Statement of Purpose for the Scholarship
What motivated you to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?
I’ve always dreamed of studying in the United States. I applied with high hopes of being accepted, but I was also aware that the competition is extremely fierce. People from all over the country, from a wide range of disciplines, apply for master’s degrees, doctorates, and MBAs, and there are very few spots available. The process is highly competitive.
I am deeply grateful that I decided to apply and that I was selected. For me, this fellowship represents a major professional step forward, as it will give me access to the resources needed to conduct high-level research—something that is difficult to do in Uruguay—attend major technology events, study at the universities where my role models in the field were educated or teach, build new professional connections, and enjoy the unique experience of studying abroad.
Although I already have a master’s degree, I feel that the overall experience makes this opportunity unique and immensely enriching. What motivates me most is the chance to meet, learn from, and collaborate with highly experienced professionals in the field I’m passionate about. The training and knowledge this fellowship provides are invaluable to my professional development.
Choosing a course of study
Where would you like to study, and what subject would you like to pursue for your master's degree?
I would like to study in California, specifically because of its proximity to Silicon Valley. This place is the epicenter of artificial intelligence, a field I am deeply passionate about. My goal is to immerse myself in this innovative and dynamic environment, surrounded by AI leaders and experts, so that I can contribute and learn from them while pursuing my second master’s degree in this field.
Specifically, I want to help ensure that other industries—beyond engineering—can benefit from the ethical use of artificial intelligence. During my previous master’s program, I conducted research on biases related to religion, sexual orientation, and age in Large Language Models in Spanish, and I would like to continue exploring this topic, particularly its application in the healthcare sector.
My goal is to return to Uruguay with new ideas and insights so that my country can become a technology hub in Latin America, promoting development and innovation through an ethical and responsible approach to AI.
Preparing to Apply
How did you prepare for the selection process, and what advice would you give to other students who want to apply?
The admissions process is demanding and requires careful preparation. I had to write two essays in the style of U.S. universities, in which, within a limited space, one must clearly and convincingly highlight one’s achievements, passions, and goals.
In addition, you’ll need a letter of recommendation, a shortlist of universities you’d like to apply to, a resume in a specific format, and to fill out a lengthy application form that asks for virtually all of your academic, professional, and personal information. You’ll also need to take an English proficiency test to certify your level of English.
In my opinion, this entire process is designed to ensure that applicants aren’t applying for the scholarship just for the sake of it or simply because they want to go to the United States. It forces you to reflect deeply on who you are, what you’re passionate about, what you specifically hope to achieve in that academic environment, how you plan to do so, and what your future plans are. Additionally, the value you would bring to your country upon your return is evaluated.
My advice to anyone considering applying is to really ask themselves why they’re doing it. Beyond meeting the formal requirements, it’s essential to have genuine motivation, core values that underpin the decisions we make, and a clear vision. I think it’s a great exercise to ask ourselves what we want to achieve and how this step fits into our professional and personal development.
Preparing to Apply to College
How do you prepare now to apply to a college in the U.S.? What are the requirements, and what steps do you need to take to get in?
The college admissions process in the U.S. is similar to applying for a scholarship, but much more complex. The first step is to carefully select the universities that align with my academic and professional goals. This involves thoroughly researching the programs they offer, reviewing specific requirements, course offerings, and other important details. You literally have to know every program at every university from start to finish, understand the university’s goals, and make them your own.
After that, I have to refine and tailor my essays to suit each university, as well as rewrite my resume in a strict, specific format, which takes longer than it seems. I also need to get more letters of recommendation, fill out more forms, and translate numerous documents. But most importantly, I have to take two English exams, one of which is particularly difficult.
To be considered, I need to score in the top percentile on both tests, because if I don’t, universities usually won’t even review the application—no matter how complete it is—since this could affect my overall GPA.
To prepare, I’m taking courses and spending several hours a day studying. Fortunately, the Fulbright Scholarship makes this whole process easier by providing a great deal of support, including assistance from a team of professionals who are experts in college admissions. In addition, the scholarship’s prestige in the United States strengthens my application, which helps me get past rigorous screening processes and opens doors to new opportunities.
Once I have completed all these steps, I will begin the application process for my chosen universities, with the help of this group of professionals who are supporting me.
The Impact of Education at Universidad ORT Uruguay
How do you think your training at ORT prepared you for this new challenge?
I feel like it prepared me in many ways. Beyond the undeniable technical knowledge I gained during my studies, the program also fostered my creativity—something that isn't often associated with a discipline as structured as engineering.
In addition, it instilled in me a mindset of lifelong learning and taught me to think outside the box. Today, I always strive to put my own personal stamp on every task I undertake, both professionally and in my daily life, relying fully on the skills I developed during my training.
Throughout my college years, I was fortunate to have professors who truly believed in me, supported me, and encouraged me to pursue everything I set out to do. One example of this was early in my studies, when I couldn’t decide between Systems Engineering and Electronics Engineering, since I was passionate about both math and programming. I was considering taking courses in both to figure out which one I preferred. It was a professor who told me with confidence, “I believe you can do it,” and gave me the push I needed to give it a try. So, halfway through my degree, I took both engineering courses at the same time, until I decided to stick with Systems.
Receiving the "2018 Women's Scholarship" meant much more to me than just financial assistance. This opportunity provided by ORT had a profound impact on me and inspired me to live up to its name and do my part to break down gender stereotypes in my field; it helped shape my professional identity, values, and goals. In fact, my previous research on biases in language models was influenced by this scholarship, and I have no doubt that something similar will happen during my studies in the United States.
Needless to say, the exchange program was an unforgettable experience for me. It allowed me to travel to Bilbao, Spain, during my senior year, experience what education is like in another country, and further fueled my desire to pursue a graduate degree abroad.
Teaching at the university has also been an extremely valuable experience. It taught me to share my knowledge generously, to communicate complex concepts clearly and engagingly, and to speak confidently in front of a group of people. These skills have been key to tackling new challenges with confidence and creativity.
Key aspects of the degree program
Is there any specific aspect of your Systems Engineering degree that you think was key to winning the scholarship?
Yes, definitely. The versatility of the courses was key, as they ranged from math, logic, and statistics to programming, front-end, back-end, networking, and infrastructure. This diversity, along with the elective courses, allowed me to explore and learn a little bit of everything, helping me clearly identify what I was truly passionate about.
The thesis experience was also crucial. I chose the entrepreneurship track, which gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in that world and gain valuable experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thesis process, from proposing the topic to the final defense, and I learned a great deal along the way.
Furthermore, because it was such a demanding program, I developed resilience and a mindset that refused to settle for the bare minimum. I trained myself to be curious, to question existing solutions, and to always strive to go above and beyond.
What message would you like to share with students who are considering following in your footsteps?
My humble advice is to look for universities whose culture and programs genuinely align with your goals and values, rather than focusing solely on the institution’s name or prestige.
It’s essential that you know what you really want and that your choices reflect that understanding. Go for it—opportunities are out there, and they’re within your reach if you dare to seize them.
Personally, I’ve always been committed to throwing myself into new experiences, and I firmly believe that studying and living in a place like the United States marks a turning point in anyone’s life.
That said, both the scholarship application and the subsequent university admissions process can feel like a second job. It requires a lot of discipline, effort, and dedication. But in the end, the impact on your life and career is immeasurable.
If you have a clear sense of purpose and are willing to work toward it, the effort will be well worth it.