Is Fulbright Right for Me?
Eligibility
Current Babson undergraduate and graduate students should apply through Babson College. Alumni may apply through Babson; however, they must adhere to the internal deadlines, otherwise they can apply as an at-large candidate.
- Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent before the start of the grant.
- Must be in good health. Grantees will be required to submit a satisfactory Medical Certificate from a physician.
Language skills: Each country has different expectations of level of fluency. It is important to check the prospective country’s program summary to determine if you meet the requirements. Fulbright does offer support to learn some languages (for example Arabic) with the Critical Language Enhancement Award.
Additional eligibility requirements may apply.
Should I Apply?
The intention of the following three-step process is to provide you answers to commonly asked questions, to allow you the time to think about which grant interests you, and determine if applying is what you would like to do.
Do I know what I want to study or research overseas and why?
Do I know why I want to teach English overseas?
A vital part of any application is the enthusiasm for, and understanding of, a period of study or research overseas. This is true whether you are applying as a graduating senior or as an advanced graduate student. The core of a Fulbright application is the argument that you make for the importance of your experience abroad, whether it be for academic study, research overseas, or teaching English. While Fulbright considers other aspects of an application, priority is given to your expressed goals.
Is my academic record strong enough?
Although there is no minimum grade point requirement, the Fulbright Awards are academically competitive, and it is unusual for recipients to have a GPA below 3.5.
Am I someone who is interested in things outside of the academic area and do I have experiences I can share that show these interests?
The Fulbright looks for evidence of non-academic interests and pursuits. Your extracurricular involvement and achievements can be in any area (e.g., volunteer activities, student organizations, work, and sports). These activities should be meaningful aspects of your life, and you should have a comfort level when talking and writing about them.
Do I have faculty members, advisors and/or business supervisors who I know well enough to ask for the references, and will they be able to speak to my qualifications and character to support my application?
The Fulbright requires three letters of recommendation and a language evaluation if required. At least two of the three references should be from those who have known you in an academic setting and who are able to comment on your other characteristics. From our experience, students who are successful in obtaining this grant have very detailed references from faculty, supervisors, advisors, etc. If possible, references should provide an in-depth evaluation of a student based on a relationship with faculty/advisor/supervisor who have engaged with you in more than a large class or general setting.
Do I need to have contacts in the country where I am applying?
If you are applying for the Study Research Grant, you are required to identify and submit an official Affiliation Letter as a component of your application. This in-country support contact is most often affiliated with a university or organization. The Fulbright committees needs to feel confident that you will have the support and guidance necessary to conduct your proposed project in your host country.
Next, you need to learn more about the opportunities available through further research. Below you will find some ways to get this done.
- Attend a Babson Fulbright Information Session, which are held in the early spring and fall.
- Browse the Official Fulbright Website for additional information.
- Make sure to read the “country summary” of all of the countries where you are interested in applying.
- Different countries have slightly different requirements, and you need to be aware of the requirements and preferences for the country you choose before you begin working on your application.
- Make an appointment with the Babson Fulbright advisor, Elise Beaudin, by calling the Glavin Office front desk at 781-239-4565 or via Student Success Hub Schedule an Advising Appointment. This is your opportunity to ask more in-depth questions regarding the Fulbright application process.
- Consult with your professors and advisors to discuss your plans to apply for the Fulbright Grant and get them acquainted with your ideas and plans. This is also an opportunity to see if they would be willing to advise you and write a recommendation.
Now that you have obtained all the information it is time to decide, will you move forward and apply? Some final question you might be to ask yourself (and be honest!) are as follows:
Will I have time available during the spring or summer to prepare my application?
It is important for you to assess your availability: 1. To do the required research on the different awards and countries during the spring, and 2. To allocate specific time each week to work on the application essays. In addition, many former applicants have found that connecting with advisors, professors, and potential recommenders before leaving campus to be helpful. It is much easier to complete all the application requirements over the span of the summer rather than trying to get it all done after returning for the fall semester.
Will I be away from campus during the fall for the campus interview and deadlines?
While it is not impossible to apply when you are not on campus, it will take a lot of time and effort on your part to make sure you are on top of all the details and deadlines. You will also have to plan in advance if you would like to schedule appointments to meet virtually with those on campus who are here to support you in the process. Keep in mind that no matter how much work is done during the spring and summer, there are always last-minute details to complete around the time of the campus deadline and interviews. If you will be away from campus during the fall quarter, please stay in close touch with the Glavin Office and keep them informed of your plans.
Do I have the time and energy to commit to this process?
Participating in the Fulbright competition demands considerable time and energy. For those applicants who plan ahead and work on their applications throughout the summer, the deadline in the first days of fall semester will not be quite as daunting. Also remember there is so much that can be learned from this process through the self-reflection, it becomes clear what aspects of your life are important to you, and how your value system guides you, as well as, why you are working toward specific career goals.
Now it is time to submit your Babson Fulbright Intent to Apply Form!