Application Guidelines
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online at: https://apply.embark.com/student/iie/generic. E-mail exxonmobilscholars@iie.org with any questions or problems.
Selection
Applications are judged on merit in an open and independent review conducted by a selection panel comprised of international education experts and faculty. Selection panels will recommend finalists to the program sponsor, who will conduct two in-region selection events per year.
Completing the Application
Getting Ready
Before beginning the application, it is very important to: 1) understand as much as you can about the ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program 2) think carefully about why you would like to receive the scholarship and 3) consider how your goals and those of the ExxonMobil Middle Eastern Scholars Program support each other. This will help you to submit a stronger application.
As you prepare your application, you may wish to consider the following questions:
- How will this study support my personal and career goals?
- Am I an exceptional leader who can demonstrate cultural adaptability?
- How do my goals and my course of study support the goals of the scholarship program?
- Why do I want to study in the U.S.?
The Application
The application gives you a chance to present your study objectives - and yourself - to the review panel. Please keep in mind that the selection panel will only have the opportunity to meet you through your application. It is very important to be thoughtful and thorough in describing your study plan and reasons for pursuing a degree in the U.S. You will need to convince the review panel that you have well developed goals and that you are capable of professional, cultural appropriate interaction with diverse constituencies in the Middle East. Please describe in detail the importance of your participation in ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program and how your experience will benefit you, the Exxon Mobil Corporation and the Middle East Region and North Africa upon your return home.
The application includes: a) instructions, b) Study/Research and Personal Statement essays c) nine application pages with itemized sections, d) one signature page e) letters of reference forms. Official university certificates/diplomas and transcripts are also required as scanned attachments
Additional guidance for completing specific sections of the application:
Study/Research Objective: Write a clear and detailed description of your study objectives, and give your reasons for wanting to pursue them. Be specific about your interests within the geosciences. Include a description of your accomplishments and leadership roles in research and academics. Describe how your plans will be achieved by pursuing a Master’s degree in the United States and what you hope to contribute to the Middle East and North Africa region upon return. This statement is an essential part of your application.
1. Examination Dates; Test Scores You are required to include with your application a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or higher obtained within the last two years. This can be an unofficial ITP (Institutional Testing Program) or an official TOEFL. You may also submit scores for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), provided scores are 6.0 or higher.
The TOEFL test is given to assess a student’s readiness for academic level study in English. You must be able to read textbooks, listen to lectures, write papers and explain positions in English. The TOEFL test simply helps you and a U.S. university determine whether you are ready to participate successfully in an academic program conducted in English. For additional information about the TOEFL exam and for practice test questions, go to: http://www.ets.org/toefl
Graduate (Doctoral and Master’s) applicants must also register for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For information on the examination and to locate testing centers, please visit Graduate Record Exam (GRW) homepage. Some students may require additional examinations. Individual testing instructions will be given to undergraduate recipients.
2. Personal Statement: The personal statement is your opportunity to let the selection panel members know you as a student and as a person, and to explain why they should select you for the ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program. Write a clear and detailed description of your accomplishments and leadership roles in research and academics. Your personal statement should describe your achievements and your plans for the future. Include your goals and reasons for wanting to pursue them. It is especially important to describe your ability to work with other cultures, both inside and outside of the Middle East and North Africa. Give examples of your multicultural competency.
Address the following points in your essay: What motivated you to choose your path? How do you plan to contribute to the
4. Letters of Reference Forms can be downloaded from the application website. The people you ask for references will be able to write more effective recommendations if they are familiar with your study plans and with the ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program. You can help them by providing each reference with a copy of your application study objective and the scholarship program description. Reference letters are an important part of your application so chose your referees wisely. Please note: be sure to read the instructions page concerning signing and submitting references.
5. Application Submission – The application process is ongoing, with two selection cycles per year. The current application cycle deadline is October 15, 2009. You must submit your application online at https://apply.embark.com/student/iie/generic.
