Dash

Has it been verified that figure_out received a call for an interview? I believe I remember someone trolling the Soros thread a couple years back saying they received an interview, but it turned out they had not. I was curious in this instance as it seems like figure_out's post has been deleted. Was that done by mods due to some early disclosure infraction? -Dash

My woes and worries: I'm not nearly as "prodigy-like" as the nearly all of their recipients. That about sums it up. Kidding aside, this was my second time applying for the Soros Fellowship. I applied two years ago, took a year off from applying due to my first semester in graduate school and more of a focus on the NSF GRFP application (note to readers: Don't do what I did---apply for every fellowship you can as often as you can. Cast a wide net!!!). My Fellowship Record: 2011-2012 NSF GRFP: Reviewers comments were along the lines of this proposal sucks and you suck. Soros Fellowship: Thanks for applying, chump. 2012-2013 NSF GRFP (Received Honorable Mention): Reviewers comments indicated a strong proposal, with undergraduate academic record holding me back. Soros: Did not apply 2013-2014 NSF GRFP: TBD Soros: TBD (less hopeful than NSF) I honestly believe that the Soros fellowship is more competitive than the NSF GRFP. While NSF flouts a commitment to diversity in the sciences---all you have to do is look at the recipients of the Soros fellowship to see that they are actually embodying diversity. Granted, this could be due to the nature of the fellowship for "New Americans". However, reading through the accomplishments of past and current Soros Fellows is truly mindblowing. They truly are the cream of the crop in terms of current achievements and future potential to contribute to society. I, a white immigrant from Europe, hardly scream "DIVERSITY HIRE". That, and my field (Behavioral Ecology and Environmental Science), isn't the most attractive to the Soros reviewers. While my essays are much improved from a few years ago, I still think the competition for this Fellowship is so steep that it will negate any potential benefits.\ -David

I'd also be interested in hearing if any new information has came out regarding this. I got an HM this year (2nd time applicant) and while a massive long-shot, this is definitely relevant to my interest. I thought I had read that Congress had passed a bill and that instead of NSF upping the award number to 2,700 that it was staying at 2,000 and that stipends were simply being increased. Anyone know what the actual truth is with some sources? Thanks!

Hey Ghostface, I'd check your spam folder. I was not selected for an interview this year and received an identical e-mail to the one in the post above yours. It is my understanding that the interviews will already have been competed at this point if you were selected. -Dash

Assume Verb Suppose to be the case, without proof: "afraid of what people are going to assume". I think you answered your own question I get that we're all anxious during this waiting period---no need to get testy though.

I applied. Haven't heard anything yet. They'll let you know via e-mail by Jan 9 per the confirmation e-mail they sent out once your application file was complete.

That's a shame and I'm sorry to hear that. That being said, wasn't that something you checked before submission? It does state pretty clearly in the program solicitation that they require one-inch margins... Good luck next year if you decide to reapply!

Hello, Just wondering if anyone can take a look at this posting and give me an idea of how much I should be worried, or if I'm fretting over nothing! I'm currently applying to MS Programs in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology in the US. My background is probably pretty similar to a lot of people. I did not apply myself that hard in undergrad, and finished with a 3.08 GPA overall, 3.3 in major (Biology). However, since graduating (2010) I've held three internships and two full-time positions doing active field-based research concerning wildlife biology (mostly mammalian and amphibian). I have authored a few articles for newspapers, and currently have my first lead-author publication in prep for submission. I've made lots of contacts for graduate school, and at two of the schools I'm applying to UF - Gainesville and FSU - Tallahassee, I have worked directly with faculty members who will serve as my major advisor. In both of these cases, they wrote letters for admission. Other letters came from a promiment wildlife biologist and a former boss at an environmental consulting firm. Averages for the programs are around a 1200 (old GRE) and a 3.4 undergrad GPA GRE Scores Q: 145 23% (God-awful.) V: 161 84% AW: 5.5 96% I've also had recommenders fill out the ETS PPI and have submitted fellowship applications to both NSF GRFP, NDSEQ, and EPA STAR. I am confident that the individuals who will serve as my major advisor WILL go to bat for me if need be in front of the admissions committee. I was apparently the first person to complete my application for admission (Fall 2013) to both of these programs per the grad coordinators I talked to (don't know if that has any relelvance) Do I stand chance, or is it just a matter of time for rejection? Thanks, -Dash