krys315
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Posts posted by krys315
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And one more thing (Sorry!!) Has anyone/is anyone applying at large? Last year I applied through my school but now I've graduated. How much differences does this make? What do I need to do differently?
Hi Kelsey. I graduated in 2012 May. The Fulbright advisor said I could not apply through the school but I could submit my essays to her and ask for help if I needed. She helped me with a few things, but I did not really need her help afterall. You already know the process so I am sure you are fine.
I applied AT LARGE and received the grant for next yr. Before I graduated they had a powerpoint presentation and one of the Fulbright Committee members (from NY I think) was there. I asked him if applying AT LARGE is seen as negatively. He said no.
I worried about it. Think about it this way. if you apply through your school and receive a low rank then that will probably hurt you. If you get a high ranking through your school it may help you. AT LARGE, there are no rankings and just you and your application. To be honest, I'd rather have the FULBRIGHT committee rank me without prejudice from a school ranking :-)
:-)
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I have a question for those who reapplied and were successful the second time around.
A few years ago I was named as an alternate and am reapplying for the same country/grant again this year.
Should I list that I was a former alternate in the "ACADEMIC HONORS, FELLOWSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS" section? I definitely consider it an academic honor, but am not sure if it would seem too overt to mention that I was previously so close to getting the grant...
Thanks!
YES 100% mention it!!! 150%
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Ok guys, new development...........drum roll............so I got an email out of the blue today from my FPA: It said, "My reading of Jodi's last email is that you have been awarded a Fulbright. Congrats!" I never got any email from Jodi other than the last one designating me an alternate. Oh, universe, why must you toy with me!
See?!! With so many Brazil grants someone was bound not to accept. CONGRATS!!!
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ATTENTION:
ANYONE WHO DOES NOT THINK THEY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO EARN A FULBRIGHT GRANT
I just want to tell everyone to please be encouraged! Apply again. Even if you think you won't be accepted. I have posted in the 2013-14 forum but thought you all may need this. I have just been accepted and did not want to seem like I was bragging, but decided to post this anyway.
I thought GPA was everything, but apparently not. I was a straight A student from Kindergarten through graduating High school, but not so much in college.
I had a 2.9 GPA and got a Fulbright. I am super happy for everyone with high GPA's (and would have loved to have a high GPA) but I don't want anyone to bank on that alone because it may hinder you elsewhere in your application. You have to stand out. Also although I had a 2.9 GPA I was a Bio major and did poorly, then switched to SPanish/Latin American Studies and got straight A's.
Some pointersL
1. For my recommendations:
- I had the Dean of my college in my University (who was one of my Spanish professors in my last yr of university) rate my Spanish level,
- had an AMAZING teacher I had for 2 Portuguese/Brazil classes rate my Portuguese, proofread my statements, and write a recommendation,
- had one of my SPanish teachers (from Spain) write me a recommendation who I had for 2 Spanish courses,
- and a professor who I had for 1 Brazilian History class, and who worked on the Fulbright committee in the past at my University (who also semi suggested Fulbright for me to get to Brazil) write my third recommendation.
I'm not saying these professors/deans made me get the grant, but they did help, especially with my poor GPA and I wanted to share with you. Make sure if you all apply again (and change nothing else) that you have professors who are current or who you participated in their courses and you know liked you much.
2. In addition, I had 2 professors for Brazilian/Portuguese classes write recommendations. taking these classes probably showed I had a good level of the language
3. I also know I put my heart and soul into (even though I started my statement about 2 months before the Oct 17 deadline), but once again I did not get even an alternate status in January. I thought to myself "Wow I did not even get an alternate status. How could I think I had a chance at being a competitive applicant?" not thinking that "Hey there were only 30 ETA slots and 1bout 170 who applied so that has nothing to do with you not having a good application"
4. Apply to a country even if you do not think you have a good chance. There are people who applied to a country with very few grants or applied to a country with a lot of grants, a lot of applicants (low percentage of receiving a grant). Apply to what you want. Who would have thought there would be 90 grants added to the country you applied?
DO NOT GIVE UP. If you have a passion for a certain country and would like be there. DO NOT GIVE UP.
5. Also, make sure your 2 statements are not the same at all. I PERSONALLY think your personal statement is slightly more important (but should definitely relate to your 2nd statement. Just be REAL in your statements. Do not exaggerrate or make things up. And DO NOT BORE THEM. Imagine how many essays they have read that sound the same. Tell them interesting things and important moments to you. In addition, prior to writing my statement I volunteered for a few months teaching immigrants English (since I did not have any experience teaching adults) and that in itself was beautiful.
