tieloran

It does suck, but at least there's still some hope! Plus, getting alternate last year gave me the confidence to apply again this year. Hopefully it'll turn out more favorably this time...but like misterpleasant said, it's still an honor to be an alternate.

Here's the spreadsheet link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsJrSSHnssqFdHNPell4VVZwWDgtWUpQcTVVeWM0bWc&usp=sharing#gid=1 Applicants to Turkey usually hear in April or May (so don't worry too much yet!). It's almost the same for Malta, where I've been recommended (for the second year in a row), so we'll probably be in this together for a while!

Here's my alternate e-mail from last year: We are keenly aware of the pressure on candidates to make their plans for the coming year. Therefore, we want you to know the status of your candidacy for a Fulbright award for 2013-2014 to Malta. You have been designated as an alternate for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Thus you would receive an award only in the event someone withdraws or additional funding becomes available. It is our hope that you would be available to accept a grant should it be offered at a later date. In the meantime, it is important that you advise us immediately if there is any factor that could preclude your accepting the award. The majority of principal candidates are given one month to make their decisions regarding acceptance or declination of an award. You can assume that the principal candidates for your country are being notified simultaneously with this notice to you. Therefore, you can estimate the time frame in which most students will accept or decline their award offers. Please note, however, that there are grantees each year who accept the Fulbright award initially but, due to unforeseen circumstances, need to decline the award later on. In addition, every year additional funding becomes available in the late spring. Your chance of hearing from us will be greatest in May and June, then steadily decline as the months go on. For that reason, you will remain on the alternate list through the summer and into the academic year unless you withdraw, in writing, from the competition. No additional information should be sent to us in support of your application, as it will have no effect on your status. Also, please be advised that in the event that we can offer you a Fulbright award, we will try to contact you by telephone or email first. If you need to update any of your contact information, please let us know in writing. You will receive no further correspondence on your status unless you are offered an award. We appreciate your interest in the Fulbright Program. Sincerely, Daniel Kramer Director, U.S. Student Programs Copy to Fulbright Program Adviser (if enrolled)

Here's the link to the spreadsheet again: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsJrSSHnssqFdHNPell4VVZwWDgtWUpQcTVVeWM0bWc&usp=sharing#gid=1

You should definitely apply again. It takes a lot of people multiple tries before getting a Fulbright or even getting recommended.

I was in this position last year. I just talked to each program about what the options were. The one that didn't let people defer ended up having me defer unofficially (they paid this year's application fee, I just had to resubmit and was guaranteed a spot). Deferring your funding is trickier, but a lot of programs will let you keep it.

I'm in the same position for Malta! I've now been recommended twice (alternate last year, ugh). I'm trying not to think too much about this until April, since I probably won't hear until late that month or May (based on past experience), but it's so hard.

Thank you!!!

Oh my god. Recommended the second year in a row.

WHAT IF THEY FORGOT ME

I'm so sorry.

Yep, were you? Because if so, we have to know each other.

WHAT.

2002-2005.

Um, I went to Eastern!

YES. And where?

What kind of pie??

They did say AFTER 5. Oy.

Wow, I love him...good idea, and goodbye homework.

You too!

I got mine at exactly 5 last year -- right in time for happy hour (for further reference, I was recommended, then got alternate).

Last year, people put "Not Recommended" after the first round and "Rejected" after the second.

I was recommended last year and eventually was an alternate. I got the survey last year too.

I feel like they did the survey thing last year too, but I might have blocked out that traumatic memory.

Thank you!!!