Dilemma1

Dash if you can apply again I would say go for it. It's free to apply and you already have your essays, as well as, letters of recommendation. You could reach out to the current finalist or last years and get their input but like you said Fulbright is fickle and it's impossible to predict what exactly they are looking for. If you're not going to be losing any opportunity by applying once more (like postponing grad school or turning down a job) I would say go for it. You have nothing to lose except the time it takes to start an application and get all of your papers in order. I do understand what you're going through though. Being an alternate leaves us with a lot of "what ifs" and it's hard to get those out of your head. I wish you the best of luck no matter what you decide to do!

Congrats Coco!

Calling doesn't hurt anything but I'm not sure if they will know anythings since being moved from alternate to principal depends on a lot of factors that can't be accurately predicted. Honestly the job would be the safer bet since that is a sure thing, but you should do what you think is best for yourself. You could try talking with your potential job about how late you can accept their offer but remember there is no certainty with the Fulbright. I wish I had more concrete info to give you. Good luck!

I'm positive they have a list. It's either one that is a simple hierarchy or it may be slightly abstract in the sense that it may be based on the cost of each grantee (if the principal with a more expensive project declines then maybe two alternates get selected) or it's based on similar projects (like if the principal is doing a project on XYZ and there are alternates with projects ABC and XYZ they may go with the second alternate since it was similar or in the same field as the former principal). I'm also positive they won't share it with anyone. I've heard of scholarships and grants that at the end give a rank to all applicants, which would be really helpful in deciding whether to apply again or wait it out. Unfortunately, I think the Fulbright is too large and complex to send out a ranking of even just the alternates since there are so many variables to consider.

I'm sorry to hear that soccer2017

CONGRATS!!!

Congrats! I love hearing about promotions Have a great time in South Korea next year!

I'm so sorry thepictureisstill I hope there is still some way for you to go to Ireland. Whether it's reapplying for the Fulbright or some other kind of grant... I wish you the very best!

I haven't heard that anyone has yet and I'm not having much luck finding out any kind of examples of previous UK alternates being promoted....so I don't know how common it happens.

I put my alternate status on my LinkedIn account last year and I plan to do the same this year! I think it's an accomplishment to be proud of

I'm so sorry Medievalist I was so hoping you would get principal status! Yes this is a huge accomplishment (a reminder that I need to keep telling myself). I'll keep my fingers crossed that you will be bumped up!

I wish I had more likes so I could up vote this!

I'm so sorry Patient0 I'm glad that you've been a part of this community! If you have the opportunity to try applying again, I highly recommend it You may not get a better result the second time but you'll never know if you don't try. Best of luck to you!

Thanks Mckenna After talking with my mom (and having a good cry) I'm feeling better. I still have a couple other scholarships to look forward to and I'm grateful that I went through this process again. The self-discovery and essay writing has been a positive (if sometimes frustrating) process. At least I can say that I tried again and I can never regret that I tried!

Alternate this really hurts. Congrats to everyone though who found out good news!