Student Application Do’s and Don’ts

• Do not let application statistics determine whether you apply. Likewise, do not let information about past recipients influence your application. Grantee academic fields and host institutions vary from year to year and should not be taken as an indication of Fulbright Norway’s preferences.
• Do be clear about what you want to study or research and why.

• Do not expect Norwegian heritage to be a help (or hindrance) to your chances of being offered a grant.
• Do provide an explanation of why your proposed studies/research warrant a stay at your host institution(s) in Norway.

• Do not ask the Fulbright office to find a host for you.
• Do look for potential hosts by consulting with your academic advisors, investigating which Norwegian universities offer programs in your field, searching for publications by researchers who share your particular interests, and identifying other leads through academic organizations and alumni groups. 

• Do not use an invitation from a tepid host, even if that host is high-profile. A strong and enthusiastic commitment from a host is essential to a competitive application.
• Do encourage host interest by dialoging with them. What do you want to do? What do they want you to do? How can you work together? 

• Do not assume that those who will read your application have in-depth knowledge of your field or subject area.
• Do explain your topic concisely for an educated lay audience, and spell out any acronyms at the outset.

• Do not make assertions about Norway or the topic you plan to study/research without being sure that they are correct and/or substantiable.
• Do demonstrate that you have done your research and have solid academic grounds for your proposal. Cite sources as needed.

• Do not wait until the last minute to ask for recommendation letters.
• Do give references plenty of lead time. Consider engaging them in the formulation of your project proposal.

• Do not list everything possible in the “extracurricular activities” field. A long list will not necessarily make you a stronger candidate. If you only did something for a short time, were involved in the activity long ago, are no longer engaged in the cause or issue etc., it is probably not worth mentioning.
• Do be sure to list all relevant activities. Since resumes are not part of the application, this is space you have to chronicle things that would make you a good Fulbright ambassador.