blue_bird

Hopefully I'm interpreting your question correctly, but I got the grant to Norway, which has no language requirement, without filling out the language forms (since all I can say in Norwegian is "thank you"). Best of luck!

I'm haven't taken offense to anything what so ever.
Perception is in their eye of the beholder, that be the reader.

I thanked people for their thoughts on how they think I should or should not live trying to give advice without all the facts and where it was not asked for and I said I appreciate honesty.

I'm not sarcastic and I've been nothing but sincere.

I would however appreciate it if people would stop over analyzing things
CHILL OUT PEOPLE
Good grief LIGHTEN UP

Don't read so much into things.
I say exactly what I mean and mean exactly what I say no hidden message no attach emotion.

Just stop over analyzing circumstances that none of you are informed on in MY scenario.

Things aren't always what they seem, but that was pretty funny that English was thought to be a second language all because the auto correct got too involved in my phone typing. HILARIOUS

You really need to breathe. Everyone's trying to give you relevant information, and from what I can tell (after thoroughly reading all of your posts on this forum and the 2015-16 forum), you should listen to what they're saying. The only reason their comments sound "haughty" is because you lashed out immediately when they tried to help you avoid months of (probably fruitless) waiting. Also, you're fabricating some of the comments that you're complaining about.
 
It sounds like you should have applied to Fulbright for the 2014-15 cycle if you're arriving in October. You could still apply for the coming year if you're planning on going to another country after this year of research.

Professional Development, that is exactly what Fulbright is, noted previously in detail by me if you looked at the other post.
Don't try to dispute that, especially if you just agreed with Isaac.

You haughty young people need to step back take a good hard look at yourselves and realize that you have some growing up to do and that maturity does not come from being haughty toward others or from being a negative nancy.                        
You can't disagree with me and agree with Isaac (sorry Isaac) all at the same time unless you plan on contradicting yourselves. 

Maybe consider a "plan B" on your route through adulthood as maturity comes with age not grades. DISCOURAGING PEOPLE IS INAPPROPRIATE ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT KNOWING SOMEONE PERSONALLY AND ITS INAPPROPRIATE TO TELL A STRANGER TO GO FIND SOMETHING ELSE AND VERY INAPPROPRIATE TO TALK DOWN TO PEOPLE IN SUCH A HAUGHTY MANNER. 

SPEAK OF YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES NOT WHAT YOU THINK OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCES SHOULD BE.
 
RESPECT!!! TRY IT SOMETIME
COMMENTS LIKE, "IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU'LL NEVER MAKE IT SO JUST STOP TRYING ALREADY or telling people the fulbright rules when no one asked.
No one deserves to be spoken to in a haughty manner.
 
"AS I SAID IN THE OTHER THREAD ...... "  "DONT APPLY" GET A PLAN B"   "Be more realistic (wth, you cant say that to someone you dont know)"
When you get older, you will be wiser and learn not to speak in such a haughty manner. Your grades wont get you that sweet heart.

 

Sass on sass, bad writing/writing-tips, and only 3 pages in. Good luck, 2015-2016 thread!
 
If any Ukraine applicants are out there, feel free to PM me with any questions.

Hi Tantavi, for what it's worth, I say go for the Fulbright.
 
To me, it seems like you're debating between what you want to do and what you think-you're-supposed-to-do. In my very limited wisdom, the think-you're-supposed-to-do path is safe. It feels Responsible and Adult. The supposed-to-path makes a lot of sense in a lot of situations, but not this one.
 
In this situation you win on all fronts if you take the Fulbright. 
 
You're worried about your job prospects - Take the Fulbright. For every job you apply to, there will be stacks on stacks of resumes from people who, "skill-wise", are just like you. If you rock, which I bet you do, and you stand out, which a Fulbright will help with, you get the interview. If you forsook the Fulbright, one year from now you will stand out as much as the thousands of other math/comp.sci people a year into an entry-level job. Point: Fulbright.
 
You're worried about money - Take the Fulbright. You're playing the long game. The difference between coming out of college broke now, or a year from now is negligible. Spend a year kicking ass and taking names, developing soft skills and honing an interesting interview-narrative. It will pay off. Credentialism is also important (unfortunate or not). This is a big, fat, stamp of approval hiring managers will use when looking at your applications. Point: Fulbright
 
You're worried the Fulbright won't give you "skills" - Program in Bulgaria! Choose a project, knock it out, and add it to your CV. Realize that you will develop communication skills, soft skills, and self-reliance abroad. Recognize that those skills have worth. As an aside, have a look at Sarah Kendzior's tweets about the our modern idea of a "skills gap" here and here. She can be bombastic, but what she writes there is at the heart of my fears of incompetence, it might ring true for you as well.
 
