How a Cambodian Scholar Secured the Fully Funded Fulbright Scholarship for a Master's in Quantitative Finance at Temple University

My name is Muykheng, and I’ve always been drawn to numbers. Back in high school, I could spend days solving math problems, completely lost in the challenge. That fascination eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Banking and Finance in Cambodia, my home country. But even then, I knew I wanted to go beyond just finance—I wanted to explore the intersection of finance, mathematics, and programming, a combination that drives innovation in financial and investment markets today. That’s what ultimately led me to pursue a Master’s in Quantitative Finance at Temple University, where I’m now diving into the complexities of financial systems and investment strategies.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

Graduate school in the U.S. was a big dream, but making it a reality required more than just ambition. I was fortunate to receive the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship, which fully supports my master’s degree. It’s a life-changing opportunity—not just because of the funding, but because Fulbright is about so much more than academics. It’s about cultural exchange, leadership, and, unexpectedly, self-discovery.

What I didn’t anticipate was how much this journey would challenge me to understand myself on a deeper level—my strengths, my values, and even the way I see the world. Being in a new environment, surrounded by people from vastly different backgrounds, made me more aware of my own identity and aspirations.

Educational Background

My undergraduate years played a crucial role in shaping my path. From my freshman year, I actively researched graduate programs and their prerequisites, ensuring I built the right skill set early on. I took extra math courses, explored programming, and applied both to finance-related projects, knowing these would be essential for my future studies. To put my skills into practice, I participated in finance competitions, including the CFA Research Challenge, a globally recognized equity research competition. Looking back, this intentional preparation not only strengthened my graduate school applications but also played a key role in my Fulbright application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

The Fulbright application had two main stages: the written application and the interview. I spent a couple of months carefully crafting my essays, making sure they truly reflected who I was—not just in terms of achievements but in my values, motivations, and aspirations. At the same time, I started preparing for the interview, even before knowing whether I’d be selected.

I dedicated one to two hours a day in the months leading up to it, going over possible questions, refining my answers, and practicing how to articulate my thoughts clearly. But beyond just rehearsing responses, this process turned into something deeper—it pushed me to truly understand myself better. The more I prepared, the clearer my own motivations became, which allows me present myself authentically in both the written application and interview.

I’ve always believed that preparation is the best way to handle the unknown. I’d rather be over-prepared than caught off guard—because not all surprises are good ones. And in this case, that mindset worked in my favor.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Fulbright is about both academics and cultural exchange, so I focused on demonstrating genuine passion for my field and an openness to expand my life experiences. On the academic front, I made sure to highlight my deep interest in the field—not just as a career path, but as something I truly enjoy learning about. I shared my journey of self-directed learning, the extra steps I took to prepare beyond coursework, and how I envisioned applying these skills in meaningful ways. On the cultural front, I reflected on how I had already sought out diverse experiences, such as my internship at ASEAN Foundation in Indonesia during my sophomore year, and how I wanted to immerse myself in American culture while also sharing my own. I even asked the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia—during our pre-departure orientation—how he thought we could best learn from U.S. culture.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Temple University?

After I was selected for Fulbright—which handled the formal school application process—I focused on choosing the right institutions. I dedicated significant effort to researching programs by looking beyond just rankings and curriculum; I also evaluated the city and overall environment. For me, it was crucial to find a balance between a strong academic program and a place where I’d enjoy living and growing. Some prioritize a top-ranked school regardless of location, while others value the setting just as much. Ultimately, taking the time to weigh both factors made a big difference in my decision.

I knew I needed strong GRE score, so I started early. While still in my senior year, with my math knowledge fresh, I began preparing for the GRE using self-study materials. I took it seriously, ordered a prep book, went through structured lessons in about three months, and ended up scoring 165 on the Quant section, which I believe strengthened my application. The TOEFL came later in the process, after I was selected as a Fulbright finalist. I had two weeks to prepare, and in the end, I scored 116 on the TOEFL iBT. It was a tight timeline, but breaking it down into focused preparation helped me get through it.

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

If I could do it again, I’d reach out to even more students and alumni to gain deeper insights beyond what I had already gathered. While I did my research, hearing firsthand experiences about courses, career paths, and school culture would have given me an even clearer picture. Future applicants should do the same—sometimes, the best advice isn’t on a website, but in a conversation.

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

Put in the effort—start early, prepare well, and be intentional about every step. Just like with interview prep, take the time to deeply reflect on why you want this. If you can’t fully convince yourself of your purpose, it’ll be even harder to convince a selection committee.