travelgirl125

Don't give up! I have been checking that page a lot, too, and the only Penn entries I've seen are from other schools (science programs). None from GSE.

Crossing my fingers that this week will bring news! It will be the 5th week that my application has been "Ready for Review" (more than that, actually, but I'm not counting the holiday break).

I had a bit of an opposite experience...after applying for a program (for which there was no interview requirement, at least, no requirement that I could find on their website), I received an email asking for an in-person interview with the head of the department. I ended up doing it on Skype due to bad weather, and my interviewer said that it was more of an informal interview to gauge my research interests. I had no idea whether being asked for an interview was a good or bad thing, and then I of course wondered if the interview went well or not. Thankfully, about a month later, I found out I was accepted! If I were you, I would take that as a good sign if you have been in contact with that person for a while!

I agree! I feel like if it says "Your Fulbright Application," as the subject, I will automatically assume it's bad news. I just happen to think that with things like this, if it doesn't say "Congratulations" in the subject, then it was a rejection. Even if it's not!

What are we down to now...3 weeks, exactly? Ahhhh!

Nothing yet! Will post something on here as soon as I know, though

Oh my gosh...I can't believe it!!

I honestly wouldn't spend too much time on the GRE. Unless your number 1 program has a strict GRE score cut-off, I would say that your extracurriculars, SOP, and LORs are more important. Definitely take some practice tests though, just to familiarize yourself with the format! That's just my two cents though

What does your undergraduate institution say? Mine, for example, requires that we major in our content area and simultaneously enroll in their certification program to become certified to teach.

My application was in 11/3, although it was only "Ready for Review" as of 12/1. For my program, they say they will have a decision within 4-6 weeks, so I was hoping I'd hear back before Christmas! Hopefully we'll start to get some response in January like you said

Hi Ben! Best of luck to you! For some reason, January 28 sticks out in my mind...that may have been the date last year, though. I wouldn't be surprised if it was January 30, though, as that's the last weekday of the month.

Anyone hear anything yet? I am beginning to feel a little discouraged

Hi! I am a senior Italian major and have applied to graduate programs in Italian. I would one day like to teach it (and will be certified through my undergraduate institution), but like you, I also just have a very strong passion for the language, grammar, and everything about it! I studied abroad in Italy twice over two summers, and I traveled there on several other occasions. I completely understand what you are saying about it being overwhelming, because I felt that way at first, too! But I quickly got over it and loved it so much, and I absolutely feel that my time abroad was THE thing that advanced my speaking skills. I have taken every Italian class my school has to offer, and I have gotten great grades in them, but nothing beats living and speaking in the environment. I would highly recommend you study abroad in France, even if it is for just a summer program. I don't know much about the language, but I am under the impression that Canadian French is somewhat different than that of actual France - and certainly, the environments are quite different! I think it would be hard to get through your entire undergraduate and graduate career studying French without having gone to France, whether it be to study, teach, or do research there. I'm not sure how "seriously" your colleagues, professors, etc. would take you if your main reason for not going to France was because you were worried about feeling overwhelmed. When I tell people that I study Italian, nearly 100% of them ask "Have you ever been to/studied abroad in Italy?" as their first response. Of course, finances are a whole different story. That's why I really would suggest a summer program. I was able to do two summer programs for less than the price of one semester program! A different route you might want to take, that someone mentioned before, is an MA in teaching/French. Rutgers University has an Masters in Teaching in various foreign languages, which is a combination of both foreign language/literature classes and teaching classes. Maybe that would be more your speed? I'm sure there are many other programs as well. NYU also has a campus in Paris, I believe. I hoped that helped somewhat! If you have any more questions, I'd love to try and help!

It finally showed up! Well, I actually got an email from my email provider's "Quarantine" saying that the message was held there because there was a high chance it was spam! I was able to go ahead and release it though

Nope, nothing

I didn't get a survey...should I be worried?

I hear ya!! Always nerve-wracking when dealing with things like that. Wow, what a process! Best of luck to you as well...update us when you hear more!

Thanks so much! There was a slight delay due to the new application system, so my application was just filed as "Ready for review" on 12/1. So I still have a bit of time to wait as well! When do you expect to hear back?

That was me! I asked what happens after you hit submit. Haha! Same to you!

I've applied to the International Education Management program at MIIS and International Education program at NYU!

Not a problem!! Best of luck to you! Anyone here make it to the Open House at GSE today? It was very informative!

Thanks so much, tchrsquirrel! My application does show "submitted," and all of my letters are in, so I guess I shall just wait! However, I was under the impression that admissions decisions are made within 4-6 weeks. At least, that's what I thought for my program (MSEd in Intercultural Communication)!

Just submitted my application and I'm very excited! Anyone know what happens next? They have a new application system this year so I haven't been able to find much about where/when we can expect to see a decision, if they are going to confirm receipt of materials, etc.

I'm applying to the Intercultural Communication program! Good luck to everyone

I actually had my first Fulbright-related dream last night I dreamt that 6 of us who applied for ETAs actually found out in January that we were accepted. One went to Poland, one to Portugal, one to Boston, one to San Francisco, I don't remember where the other one went...and I was being sent to Chicago! I was very confused/upset because I had applied for Italy, but the committee told me "Well you will still be teaching English, just in Chicago." I wasn't sure if I wanted to accept the position because I was afraid of Chicago's cold winters. How crazy!!