TL;DR: Your Fulbright is a one-year investment in your future - you are paid, housed, and your loans are deferred. It doesn't get more low-risk than that! In the worst case scenario, assuming you don't hate the experience, it will leave you in the same position you are in now (few "skills [...] and prospects"), but with a wonderful year abroad that you will always have memories of. In reality it will provide you with tangible benefits, detailed above.
 
Best,
Isaac

Alrighty then, three long essay replies. Glad you were able to vent out. Good luck with your application. Peace.

I'm sorry you didn't get it, but it sounds like you have a solid plan in place. Thanks tfor all of your encouragement - just found out that I am one of the grantees! I am so glad that the Fulbright committee saw my project as worthy of this grant. I am so honored to know all of you extraordinary, intelligent people, Fulbrighters or not. Good luck to everyone!

Wow, this sounds like a really interesting and important project! Best of luck to you. I'm also giving up hope for the Fulbright today. It looks like only one person received a notification today (and it was a rejection) - or maybe it was just an erroneous edit of the spreadsheet? Hopefully we'll hear something by tomorrow or Friday, as I am also waiting to respond to some grad school offers.
 
Congrats to those who made it so far, condolences to those who didn't get principal/alternate status, and good luck to those of you still waiting. I'm treating this whole experience as a character building exercise in how to be very, very patient. I can imagine that trying to coordinate so many applicants from so many countries can be very difficult at times.

Hi! I've been lurking on the Materials PhD thread for a while but joined so I could respond to your question.
 
I also applied to UCLA MSE and got accepted a couple of weeks ago to the PhD program but wasn't able to attend the open house because of time/money issues. I haven't heard anything about funding - there was nothing in the acceptance email - so I emailed one of the faculty in charge. I haven't heard anything in response so will probably send another email this week.
 
I did talk with one faculty member on the phonewho I'm interested in working with and who was also assigned as my academic advisor. She said she was "considering" taking students into her group next year...not entirely sure what that means. I was initially really excited about the program but am slightly questioning now.
 
I hope this helps you.

haha yes it seems indeed I did open that can of worms LOL specifically thoughts on that info. Specifically from that post. - I never asked what the fulbrught reqs are
- I never asked for advice on grad school especially since I'm finishing.
- to keep it short there was a ton of bits about what had nothing to do with thoughts on THAT post.

- its like .... and this is how you cross the street ... well duh of course we know that already buddy...no one asked how to cross them street LMAO
- and then repeating the same thing by saying "As i said in my last post..." over and over on something totally unrelated was just ridiculous.

But you are right I did indeed open myself up on ANY THOUGHTS? Lol

See my reply on the other thread. I will repeat it again so that people using this forum for advice are not confused (I promise I am not repeating this to annoy you). 
 
Fulbright will NOT fund you retroactively and they will NOT fund someone already residing/working in the country they are apply to. 
You may apply for a Fulbright to be a research assistant - but I doubt it will make you competitive enough to be awarded. As long as you are ELIGIBLE though, it does not hurt to try.  

To actually be speaking to everyone and not just directing your statement at me where you explicitly show believing me to be ineligible after saying I am. Do speculate anyone's eligibility.
Secret Ninja I suggest you consider altering your pronouns.

"If ...A PROSPECTIVE APPLICANT .... is already in their PROSPECTIVE COUNTRY at the time of applying HE/SHE will be ineligible."

Its important to speak broadly to the masses and that will help you avoid assumptions and accusations. You intended to provide clarity and reduce confusion FOR OTHERS so as such its best to adjust the use pronouns accordingly so your intent comes through in your message.

A quite deserving well done for you too, for paying better attention to what you're reading. The skill to read more carefully will help you in your future endeavors Secret Ninja.

I would not have posted that FULBRIGHT APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED AN INDEPENDENT PROJECT if it wasn't true and already confirmed with Fulbright a week ago.

I don't need to talk to Fulbright about this because it was already done and confirmed much before you suggested I speak to them. There are many avenues to Fulbright. Maybe consider expanding your breadth on the variety available would be a good idea.

Well your last two posts are certainly more clear, coherent, and well-thought out than your others. Well done. Writing clearly allows people to understand what you are attempting to convey. 
 
As for your funding - good luck applying for all things relevant to your situation. Fulbright will NOT fund you retroactively, nor will they fund someone currently residing/working in the country of interest they are applying to. You may, however, apply for a Fulbright after your time as an assistant.

