Avoid stilted, overly formal, and pedantic language. Avoid clichés, sentimental language, and platitudes. For example: felt unbridled “I happiness, when a homeless person thanked me for helping to build them a new home.” Write concisely. Because of page limitations, every word counts, so work with an experienced editor to eliminate superfluous words, phrases, and sentences. Follow these suggestions: Condense phrases by using a single word—“Obviously” instead of is obvious that”; “It instead of the grounds that.” “Because” “On Eliminate nominalizations and adjective used as nouns)—“Victimize” instead of “Victimization.” Condense verb phrases by a single word—“Consider” instead of consideration “Give to”; instead of a great understanding of.” “Understand” “Have
Note, too, that a number of applicants include long opening paragraphs with extensive background information that contextualizes their topics. Provide support material in your body paragraphs as well: details, examples, and anecdotes are a must. You sell yourself, support your claims—whatever words you want to use—when you include adequate evidence or support in each paragraph throughout your curriculum vita. Include thoughtful insights about your experience. In other words, in addition to describing and detailing what you have done, reveal what you have learned and what insights you have gained— about yourself, about a subject, about an experience. Develop a thoughtful relevant conclusion—one that adds to your discussion and brings it to a close. The best advice is to stop when you are finished; do not tag on a needless summary or add a paragraph of generalizations and empty statements. Often you can end with the preceding paragraph and bring it—and your essay—to a close by adding a memorable sentence or two. As noted above, many writers end by focusing on what they plan to do after their Fulbright experiences. Language, Style, and Tone Use concrete and specific language; avoid general and encompassing statements. Instead of saying that you value social equality or diversity, show what you have learned and generate specific statements and explanations for why you value these ideals. Choose words appropriate to your audience—a group of thoughtful but non-specialist readers. Avoid jargon—unless necessary—and explain esoteric terms and disciplinary-specific vocabulary. Develop a tone that strikes a balance between too personal or too academic. Avoid stilted, overly formal, and pedantic language. Avoid clichés, sentimental language, and platitudes. For example: “I felt unbridled happiness, when a homeless person thanked me for helping to build them a new home.” Write concisely. Because of page limitations, every word counts, so work with an experienced editor to eliminate superfluous words, phrases, and sentences. Follow these suggestions: Condense phrases by using a single word—“Obviously” instead of “It is obvious that”; “Because” instead of “On the grounds that.” Eliminate nominalizations and adjective used as nouns)—“Victimize” instead of “Victimization.” Condense verb phrases by a single word—“Consider” instead of “Give consideration to”; “Understand” instead of “Have a great understanding of.”
Documents_Fulbright_Guidelines_for_Writing_Personal_Statement_Essay.docx