How Caterine Potes, a Colombian Scholar, Secured a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, United States Through the Fulbright Commission in Colombia and Colombia's Ministry of Science and Technology

My name is Caterine Potes, and I am originally from Colombia. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, where I work in the area of infectious and vector-borne diseases. I decided to pursue this program because, from a young age, I developed a strong interest in biology, research, and the impact we can have on communities when we dedicate our efforts to understanding the relationships between different organisms and ecosystems.

Fulbright Commission in Colombia Scholarship Details

My scholarship is awarded by the Fulbright Commission in Colombia, in partnership with Colombia's Ministry of Science and Technology, to support my doctoral studies with funding for four years.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Recently, I applied for and was selected to receive the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship, awarded by the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) to support my graduate studies. The scholarship was awarded for one year. This scholarship is specifically focused on women from countries outside the United States who are pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. or Canada.

Educational Background

I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology and a master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, both in Colombia. During both programs, I had the opportunity to participate in research projects that allowed me to gain experience and develop skills in different areas, participate in academic events, and publish scientific papers.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Notre Dame?

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright Commission in Colombia Scholarship and University of Notre Dame?

I found most of the information by attending events organized by the institutions offering the scholarships and by following them on social media to learn about open calls and application opportunities. I did the same with universities. Most universities provide detailed information about applications and admission to their programs on their websites.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes, I took the TOEFL and the GRE. To prepare for them, I used many of the resources that are available online, including those provided by the institutions that administer the exams. Their official websites offer a lot of information about the tests, including their structure, sample questions, and mock tests. Personally, I recommend becoming very familiar with the structure and purpose of the test you are going to take.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Commission in Colombia Scholarship?

For the scholarship, my preparation basically consisted of making sure I had all the requirements ready before applying. In particular, I recommend requesting recommendation letters well in advance, since this is something that depends on other people and may take longer than expected.

How is Your Experience at the University of Notre Dame?

So far, my experience at the university has been very positive in every aspect.

How Does the University of Notre Dame Support International Students?

The university has an office dedicated specifically to international students, with a wide variety of programs and resources to support them.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

In my case, I believe my academic experience helped my profile stand out. In addition, my participation in research projects focused on working with local communities was important, since this is something that aligns closely with the scholarship's mission. I also believe that having research results that were published in international academic journals strengthened my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I probably would have spent a little more time improving the essays required for the application. I think it is important to learn how to tell a coherent story through your essays, one that complements the rest of your application.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

First, become familiar with the scholarship you want to apply for. Make sure you clearly understand the requirements, the application timeline, and the goals of the scholarship and the institution awarding it. After that, simply gather all the required documents and apply. And if for any reason you are not selected, do not let that stop you. There are many opportunities out there; you just need to know how to look for them and keep trying. Learn from every process and every application. Many success stories are the result of perseverance.