What a shame your reading skills are also lacking. Please refer to my comments about what Fulbright will and will not fund. I said that you were eligible to apply. I stressed that you would NOT be competitive. I also said that IF YOU LIVE/WORK IN South Africa WHEN YOU APPLY, you are NOT eligible.  From the Fulbright eligibility page: 
"... following the policy of the relevant binational Fulbright Commission or the U.S. Embassy in the host country, an application to the following countries will not be considered if the applicant is currently residing in or will be residing in that country during the year preceding the grant:"
 
And with that - I am done having a conversation with you. My intent is to ensure that your comments do not confuse future applicants, not to debate with you. I have enough awards and accolades to reassure me of both my reading and writing skills. Please learn to read rules and regulations (as well as helpful tips) closely as you move through your graduate career.  

I'm aware of what ford fellowship and what NSF GRFP are for. I never once suggested that it was possible to apply to these without a project. I suggest you re-read my post where I included links. They were for individuals looking to fund their degree. Try to read more carefully please. I have a Masters degree I'm not new to how NSF GRFP and how Ford Fellowship work. Fulbright unlike Other fellowship is for time while not enrolled and while one may be matriculated while applying Fulbright is not primarily intended for tuition purposes which is why I had suggested NSF and Ford. Read more carefully please I am well experiences with a grueling application process don't misinterpreted my point in mentioning NSF in my last reply to you.
Direct from the horses mouth at Fulbright, "A project is not mandatory as long as you can show that your intended activity abroad leads to your own professional career development...." as well as how that activity impacts that country and the US.

Hey InnovativeL

If you are getting butthurt for the comments and advise the people on this forum are giving you I suggest you refer your questions to your FPA. We don't need negative vibes in this forum and I also don't see how secret ninja is being rude. With Fulbright you have to be realistic and we wouldn't want you go to through all the trouble of applying if you won't be eligible anyways. Trust me, we were all in the verge of pulling our hair out here while we waited for the notifications to come (some people still are). Your FPA will give you more advise or ask a fulbright representative via phone or if one of then comes to your campus at an informational meeting. Some of us who are giving for you advise have already gotten the Fulbright for next year so we are giving you advise based on our own experiences, so it's not a personal attack on you, we just want to be frank. Again we don't need the negative energy here since this is a place for questions and mutual support.

Hello X,
I find it completely hilarious that you hypothesized that I am a non-native speaker. I appreciate your honesty. As you stated this is an informal message board, not a place where grammar and spelling are reviewed and mandatory.  Now that this post is being typed on my lap top rather than my cell phone, the dictionary mode and auto-correct of a cell phone did not inappropriately replace words in this message. Of course earlier when  was using my phone to type those other messages (as lengthy as they may be) the silly word replacement feature reared its ugly head in my post. (ie. "them" instead of "the").
              
1) I'm certainly not starving, its simply called "budgeting."  
2) I wouldn't call it a hardship, there are plenty of budget friendly things to do over the summer, and anyone who loves what they do would not consider it utterly perverse when its enjoyable.
3) I'm not paying anyone anything, (you made an assumption here).  I feed myself and pay for my share house supplies. I don't pay anyone, and i made dang certain of that. I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, and there are MANY programs out there that require $2000 from people just to quote unquote volunteer for a week and THAT is ludicrous.
4) Just because I mention 1 aspect and did not lay out all components of Fulbright does not mean anyone should assume I did not know the other component goals that make up Fulbright THIS IS NOT AN EXAM.  I am aware that it is far more than professional development. (there's another assumption).
5) Furthermore, as someone who is ABT at a R1 university, I can safely say that I "presume" we are "likely" in different fields, in which case, you would find it interesting to learn that greater than 75% (of those admitted in m field) have publications coming out of UG. Different fields, different trends, plain and simple.
6) Not everyone has the privilege of having passion for their research. There is a fine line between enthusiasm and passion.
7) No publications on CV yet? Now that is ludicrous, as an incoming professor to not have any pubs. Any good program will have their PhD's with minimum 5 before finishing their dissertation. I'm not knocking your school but what top tier school is this? Different locations and fields clearly have different notions of what is and is not a high standard based on each University's expectations of their faculty if what you say about no pubs (in your field) being true.
8) I'm a 5th generation American typing the bulk of these message board replies from a cell phone. When you put 2 & 2 together you get crazy cell phone auto correct and a post between tasks where no one is graded on grammar. Completely hilarious though that you thought I was foreign. TOOOOOO FUNNY!!!

