Hi,

I am about to apply for Fulbright and am doing research about the application process.

Could anyone recommend any sites (non-official)/forums where I could learn more about what's important in applying for this scholarship? What in particular do they look at?

Also, I have a specific question re tests. I am from Latvia and here it is a requirement to take TOEFL and GRE/GMAT. I was wondering whether it is possible to be exempted from taking these test based on (i) my under- and graduate studies and 2 year work experience in English; and (ii) the fact that GRE/GMAT is not required for applying for LLM programs.

Well, any help would be highly appreciated!! If there are Fulbrighters who are willing to help, give a shout.. I could write you an email.

Thanx!!

Hi Phish! I'm a Finnish Fulbright graduate student. I suggest you go to Latvian Fulbright Center directly, and ask about scholarship option and requirements. If there isn't one in Latvia, go to IIE's webpages (www.iie.org).

I took the TOEFL, but was not required to take either GRE or GMAT. They're national standards, so I think you could be exempted as a law school applicant. But in this regard, too, it's best to visit the Latvian Fulbright Center.

Even though Fulbright would exempt you from taking the TOEFL, law schools will most certainly ask for your score, so it's best to take it now. Besides, you will have no problem whatsoever in meeting the minimum requirement (250-260).

As far as Fulbright admissions criteria are concerned, they are nationally formulated. It's best for you to try to contact former Latvian Fulbrighters, because they will know what your country's Fulbright officials are looking for. Having said that, I do believe that in every country your academic record, research proposal, English skills, and statement of purpose will be taken into consideration.

Best,

Toni

Hi Phish!
I was awarded a Spanish Fulbright grant for undertaking an LLM, and I neither had to take GRE or GMAT. Anyway, I guess that Toni is right, and the best option is to contact former Latvian Fulbrighters. Just in case it may help, I have recently met a lawyer (former Fulbrighter also) who takes part in the selection comitte in Spain and says that, without a shred of doubt, the most important document for the final decision is the study project (here in Spain we have to write a project of about 4 pages explaining what we want to study, why in the US, and why the matter is important for our country).
All the best for your Fulbright!