The document provides information about postgraduate study in the US through the Fulbright Commission, including details about: - Promoting educational exchange between the US and UK through awards for postgraduate study and research. - Advising UK students on all levels of US study through the Fulbright Advisory Service. - Key differences between US and UK postgraduate programs and the benefits of studying in the US, such as quality universities and funding opportunities. - Components of the Fulbright application process and eligibility requirements for awards.

1. US-UK Fulbright Commission:
• Promoting peace and cultural
Postgraduate Study understanding through educational
exchange
• Awards for postgraduate study and
in the US
research in the US and UK
• Fulbright Advisory Service offering
information and advice on all
levels of US study to the UK public
President John F Kennedy signing
• Part of EducationUSA global
the Fulbright-Hays Act; Senator
network of more than 400 advising
William J Fulbright (far left)
centres supported by US
Department of State
Educational Terminology Differences: Why Study in the US?
US UK
• Quality and reputation of US universities
College, university, institute,
University
school
• Funding opportunities
Class, course Module
• Flexibility to explore your academic interests (focus on teaching)
Degree program Course
• Opportunity to experience campus life and activities
Undergraduate study First-degree
Graduate study Postgraduate study • Internationalise & strengthen your CV
Public State-funded • Learn about a new culture & expand your horizons
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2. Quality & Variety of US Universities Funding Opportunities
Simon McCabe, PhD Social Psychology, University of
Missouri-Columbia, Teaching Assistantship
Flexibility and Focus Opportunity to Experience Campus
on Teaching Collaboration Life & Activities
Alexandra Latham, Arizona State University
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3. Learn About a New Culture & Expand
Internationalise Your CV Your Horizons
Jorja Hudson, British student at San Jose State University
Overview of Postgraduate Study: Ideal Timeline:
Time Before
Typical Timeframe Notes
• Key differences between the US and UK: Enrolment
– No pure research degrees 1–1½ •Learn about US higher education and application process
Spring / Summer •Begin choosing universities
– Coursework expressed in credits or required courses Years •May 2010 - Apply for a Fulbright Award for 2012-13
– No set fees
•Finalise your selection of 4-6 universities
– Law and Medicine studied at postgraduate level Late Summer/Early 10-12
•Register for admissions exams
Autumn Months
•Begin admissions and funding applications
• Type of degree programmes: 8-10 •Submit admissions applications
– Master’s: Academic/research or professional Late Autumn / Winter
Months •Submit funding applications
– Doctoral
4-7 •Receive admissions decisions
– JD/LLM (law) Spring
Months
– MD (medicine)
•Notify universities
– Visiting or non-degree seeking students 1-3
Summer •Apply for your visa
Months
•Read pre-departure information on our website
Aug. / Sept. -- •Begin study in the US!
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4. Application Components: Sources of Funding:
• Submit an application to each university • Personal/family funds
• Will follow a similar format: • US universities
– Online application form – Fellowships
– Admissions exam scores, such as the GRE – Assistantships
– Transcript – Application procedures
– Personal statement
– 2-3 recommendation letters • External funding bodies
– CV – Types of funding bodies
– Application fee – Application procedures
– Interview (for MBA) or audition (for the Arts)
– Submission of work (writing sample, portfolio, etc.) • Loans
Fulbright Awards: Benefits:
• Significant contribution toward tuition fees and maintenance for at least the
first year of study (minimum of $25,000)
“The Fulbright Commission aims
to bring a little more knowledge, • Application and university placement support, which includes university
a little more reason, and a little application and entrance exam fees
more compassion into world
affairs and thereby increase the • Limited sickness and accident benefit coverage
chance that nations will learn at
last to live in peace and • Recognition of the Fulbright name during admissions process and beyond
friendship.”
• Visa processing support
- Senator J William Fulbright
• Comprehensive 2-3 day orientation and support and enrichment events
whilst in the US
2010-11 UK Scholars
• Membership to extensive alumni networks, including the British Fulbright
Scholar Association
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5. Eligibility: Successful Applicants:
• UK citizen • Are well-rounded
• Have demonstrated academic achievement
• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree (or
equivalent) from any university • Have shown leadership skills and initiative and have been active inside the
classroom/lab as well as outside
• May not hold US citizenship, be a dual citizen, hold a • Possess a curiosity for the US and American culture
green card, or reside in the US at time of application
• Serve as good ambassadors for the Fulbright Commission and for the UK
in the US
• Some preference given to candidates who have not had
extensive recent experience in the US • Indicate a clear reason for selecting universities and a desire to give back
to the UK and the Fulbright Commission upon returning home
Application Information:
• All categories (except Harvard MBA Award):
– Application available online at www.fulbright.co.uk from 1 February 2011
– Components:
• Application form
• Personal and Research statements
• Transcript / confirmation of degree results
• Copy of UK Passport
• CV
– Deadline: 31 May 2011 for study commencing in 2012-13
• Harvard MBA Award:
– Application available online at www.fulbright.co.uk now
– Deadline: 15 April 2011 (for study from 2011-12)
For application questions please contact the Awards Programme via email:
programmes@fulbright.co.uk or live MSN chat on Tuesdays and Thursdays
afternoons between 2-4pm www.fulbright.co.uk
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6. USA Grad School Day (9 March 2011 in London) & Autumn Seminar
Resource Library
Questions?
Enquiries
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7. FYI – Approximate Grade
FYI - Selection Criteria: Conversions:
• Academics
– Degree results - Minimum 2:2 undergraduate results
UK US
– Admissions exam results
First Class Honours A (4.00)
• ‘Academic fit’ – As discussed in ‘choosing’ slide, compelling reasons
for:
2:1 A-/B+ (3.33 – 3.67)
– pursuing that particular degree programme at that institution
– how it will help you achieve your future goals
2:2 B (3.00)
– For UK students - why you’re interested in studying in the US
Third Class Honours C+ (2.30)
• Relevant preparation - Work/research experience and/or coursework
Pass C (2.00)
• Extracurricular involvement
Choosing a Degree Programme: Choosing a Degree Programme:
• Type of degree programme:
• Location
– Master’s: Academic/research vs. professional
– Centres of excellence for certain fields
– Doctoral
– Cost of living
– Joint degree programme
– Urban, suburban or rural
– Non-degree seeking student status
– Campus size
– Cultural differences
• Suitability of the department - the ‘academic fit’: – Weather and climate
– Faculty expertise – Proximity to public transport / airports
– Electives and concentrations
– Size and atmosphere
• Extracurricular opportunities
– Relationships between students and faculty
– Additional opportunities for research, teaching and conference
attendance • Competitiveness of admission
• Prestige - the slippery slope • Costs and availability of university funding – prioritise if necessary
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