6. I just felt the need to write this. Hopefully someone who doesn't think they are good enough and is on the fence about applying will read this and change their mind. Writing the statements definitely helped me see myself clearer than before. Overall be honest about your intentions. If you have a poor GPA in comparison to the 4.0's who you know are applying make sure you mention it in a half sentence. I mentioned that because my family came from poverty I wanted a career that would mean MONEY even if I did not like it. Directly from my statement:
"......Tales such as these often bothered me as a young girl, and as I reached adulthood, they directed me toward a pre-dental career path for the sole purpose of financial stability. Over the course of several semesters, all-the-while with Spanish as my minor, I acknowledged my long-time passion for language, and made a necessary change in career goal..."
I did not mention it ever again in my statement.
7. So BE ENCOURAGED. God has a path for each and every one of us and if you feel it in your heart that you are meant to do something please try again! When I attended the Fulbright meetings at my college (although I had to apply At-Large) I felt inferior in comparison to many overly confident students who knew EXACTLY what they wanted (research grants not ETAs).
Hopefully no one is annoyed
Sorry if I'm not typing perfect English. I just woke up and my kitten, Rosie, is distracting meAny alternates, there is a chance for you!!! Keep your hopes up! After I was turned down in Jan (no alt status) I felt a tiny bit sad, but decided "I guess it was not meant for me" so hearing more slots were there in may, made me FLIP. Also I had people pray for me too :-)
Any questions? Contact me ;-)
Twitter: Ms_Krystalina
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I wonder if it's become I am a bit older (30). I also have a Master's degree and a couple years experience teaching undergrad classes while I was a grad student. And I had a 3.9 GPA! Sigh. Who knows with Fulbright. Their entire process is totally befuddling.
To all who did make the cut, boa sorte!!!
I'd love to keep in touch on twitter: @EricaNJohnsonATTENTION:
ANYONE WHO DOES NOT THINK THEY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO EARN A FULBRIGHT GRANT
I just want to tell everyone to please be encouraged! Apply again. Even if you think you won't be accepted. I have just been accepted as a Brazil ETA and did not want to seem like I was bragging, but decided to post this anywayI thought GPA was everything, but apparently not. I was a straight A student from Kindergarten through graduating High school, but not so much in college.
I had a 2.9 GPA and got a Fulbright. I am super happy for everyone with high GPA's (and would have loved to have a high GPA) but I don't want anyone to bank on that alone because it may hinder you elsewhere in your application. You have to stand out. Also although I had a 2.9 GPA I was a Bio major and did poorly, then switched to SPanish/Latin American Studies and got straight A's.
Some pointers
1. For my recommendations:
- I had the Dean of my college in my University (who was one of my Spanish professors in my last yr of university) rate my Spanish level,
- had an AMAZING teacher I had for 2 Portuguese/Brazil classes rate my Portuguese, proofread my statements, and write a recommendation,
- had one of my SPanish teachers (from Spain) write me a recommendation who I had for 2 Spanish courses,
- and a professor who I had for 1 Brazilian History class, and who worked on the Fulbright committee in the past at my University (who also semi suggested Fulbright for me to get to Brazil) write my third recommendation.
I'm not saying these professors/deans made me get the grant, but they did help, especially with my poor GPA and I wanted to share with you. Make sure if you all apply again (and change nothing else) that you have professors who are current or who you participated in their courses and you know liked you much.
2. In addition, I had 2 professors for Brazilian/Portuguese classes write recommendations. taking these classes probably showed I had a good level of the language.
3. I also know I put my heart and soul into (even though I started my statement about 2 months before the Oct 17 deadline), but once again I did not get even an alternate status in January. I thought to myself "Wow I did not even get an alternate status. How could I think I had a chance at being a competitive applicant?" not thinking that "Hey there were only 30 ETA slots and 1bout 170 who applied so that has nothing to do with you not having a good application"
4. Apply to a country even if you do not think you have a good chance. There are people who applied to a country with very few grants or applied to a country with a lot of grants, a lot of applicants (low percentage of receiving a grant). Apply to what you want. Who would have thought there would be 90 grants added to the country you applied?
DO NOT GIVE UP. If you have a passion for a certain country and would like be there DO NOT GIVE UP.
5. Also, make sure your 2 statements are not the same at all. I PERSONALLY think your personal statement is slightly more important (but should definitely relate to your 2nd statement. Just be REAL in your statements. Do not exaggerrate or make things up. And DO NOT BORE THEM. Imagine how many essays they have read that sound the same. Tell them interesting things and important moments to you. In addition, prior to writing my statement I volunteered for a few months teaching immigrants English (since I did not have any experience teaching adults) and that in itself was beautiful.
