Essay Contest

WINNER!

Thank you to all students who submitted essays. Please find the winning submission below:

When considering America, it is important to identify what sets the system
apart from the UK. The primary difference for me was freedom. Students
around the country are charged with the difficult task of deciding what
subject to study at university at the very early age of 18. What
experiences do we have to base this highly important decision on? Why not
have the ability to sample areas of established interest or discover
newfound passions?

Most institutions will have a number of requirements to fulfill during your
time there as they want you to leave with a broad spectrum of knowledge and
experience. I am currently a Psychology Philosophy double major with a
minor in Entrepreneurship; that is my version of ‘PPE’. You can also change
your intended major as many times as you want over your first two years at
college; I have already changed mine three times! This strikes me as both
attractive and liberating; definitely one of the highlights of the US
college system.

It is almost impossible to walk around a US college campus and not feel
that you would be very blessed to attend such a place. The opportunities
are everywhere and the possibilities are endless. The colleges encourage
their students to immerse themselves in the community; to contribute and
also take advantage of what is on offer. This creates a highly dynamic
environment in which students are willing to come together to create and
initiate. One of the universal messages delivered by US colleges is that
most of the student’s learning should happen outside the classroom.
Interaction with fellow students through often challenging discussions,
community action or other extracurricular activities, encourages its
students to grow with each other.

Understandably many are frightened off by the extensive application process
that includes SATs, multiple essays that demand a great deal of personal
reflection. The time and energy commitment to apply to numerous schools was
significant and sacrifices were made. However, what I gained from the
application process offset any losses. I hope that you may be inspired to
look into the option; that you may give it a shot, as in the end I believe
that only good can come from it all. To conclude, attending a college in
the States should not be viewed as leap of faith, but a step in the right
direction if that is what you decide to do.

-Philip Rouse, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Class of 2013

 

Essay Contest Information:

Can you describe what US university life like in 400 words or less?

If so, you could help future UK students interested in studying in the US and have a chance to win £100!

Students on Steps

The US-UK Fulbright Commission, Education USA and the US Embassy London would like to invite you to participate in the essay contest as part of their effort to promote US-UK exchange.

You may choose to write about one of two essay prompts for the contest. (Your submission must be 400 words or less):

Prize: Beyond the satisfaction you will surely receive for supporting US-UK relations and helping a UK counterpart have a clearer understanding of US study, what else can you gain from this contest? Glad you asked - the winner of the contest will have their essay featured on the US-UK Fulbright Commission website. The winner will also receive £100.                  

All entrants (whether you are a contest winner or not) will also be considered for the upcoming US-UK Fulbright Commission's Student Profiles project, to highlight examples of UK students who have successfully studied in the US.

Eligibility: UK citizens who are currently completing or have completed a full university degree in the US, or any student who has studied in the US for a semester/year as part of a degree from a UK university is eligible. Only one submission is permissible per person. Only the submissions that have an accompanying completed publication consent form will be eligible. Entrants must be 18 years old or older.

Deadline: Extended to 4 June 2010 (CONTEST COMPLETE - SEE WINNER ABOVE)

How to submit your essay: Please either download a copy fo the publication consent form or email education@fulbright.co.uk and request a publication consent form. When you make your submission, please email education@fulbright.co.uk with your full name, the university you attended, the dates you attended, as well as the attached essay and completed publication consent form. (If you plan on returning the the publication consent form via fax +44 (0)207 404 6834, please note this in your essay submission email.)

If you have any questions about the contest please write to education@fulbright.co.uk with the subject line ‘ESSAY CONTEST’.

About the Fulbright Commission:The US-UK Fulbright Commission, located in London, is a not-for-profit organisation funded by both the US-UK governments to promote peace and cultural understanding through educational exchange. In order to encourage this exchange we provide free advice and postgraduate awards to UK students interested in US study. As part of the Education USA network of over 450 advising centres worldwide, the Fulbright Advisory Service is the UK's primary source of information on educational exchange opportunities in the US.