What questions do they ask in a Fulbright Interview and how to answer them

I am a Fulbright scholar. A while ago, a student from my undergraduate university sent me an email asking guidance on how to prepare for a Fulbright interview. I reproduce my response below in hopes that it might be helpful to someone with a similar question.

First of all, heartiest congratulations on being selected for a Fulbright interview. It is an achievement in itself, and an opportunity to shine as well. The interview process is just like any normal interview. However, there are few things that really separate a successful candidate from an unsuccessful one.

1. Why should YOU be selected and not someone else?
You have to justify what makes you special. It’s not about high grades. It’s about how you have overcome difficulties and adversity to reach where you are now.

2. What have you given back to the society?
Have you done anything ever that helped society? Volunteeered maybe? Taught children for free? If you are an engineer like me, the best thing you can do is to highlight a particular project you have done that helped your fellow citizens in some way. Something related to education, poverty alleviation, health, jobs etc can really make you stand out of the crowd.

3. Describe yourself in a minute.
Can you describe all that you have achieved in just a minute while highlighting your main achievements? If not, prepare such few sentences already in case you are asked.

4. Books you have read, hobbies etc.
A simple answer about couple of books that you have actually read and can talk about for 3-4 sentence synopsis, and some hobby you are passionate about.

5. What will you do when you go abroad other than just studying?
Tell them how you think you would be an ideal person to impart knowledge and awareness about your country to Americans, and how you would come back with a better understanding of American culture to share with your fellows.

6. What will you do when you come back?
You should have a really good idea of your plans after you are coming back to your home country. It helps to show it will be more impactful due to what you plan to study.

Prepare some good convincing answers to these questions. Besides, just follow the basic rules of a good interview. Be confident, but not arrogant. Never interrupt. Finally, if you make a mistake, just smile.

I hope this helps.