oceanblue

Good question. I would say that last year taught me to approach the program in a more relaxed manner. Last year, I would obsessively check this forum, the spreadsheet, the website, etc. Now, it's only every couple of days that I'll check. Last year, I was panicking about the entire thing because I was graduating in May, and it was the only thing I had applied for. I was dead-set on Fulbright because I wanted it SO badly. While I still really want it, I'm definitely applying to other things so I give myself more options. I'm kind of approaching it this way: I applied, they got my application, and email decisions are coming either way so it's not worth it to stress and worsen my anxiety. (Fulbright can realllllly mess with anxiety disorders, but only if you let it). So, in short, I would say to breathe, relax, and just let the emails come when they may.

That was me-- and I wasn't saying that about the finalist notification, I was saying that about the next email, the one saying whether or not you received an award. The finalist notification only says "Your Fulbright Application". It's the later emails that are scarier! :/

Heyyy everybody! Hope everyone is doing well and succeeding in thinking about things other than the fact we'll be hearing some decisions soon. Anyway, I was wondering. does the program give one time to travel outside of their country? I've applied to Vietnam and would be so psyched to be back there but I'd also love to see a couple of other countries, even if only on long weekends or something! I've always wanted to visit Thailand and Cambodia! So, I'm wondering if anybody knows someone who has completed a Fulbright or is currently in the process and could shed some light on this. Maybe some people stay after their grant ends and use that opportunity for travel? I'd love any insight anyone could give and GOOD LUCK!!!

I also hope they don't put the application status in the email subject line like last year.... You knew automatically whether you'd been accepted...without having to read the email. It was pretty harsh.

I'm trying to just forget I applied because that way I won't get my hopes up for emails coming soon. Last year I heard from Vietnam the last week of APRIL. So I'm trying to forget and be calm! It's very hard though.

Hey! Does anyone know any details about the "pre-departure orientation in DC"? what month does that take place in? I know it is sometime in the summer.. Good luck everybody!

Thanks so much!! Yep, I think that's what I'm going to do. I asked my advisor for my school and he agreed with you. Thanks so much!!

Hey everybody! Good to see some familiar people from last year's process. I'm rooting for you guys. Here's my question, I'd like to know what any and all of you have to think: I was a finalist last year but then denied in May, and so I decided to pursue a master's degree at my university in lieu of this scholarship. The M.S. is two years, but I'm wondering if I should apply again this time around? If accepted, I'll have finished only one year of graduate school. The thing is, I really want to go back to Vietnam. (I was able to be there for 2 weeks last summer and it was life-changing). Anyway, what do you think? Should I re-apply this year, interrupting my graduate program or should I complete the two year program and THEN re-apply? I'm pretty torn about it. I want to complete a master's but I also want to return to Vietnam. ANY opinions on this would be appreciated. Thank you!!

Good luck everybody. Can't follow the forum anymore, I'm too broken up. But best of luck.

NS Vietnam

I love all of these gifs. I can't deal with all of you, you're all so great. Congrats to everyone who has heard back recently!!!!! Last year Vietnam found on May 2nd, so I'm hoping worst-case scenario we'll hear back within a week. (Hopefully sooner!) Good luck to everybody waiting/in alternate status.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a day full of notifications! It's been surprisingly slow this week.

DEFINITELY NOT ALONE IN THIS. during my Fulbright wait, I have binge-watched House of Cards, Game of Thrones, and now I'm on HBO's Girls. Something about having something to do, ANYTHING other than constantly checking my emails is helping, (though I'm guilty of the constant email refresh.) I also find running/jogging as a way to de-stress. Good luck everyone, we are still in this together.

Congratulations! ETA or Research?