Amideast recommends a multi-stage approach to the process:
NEW SCREENING, SELECTION AND INTERVIEW TOOLS FOR DOWNLOAD:
- Consult this comprehensive Screening and Selection Guidance for new ECA priorities and approved recommendations.
- Consult NEW Selection Panel Guidance for important ECA recommendations on the Interview Structure, Expectations and Panel configuration.
- Consult this user-friendly Interview Guide for specific sample interview questions sorted by selection criteria.
Stage One
Applicants are first screened by U.S. Embassy/Field Office staff to ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility requirements:
- Citizenship (dual U.S. citizenship is a disqualifying factor)
- Bachelor's degree must be conferred by the time they begin their grant
- Submission of complete application by deadline
- Demonstrated English ability (official TOEFL or IELTS scores, if available, institutional TOEFL score or other assessment tool)
- Other country-specific criteria (e.g., country of residence, GRE minimum, GPA requirements, desired fields, work experience, etc.)
Stage Two
Copies of applications with objective scoring criteria are distributed to each member of the application review panel for individual review and scoring. For example, if the scoring is based on a 1 - 5 scale (1 being poor/not recommended and 5 being superior) then only those applicants who attain at least a 4-average are invited to interview.
Objective review of applications by the application review panel should consider the following factors:
- English language skills as demonstrated by test scores or quality of written application and essays
- Academic excellence as demonstrated by undergraduate record and recommendations
- Relevance of academic or professional background to proposed field of study
- Evidence of leadership / potential for leadership
- Neat, error-free application
- Graduate entrance exam scores (GRE or GMAT) if required in advance
Note: To support diversity in the Fulbright program, principal nominees whose educational background may not have prepared them with the English skills necessary for admission to U.S. graduate programs are eligible, with ECA approval, for 6-9 months of Long-term English Training prior to their grant start date. Therefore, English proficiency should not be an eliminating factor for applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a commitment to cross-cultural exchange and possess all the other qualities of a strong Fulbright participant.
Stage Three
Those candidates whose applications are ranked highly are then invited for an interview.
The applicant should be selected for an interview based on the following criteria:
- Ability to articulate reasons for pursuing chosen field of study in the US
- Recognition of the benefit of field of study to home country development
- Potential for being a successful cultural ambassador in the U.S. for his/her country
- Interest in and commitment to cross-cultural exchange
- Evidence of adaptability
- Ideal candidates will often illustrate leadership potential
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