Books2readme

That's kind of exciting and a bit overwhelming. So, in that case, there were only 3 people deciding over a bunch of applications? Interesting.

I listened to a webinar; and Rachel or Cara stated that %60 grantee are graduating seniors/recent graduates, %20 grantees are At-Large and %20 are post-doctoral candidates. Follow the link for audio info: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/resources/recorded-webinars

The Jan. announcement is the 1st of two notifications. This announcement will notify you if you are a national candidate chosen to represent the US. Those who are announced national candidates will be informed if they are rejected, selected or alternates between April and May.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I got about 12 professors and a few grant writers from my college to read over my Statement of Grant Purpose and my Personal Statement. Most were very helpful, but did not include any specific advice (for example, "this is a very well-written statement, and I really love how you stated the worldwide significance of your project"). The rest were more specific in critically analyzing the importance of my project and how it would appear to people from non-science disciplines. Also, the research professor at my host college gave me his advice on the English and Spanish version before/after the essays were translated. My FPA also added a few things to mention such as my interest in community involvement. He was impressed with my overall application. I'm very thankful for the comments and advice: they were very thoughtful, considering what questions may arise while reading my statements. I am satisfied with the outcome. We will see in 5 day, hopefully I hope we get make it through to Phase 1 There are so many factors to be considered even with a wonderful project. It's up to the economical, social and cultural environment of the US and the host countries. There are topics that are less relevant now in comparison to a few years ago. It is basically our goal as applicants to illustrate the security and integrity of our project, persuading the committee to give us a chance at strengthening our intercultural connection with the rest of the world. Only our desires and accomplishments thus far will spark the ideas of who we are and what we may achieve abroad.

How are people disqualified for the grant if they are already chosen as a definite yes?

I couldn't have said it better. I'm following this point of view.

This is from my FPA: "Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Dear James, I wanted you to know that I submitted your entire Fulbright application earlier today and you received the highest university endorsement. Congratulations on this first step. I know it has not been easy, but I am glad you went through the process. The next time you will hear from the Fulbright organization will be in late January with a simple email informing you of your status. Whatever the outcome, I hope you took away some positive experiences nonetheless. I can attest to the quality of the letters that your professors wrote on your behalf. I can also attest to the positive impression you left on the campus-wide interview committee. And, most importantly, I can attest to the quality of proposal and personal statement that you wrote."

Haha, yes. Those numbers have been crunched and pushed aside even before my application was submitted.

Wow, OMG. My interview went ok. I'm not sure if I totally excited them about my research. I really hope I impressed the committee. Ugh, now I want to know my campus score.

Ugh, gosh, yes! One thing I've always been curious about is if certain schools such as Ivy League, public schools, etc, are only allowed a specific number of Fulbright awards. For the past 4 years, my school has had 1 Fulbright scholar. I wonder: is it because of the name of the school and the quality of the student or do some schools have faculty that know exactly how the student should sell himself/herself to the NSC.

That was well-stated, kbui.

With this being said,I believe that considering that the group of students be ethnically diverse is the opposite of discrimination. Several academic scholarships consider this when awarding students. Diversity is important, especially when the US is attempting to represent equality and cultural understanding/influence worldwide.

Wow. I'm not sure. I checked my email earlier... did she really find out this soon?

I'm guessing full grant finalists will be informed Thursday. Either way, we will find out next week.

Ugh, yes... this next week will kill me knowing the decisions have been made for weeks. Let's just remember that the world will not come to an end if we receive rejection notifications. I truly wish everyone the best.

Hilarious

No problem, cheerio.

You click "application form..." your PDF file should load.

This is directly from the link: 2. Regional Peer Review: Reviewers screen applications based on a comprehensive match to each award and recommend candidates for further consideration. Regional reviewers evaluate and rate applicants within each specific award. Regional reviewers take into account discipline reviewer criteria and comments, as well as award requirements, regional fit, language requirements, FSB policy, (including previous grants), and cultural adaptability and sensitivity. After this stage, all applicants are notified by CIES of their review status (recommended or not recommended). Recommended applicants are then sent forward for review abroad and to the FSB. (October - December) 3. Review in Host Country/Countries: Review of recommended Fulbright candidates by Fulbright bi-national Commissions or the public affairs section of U.S. embassies abroad, together with prospective host institutions, for final consideration. (November - April). 4. Selection: Review and official selection of recommended candidates for Fulbright grants by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB). Applicants will receive a letter from the FSB chair as official notice of selection for a U.S. Fulbright Scholar award. Alternates and applicants not selected will receive a letter regarding status from CIES. (January - May) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- very informative*

On my application, there is only NR (not recommended) and R (recommended) available for selection. I guess HR (highly recommended) is not a review option.

Follow the link everyone: http://www.cies.org/Fulbrightagency_files/us/Discipline-PeerReview-Guidelines-2012.pdf This should provide us with a better idea of the review process.

N stands for "No!" (maybe)

That's interesting.

That's wonderful feedback, sulz! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

Good luck to everyone for finalist notifications. I will feel more relieved in a few weeks: the anticipation.