That's awesome! I am so excited for you! Thanks for the blog posts.
Update: I am still working with my University in Estonia on my project and seeking other funding sources. Each time I mention the research to academics and political folks they are very interested. I can't stop working just because Fulbright thinks I am too old. Lol!
Hey guys... would you believe it... I'M IN!!!!! Wow, what a journey!!! I am so thankful to each of you on this board to share frustrations, anxieties, and successes with. You have all been so sweet and supportive and I'm so glad I joined this community. So happy for everyone abt their upcoming adventures!!! and to you Brazil ETAers I can't wait to meet all of you!!!!
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 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 me
And 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
tuc15735@temple.edu
Hi guys,
I've been lurking on this board since October but hadn't bothered joining. Anyways, just wanted to say that yesterday I was promoted from alternate to accepted for Fulbright ETA in South Korea! Keep your spirits up, it can still happen!
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