<p>First, I suggest you go to the [Fulbright website](<a href=“US Fulbright Program - Home Page”>http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html</a>) and see if IIE is offering any information sessions in your area. Download the student brochure, read the stories, and use the website as a resource. The brochure also lists the kinds of Fulbright programs in different countries. You are interested in a research grant for biology? psychology? so check which countries have programs in your area. Some countries offer more scholarships than others, so the odds of getting a scholarship in a country with a lot of scholarships are probably better than those with fewer scholarships unless your research is in a highly specialized field.</p>
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Your research proposal needs to be realistic, something with well-defined parameters which can be accomplished in an academic year. You probably will have to defend your proposal to a committee at your undergrad school to "vet’ it before they will even allow you to submit it. Take any criticisms or suggestions & make necessary revisions to your proposal.</p>
<p>The affiliation is also important. Do the research on where you can best accomplish your work. Do not be vague or general (ie. I want to study in Country A). Be very specific about where you want to go (ie. I want to study at the University of X because Professor Y is conducting ground-breaking research in subject Z). Offer a second & third choice (ie. Professor A at University B is also doing similar research on subject Z; these professors are collaborating in their research with Professor C at University D). </p>
<p>The final piece is the recommendations. Develop solid working relationships with your professors. Do internships or research projects & ask your mentor to write a recommendation. A recommendation from a well-known professor or mentor will help tremendously. Use your professors & pick their brains for advice. Were any of them Fulbrighters? They might have some suggestions for research in your field.</p>
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This is not your decision, but that of the Institute for International Education. Finally as a former Fulbrighter, I would offer a piece of unsolicited advice: you need to distinguish between “needs” and “wants.” Nobody “needs” to be a Fulbright scholar, but many people “want” that kind of scholarship. It is an honor & a privilege to be selected.</p>