<p>So here’s my question: why do you want to be a Fulbright scholar?</p>
<p>Because the way you worded it is odd. Most people say they want to do international research and so they apply to a Fulbright, along with other opportunities, in order to do that research that they want to do abroad. Or they want to be an English Teaching Assistant and Fulbright is one way to do that. But you just said that you want to be a Fulbright scholar, for no particular reason. You want a research grant. What do you want to study? Is there a particular scholarly problem that you <em>need</em> to go to another country to do research for?</p>
<p>The most successful Fulbright grants are focused and have a compelling reason for research and study in the targeted country. In many cases, you will need to know the local language in order to successfully carry out a study (in biology perhaps not; in psychology, probably yes). So learning a language and studying abroad to enhance language skills may be one thing you can do to increase your chances. Also, get involved in a research project now or soon. Find out if you actually like doing research and if there is a niche in your field that requires international study.</p>
<p>Check out the new Fulbright booklet. In some countries, there are Fulbright/Fogarty public health research internships targeted towards biological researchers. If you write a full grant on your own, you will need to secure international affiliations yourself in virtually all of the countries you apply to; studying abroad can facilitate that but you need to start the process early. Also, carefully read the eligibility requirements and preferences. For example, in Cameroon there is a preference for biologists, so a full grant written in biology for that country has a better chance than, say, a psychological study (which is not on the preferred list).</p>
<p>Make sure you find out if your university has an earlier deadline to look over your application. Mine required the Fulbright application 2 weeks before the actual deadline.</p>
<p>Also, find out if your college participates in the Watson fellowship program:</p>
<p>[The</a> Watson Fellowship](<a href=“watsonfellowship.org”>watsonfellowship.org)</p>