Dare to Try: Applying Master Degree in US
Going to America has always been my number one aspiration. I never knew how to start a way to make that real. I thought I should just live my life and kept on believing that one day I would find a way. I understood that I couldn't just make it real as soon as I wanted it. Getting myself ready might take time and I was okay with that.
I decided to go to Brawijaya University for my Bachelor's Degree. I studied Geophysics. I always loved to learn about the Earth. I chose to learn earthquake for my specialty. I felt like I could understand that better than the other geophysics specialties like petroleum, mining, volcanology and geothermal.
I dreamt about going to U.S. for quite longer than I actually found the real thing to do to get closer to it. In my last year at university, I read about a scholarship to U.S. and it's called Fulbright. I surfed about what to prepare and learn how the former grantees got their chance. The application was just closed and it was okay since I hadn't even graduated nor planned to graduate soon.
The preparation was kinda quick for me. I took shorter than waiting for the time I could get my diploma. I started by making a passport. Actually, it wasn't something that should be done as soon as possible since it only took 3-4 days. I got my passport while I was also preparing for my seminar. I graduated two weeks later. It took a little longer to get my certificate of graduate.
I was a little bit worried since it was only three months left until the Fulbright application closed, in February 15th, 2017. Everything had been handled eventually. I took TOEFL tests 3 times. To apply for the scholarship, my score should be at least 550. I got 530 and 540 in the two first tests. The second test I took when I got 540 was in December. I only got 1 test left in January. Thankfully, for this last chance, I finally got 553. I had all the documents I needed and sent them by mail. It was about two weeks before the closing date.
These are the stuff you need to prepare if you're going to apply for Fulbright.
1.) Diploma. For those who just graduated but hadn't got a diploma, it's okay to send a certificate of graduate that states if you graduated already.
2.) Study Objective. This one-page essay should explain your reasons for pursuing this program and what to study.
3.) 2 Letters of Recommendation. You need to ask recommendations from two person who knows your qualification like teacher or professor, or whom you had a research with.
4.) TOEFL certificate. The minimum score is 550 and taken within 2 years.
5.) Official Academic Transcript. In original and English version.
6.) A copy of your ID card or passport.
7.) SK PNS. If you are PNS.
8.) Application form. Get it from www.aminef.or.id.
It was great that I could finally complete all the documents and sent them. I never thought that I got to where I thought I couldn't. To be accepted or not wasn't my ambition anymore. While I wrote this post, the selection was supposed to be done. Whether I got accepted or not, I was supposed to get an email. Until now I never got any email from the selection committee. I only guessed that my document wasn't sent. But I was okay with that. I know this might be what's best for me. What's meant to be will find its way.
For anyone who read this post and aspire to take a chance for pursuing Master in U.S., I encourage you all to give it a try. It always worth it to see how far you get closer not what you actually get. Don't wait 'til you're ready. Just do it and you know how to get ready.
I hope this post can help a little or much. Thank You.
P.S. at June 16th, 2017 I received an email about the announcement. And the result is NO.
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