6. I just felt the need to write this. Hopefully someone who doesn't think they are good enough and is on the fence about applying will read this and change their mind. Writing the statements definitely helped me see myself clearer than before. Overall be honest about your intentions. If you have a poor GPA in comparison to the 4.0's who you know are applying make sure you mention it in a half sentence. I mentioned that because my family came from poverty I wanted a career that would mean MONEY even if I did not like it. Directly from my statement:
"......Tales such as these often bothered me as a young girl, and as I reached adulthood, they directed me toward a pre-dental career path for the sole purpose of financial stability. Over the course of several semesters, all-the-while with Spanish as my minor, I acknowledged my long-time passion for language, and made a necessary change in career goal..."
I did not mention it ever again in my statement.
7. So BE ENCOURAGED. God has a path for each and every one of us and if you feel it in your heart that you are meant to do something please try again! When I attended the Fulbright meetings at my college (although I had to apply At-Large) I felt inferior in comparison to many overly confident students who knew EXACTLY what they wanted (research grants not ETAs).
Hopefully no one is annoyed
Sorry if I'm not typing perfect English. I just woke up and my kitten, Rosie, is distracting meAnd to Erica and any other alternates, there is a chance for you!!! Keep your hopes up! After I was turned down in Jan (no alt status) I felt a tiny bit sad, but decided "I guess it was not meant for me" so hearing more slots were there in may, made me FLIP. Also I had people pray for me too :-) Erica, you are an alternate so you have a great chance of getting this. I think at least 5 people won't be able to attend
Any questions? Contact me ;-)
Twitter: Ms_Krystalina
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Nothing! And oh trust me, I checked EVERYTHING! When I happened to look here on the forum this evening I was like "What?!" The plot thickens, but only for me! Maybe mine is taking longer to process because I submitted it pretty much the last possible day (I was in the middle of prepping my Master's thesis & TAing a class--what a CRAZY semester!), and they ARE doing it on a rolling basis? Though it seems like Fulbright precedent stands that they release all notifications at once, including alternates? Ahhhh!
You make a good point though; there actually was a weird email snafu and I didn't receive the confirmation letter; however, when I called the contact lady in NY she said the confirmation had been sent and then sent me a second copy which I did receive then. I hope nothing crazy happened to my application! Ahhh! Maybe I should call her tmw and see what it is up, if I don't have an email by the afternoon!
Let us know. Maybe they sent it and you did not receive again! I hope u got it! :-)
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Congrats! And now we wait to see where we get placed...
Yeah. I have a friend in RIo. My old roommate. That would be great. Then I have a male buddy who has been practicing Portuguese with me for the past 2 yrs. He is in Sao Paulo...I hope I don't end up in some abandoned country area!! lol
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Hi! I just joined and am excited to see some Brazil ETA applicants on here!
I am still waiting anxiously for (hopefully) an acceptance letter. Like all of you, it would be a dream! I applied for Peru but was not accepted, and was a bit sad but got over it quickly-whatever is meant to be will be. However, I was super excited when I received an email in late April from Fulbright asking me to apply to Brazil because I received highly favorable scores, although I wasn't selected for Peru--not even an alternate! (Though I believe there were only 5 ETAs and over 30 applied...)
I really hope I get offered the opportunity...I have not heard anything yet, just that my statement of interest was received and that we should hear by the end of June, if not earlier. I'm hoping earlier! But I suppose I can survive 2 weeks...good luck to all of you! Any updates??
Yeah I got the same email. I originally applied to Brazil as an ETA and did not receive an alternate slot. I believe maybe 200 people applied for 30 grants. The only difference is that in my email they said I am being reconsidered and I do not have to reapply, just to let them know if I want to withdraw...Then I received those 2 emails this week of course...ahah
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Either way, hope it's good for you in the end! Yes, I was in Panama for 10 days in 2012 on a mission trip. Beautiful country and friendly people!
Yes, I am part Panamanian and went to Panama in Dec 2011/ Jan 2012 for 3 weeks. I absolutely loved it. Beautiful :-)
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Woooooowwwww.... That sucks! I didn't get anything like that... is that a good sign for you though maybe?
YES SUCKS!!
Well i think 1 of 2 things.
#1 It was an accident sent to people who already applied from the beginning to Brazil, which would explain why you an alternate had not received anything OR
#2 They chose me but were not supposed to notify yet because they have not chosen the full 90 candidates yet
I'm 50/50 but praying for the best.
Side note, have you been to Panama?
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WHAT!? that is HORRIBLE!!!!!
BEYOND HORRIBLE!!!
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I GOT AN EMAIL ABOUT BRAZIL at 12:21 PM EST today!
I got an email saying congratulations on being selected and for me to participate in the virtual Pre-Departure orientation!!!
THEN guess what?!!
At 4:13 PM EST I received an email that there was an oversight in the office and no decisions are final and I will know by end of the month
WHAT DA?! if I don't get it now I am going to be ticked off!!!
Whoever sent that out probably got in trouble! lol. But that nearly gave me a heart attack!!
