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Campus Resources for Applicants

In addition to the Fulbright Program Advisor based in International Studies and Programs, MSU offers a host of other resources to assist you in creating the strongest possible grant application. Take advantage of these campus assets and MSU's strong global reach as you work on your proposal!

Career Services Network

  • The Career Services Network offers workshops and tip sheets on writing applications and personal statements, preparing for interviews, writing and polishing your résumé or CV, and more.
  • CSN personnel have experience working with Fulbright applicants on their written statements. 

The Writing Center

  • Writing Center personnel can assist with outlining, editing a statement, addressing grammar or style concerns, and more.
  • The Writing Center has locations across campus (and virtually) and is available nearly year-round to support students through one-on-one consultations and various workshops.
    • Watch for Fulbright-specific workshops to be offered each summer to help jump-start your writing process.
  • Note that the Writing Center is closed from mid-August to early September each year for staff training; factor this in and plan ahead, since the campus Fulbright deadline falls on September 1.
  • Writing Center consultants also partner with the East Lansing Public Library for the Community Writing Center (CWC). The CWC remains open during the Writing Center's annual August closure and may be a good alternative for last-minute advice before the MSU Fulbright deadline.

Area and Thematic Centers

  • Housed within International Studies and Programs are several unique centers focused on geographic or thematic areas. It may be helpful to make contact with personnel from these centers to find out about current projects or connections they may have to your planned Fulbright activities.

Language Evaluators

Personal Statements and Statements of Grant Purpose

  • The Fulbright Program Advisor has curated a collection of personal statements and statements of grant purpose from successful awardees who have given permission for them to be shared with future MSU applicants.
  • Examples of the shorter statements (e.g., host country engagement) required in the Program Information section of the application are also available from the advisor.
  • The advisor has created several handouts with information and tips on the various writing portions of the application; contact her for links.
  • A basic Google search for tips and best practices for writing Fulbright essays and letters will also turn up hundreds of sites to explore, some of which may be helpful as you brainstorm.

Letters of Recommendation and Affiliation

  • In identifying three references, think about people who can address not only your academic background but also your experiences outside of academia. If two references are academic, try to include a third who knows you from a job, volunteer position, or other setting.
  • Communicate with references to let them know when you plan to share your draft Statements. They can refer to these in writing their letters so their recommendations align with your project. You should also direct them to the appropriate link for instructions:
  • Sample letters of affiliation for Open Study/Research applicants are available from the Fulbright Program Advisor.

Transcripts

  • You must upload one unofficial academic transcript from each post-secondary institution from which you received a degree. Additional transcripts should be uploaded for coursework and grades not reflected on degree-granting transcripts.
  • This document provides step-by-step instructions for obtaining a transcript from MSU's Office of the Registrar. There is no cost to have a transcript issued to you!
  • More information about transcript requirements can be found on the IIE website's Transcript Upload Instructions page.