Disclaimer:This next line does not refer to either you or myself
Try this thought on for size: Some student does their UG in Plant Science or Cultural Affairs or something, and then decides those same career goals would be better served going to vet school. So now Mr. Plant guy or Cultural Affairs guy (or girl) has to convey on paper that clearly they meet every single STEM course req. for vet school and demonstrate that they have what it takes for vet school. Although this fictional person has been a vet assistant for  couple years, with a letter of rec from the vet, on paper he/she is still just seen by admissions as "plant guy" or cultural affairs guy/girl with a splash of vet experience like he/she slightly dabbled in it. HOWEVER this light dabbling in vet clinic work does not surpass the Pre-vet background that floods the other more competitive applications.
So WHAT IS Cultural affairs/plant science person to do about this???
#1 they were not admitted because they needed more "subject related" EXPERIENCE despite meeting all UG pre-reqs and despite GRE's in the 96 percentile and glowing LOR's
#2 The best thing to do is find out the weaknesses of the application and then REAPPLY after remedying those components of the app.

Bottomline is that not everyone has the ability to learn from their mistakes, necessary to come back bigger better and greater than before.
None of those subjects are related to me but the gist is the same. When you are either changing fields OR in an interdisciplinary field across depts. then showing that a certain subject/department is the right place for such person to do their PhD is more challenging than for someone who takes a smooth clean cut path by not having a cross-departmental educational background. While breadth in UG is important you have to specialize and focus your concentrated area the higher up you go which means COMPENSATORY DEMONSTRATION OF THE FIELD/SUBJECT IS ESSENTIAL.

Am I going to pay $2000 for a week of volunteering like everyone else does? Heck NO!
Am I going to get 10 months instead of 1 week and pay less for housing than I would in the US?  YES
Was this post intended to tell you about the fulbright required key factors of an application? NO
Does omitting it mean I dont know what Fulbright requirements are? NO  (dont assume.....its bad science).

 So Mr. X, would you mind saying what your "field" of study is?
Thank you for not being assuming or presumptuous with your words. You did get the first 2 lines right, but that's about all that was accurate in any reference to me, Innovative L. Just because I happen to be the under dog for multiple reasons does not mean a plan B is appropriate, and for anyone reading this, it really is all a numbers game and sooner or later anyone seeking a phd will get a phd unless their heart isn't in it, no matter what anyone says about another, assuming or otherwise.

and to you Secret_Ninja
I never suggested that any funding was retroactively applicable. Though I appreciate your implicit disclaimer. Just as you are not trying to be annoying or harsh, keep those same thoughts at the front of your mind when you are reading mine. There is a fine line between conveying oneself as a know it all or as someone who inquisitively looks up information. The short comings of ANY "know-it-all" is often the presumption of correctness by failing to make further confirmational inquiry which leads to a reduction is accurate information. So heed caution in your advisory ways and pose questions for thought rather than attempting to "TELL" individuals "how it IS" without first confirming one's speculations.

Speaking less definitively is ALWAYS better just as using absolutes when you write up your research findings is a clear No-no. The same should be carried over to prevent making accusatory and/or assuming remarks when referring to others. Blunt is good, as you are, but the possibility that is it probable but not definitely the case is always better regardless of the point in reference. Do you see a clear difference when you look at the pronouns you use as opposed to the pronouns I have used when addressing a general point?
 

I'm sorry you didn't get it, but it sounds like you have a solid plan in place. Thanks tfor all of your encouragement - just found out that I am one of the grantees! I am so glad that the Fulbright committee saw my project as worthy of this grant. I am so honored to know all of you extraordinary, intelligent people, Fulbrighters or not. Good luck to everyone!

Wow, this sounds like a really interesting and important project! Best of luck to you. I'm also giving up hope for the Fulbright today. It looks like only one person received a notification today (and it was a rejection) - or maybe it was just an erroneous edit of the spreadsheet? Hopefully we'll hear something by tomorrow or Friday, as I am also waiting to respond to some grad school offers.
 
Congrats to those who made it so far, condolences to those who didn't get principal/alternate status, and good luck to those of you still waiting. I'm treating this whole experience as a character building exercise in how to be very, very patient. I can imagine that trying to coordinate so many applicants from so many countries can be very difficult at times.

Hi! I've been lurking on the Materials PhD thread for a while but joined so I could respond to your question.
 
I also applied to UCLA MSE and got accepted a couple of weeks ago to the PhD program but wasn't able to attend the open house because of time/money issues. I haven't heard anything about funding - there was nothing in the acceptance email - so I emailed one of the faculty in charge. I haven't heard anything in response so will probably send another email this week.
 
I did talk with one faculty member on the phonewho I'm interested in working with and who was also assigned as my academic advisor. She said she was "considering" taking students into her group next year...not entirely sure what that means. I was initially really excited about the program but am slightly questioning now.
 
I hope this helps you.