At the end of the email I have "You will be formally notified by this office of decisions pertaining to your candidacy as soon as we are authorized to do so."
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Waiting on Brazil :-)
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Ah, okay. They made alternates from other countries submit an official statement of interest about why they should be recommended for Brazil. I guess your apps already made that case
I called in today to try and confirm that my letter was received (I was really paranoid), and she said they were processing over one hundred applications, so I'm wondering how many were included in the new round... hopefully closer to 100 than 200!WOW!!
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Alternates for ETA positions in the western hemisphere got them as well. Were you rejected in the final decision or in the recommendation in January? I'm trying to get a feel for how many people are applying... haha. Best of luck! Hopefully we'll both end up happily on the other side of the world soon
Hi! I was rejected in the recommendation. I am not applying. They told me I do not have to reapply and that I am now recommended. I don;t think they sent to every Brazil rejectee though
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There's no way to find out what your chances are, but alternates DO get bumped up. They are getting bumped up as we speak! I was promoted from alternate status, along with at least one other Germany ETA, about a week after the deadline to accept the grant for those accepted. I'm assuming a few people rejected the grant once the deadline came and it took them a week to process the paperwork. The other stories around the board seem to involve individual countries getting more funding. And Brazil recently added 90 new ETAships, for which both Brazil alternates and other western hemisphere alternates are eligible to apply. Beyond all that, there's also a chance that at some random point, someone will drop out for whatever reason. But sadly, it's still pretty much a crapshoot. If I were you, I'd stay on the alternate list and try to make other plans.
Correction. I was not a Brazil alternate. I applied as a Brazil ETA and did not get it. In my email they said I did not get it because ther was just a select amount of slots and that I received a very favorable score the first time around and favorable comments so I am not being considered for one of these slots. Does anyone even know if they have alternates for the ETA in brazil? I really don't think they sent this email to everyone though, just alternates on Western Hemisphere and Brazil ETA rejectees who had a high score first time
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Haven't posted much here recently, but I have been checking in intermittently. Three thoughts:
1) I think it's WAY cool that they've added those 90 additional Brazilian grants -- fingers crossed for all you Latin American applicants getting a second shot!!!
2) The fact that some people are STILL waiting is absolutely absurd, and kind of pisses me off. I want to be kind and give people the benefit of the doubt that somewhere, someone is doing their best to get things turned around, but it is just so cruel to expect people to keep their lives on hold for this long, and it especially seems like it would be to the detriment of people who don't have the luxury of waiting around because need to make post-graduate plans ASAP. It's punishing people who need to know if they should accept that job offer or that graduate school position and possibly forcing them to make a decision that will harm their future prospects in these two areas, if they are forced to reneg on an agreement at the last moment. It seems somewhat ungrateful to criticize Fulbright, since hopefully in the end they'll be funding your fabulous year abroad, but at the same time, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect final results to come in within four months of being submitted to the individual country's committee. I don't know. It just angers me because it seems very callous.
3) Truly happy for all those that made it in the last few weeks, and my heart goes out to alternates and those who were not selected. I firmly, firmly believe that these things happen for reasons and that if this is the path that is meant for you, something else will come your way. Keep your heads up and don't lose sight of your goals.
Thanks! yes it is great, I;m very nervous though that they are opening it up to others. I think those who applied to Brazil as ETA should get first pick. Well I hope so! I'm sure they only sent it to certain people who applied to ETA in Brazil then certain others who applied on that Hemisphere. I HOPE I GET THIS. I want it more than anything
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FULBRIGHT BRAZIL TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP NEWS for rejectees
Did anyone who got rejected the first time around receive an email that they have added 90 grants and that because you got a most favorable rating by the committee the first time around that they are considering them for the new grants and will let me know by end of June?!!!!!
I did...I don't want to get rejected again!!! Praise God and PRAY FOR ME YALL!
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7:18 AM Today the Lord will let me through the 1st round! :-)
Just stay positive everyone!
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Anyone applying to Brazil??? I pray that God allows me to be there in 2014!!!
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I just got a call from my school's phone bank that asks alums for money; I thought it was going to be my FPA or someone in the office...my school can forget about contributions from me for about the next 10 years...
Lol I received a message from my university a few months ago. I graduated May 2012. I called them right back and left a voicemail saying how much I loved my school but do not want any calls regarding contributions as I have loans to pay! lol haven't heard from them since. I think you should do the same. They will at the very least mark down what you said (whoever pulls your name next will be much less likely to call).
Early Termination of Fulbright Grant
in The Bank
Posted
Please do not terminate early.
You sighed up for cultural exchange. This is a learning experience. You chose this opportunity so finish it out!!! You are not in danger so just remember what you are doing. When you leave you will regret it.
You will be fine!! You made it more than hallfway!!