ayasofaya

I was just saying because I got half acceptances and half rejections. They came in alternating order too so the past few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions haha. I'm trying to stay optimistic enough without straying too far off the ground!

Just a few pieces of advice/my opinions: your grades GPA and gre scores are not that important for the fellowship so don't put so much emphasis on it. I know some people want certain things for the grad school program but for the fellowship it's more about your experiences and crafting them into a well written essay. If I were you I would spend more time on the application essays and reaching out to mentors early to help you vs spending more time and money on the GRE UNLESS you wanted a certain score for a program in case the fellowships didn't work out. Again take it with a grain of salt just my opinions. 

I applied to German ETA and just talked about soccer a lot. I love soccer. It was a no-brainer to me. Instant fan of whatever local team. Done and done. Cliché maybe, but 100% truthful.

I applied to German ETA and just talked about soccer a lot. I love soccer. It was a no-brainer to me. Instant fan of whatever local team. Done and done. Cliché maybe, but 100% truthful.

To offer perspective, I was born American to immigrant parents, and have a name that's "ethnic" that sounds similar to an "English" sounding name, so I always had to make an effort to stop people from calling me the "English" version because its "easier." I personally have a very strong name identity so I make a point to encourage people to use my real name to the best of their ability, out of respect for me, and because to me there are two categories: my name, and not my name. Deciding to no longer allow others to mispronounce my name was a very empowering time of my life and I always encourage others with "difficult" names to do the same just to see how it makes them feel when others start to get it.  "To the best of their ability" is the key there though. It's not your responsibility to have perfect pronunciation, just to try your best, so asking for a nickname before demonstrating an effort is super disrespectful. Even if you make a million tries and you still can't get it right, it's up to the person themselves to present an alternative. That coach doesn't get to just change someone's name because he doesn't want to try anymore.
That said, I completely understand the desire to Anglicize. It really is easier, that's the plain and simple of it. I fault no one for it because whatever rationale they have for that decision, I'm likely to agree with their concerns.
To your particular situation, you don't need to ask him. He already told you he goes by Leo. He didn't just come up with a random name on the spot, meaning he thought about the issue long enough to come to a decision on it, and considered different options to choose an "English" name he likes. He wouldn't have told you he goes by Leo unless he actually wants to be called that. Asking him now is redundant, and you risk coming across as not accepting the preference he clearly stated. It's also easier to have everyone in a particular environment use the same name, so if you're the only one calling him his Chinese name, it would be weird.

These two things are concerning. Why aren't you getting any scholarship money? These programs aren't super competitive, so as long as you're not a functional idiot, you should be able to. Take a look at the results pages for the various schools, SAIS, SIPA, HKS, etc. - people are getting 50, 60, 70k. So it's possible. Why aren't you?
Like - and stay with me until the end of the post, because this next part is going to sting - when it comes to hypercompetitive fields, be it academia or IR, if you're failing, so to say, at the first hurdle, the field is probably not for you. IR may seem glamorous, but doing something you're not built for becomes really old really quickly. Career outcomes are path-dependent, which means that, if you're starting at a disadvantage, barring some deus ex machina shit, you're going to stay at a disadvantage - and in a hypercompetitive field, that disadvantage will quickly catch up to you and leave you high and dry. 100k in debt, btw, is one hell of a disadvantage. That'll preclude you from taking most interesting entry-level jobs and will trickle down to seemingly innocuous stuff like not being able to attend networking happy hours because you have to catch the last train to Largo - stuff that cumulatively makes a big difference.
All of this isn't to say that you'll never amount to anything, but rather to say that you should avoid starting at a disadvantage. There's lots of reasons why somebody doesn't get scholarship money, and most of them are fixable. Do you lack work experience? Do you need to retake the GRE? Are you not applying widely enough? Is your application not telling a coherent narrative for what you want to do in the field and why School X is the best place to prepare yourself for it? If you don't know the answer to these questions, find out. Go on LinkedIn and set up some informational interviews with people in the field. Pick something you don't know about and learn about it, ideally by doing it. Immerse yourself in the field as a professional, not a starry-eyed child.
A note on work experience in IR: as someone who got a job in IR out of UG, don't get a job in IR out of UG. The entry-level stuff is all bureaucratic support (so, not the people who get to even touch policy with a 3 foot pole). It's a good way to learn about how the sausage is made, but that's about it. If I were to do it again, I'd get a job in something competitive, like consulting, that will teach you grit and concise analysis while also paying well and looking good on a resume, or I'd move abroad and do something crazy, e.g. start a beach bar in Trinidad, and learn from the ground up. Or work at an NGO that does fieldwork on the actual ground. You can arrive at policy from any background: I know former engineers, MDs, stock traders, artists, activists and so on who have successful careers in IR. It's all about what skills and network you can bring to the table. All this bullshit about what degree you have and where it's from and how much it cost is so fucking secondary.

I was accepted to Bologna with 20k funding!
Due to my unrelated background and not having taken Micro/Macro, I knew all of my  schools were a long shot, so to be accepted to a top school like this at all is exciting, but getting funding at one is even crazier. Plus they will let you keep the money if you defer, which is a relief since I'm a Fulbright ETA semi-finalist! From what I read above they have some attractive funding-related policies overall. @Ducky91 I'm also waiting to hear from Fletcher but I've learned from this weekend to not be too optimistic.

I'm going to double down on TRANSPARENCY.
The program may have a "holistic approach" to reading applications and may not have hard minimums for GPA or test scores, but they do have the numbers from the applicants they have accepted in recent years. You have the data, so publish it.
Some programs publish the GRE scores and GPA of their median 50% and median 80%. This is a courtesy that should be standard of all schools, and you're doing a disservice to your applicants by telling them you "welcome applicants" with a 300 GRE because that's the "gate" when you know well and good 80% of applicants score between 315-340. The GRE costs over $200 and the decision of whether or not to retake is a stressful one, especially if you have no idea where your score falls in the mix of what is typically admitted.

I'm going to +1 everything that @ibette said above, but it's also interesting that you use Germany as an example, as 2/3rds of the Germany applicants are ETAs, which has a pretty high acceptance rates for a few different reasons. First off, purely numerically, 140 awards is a lot. That's a huge commitment Germany has made to this program. But also, for the ETAs, Germany has a hard requirement for applicants to speak German at a high intermediate B-Level just to be eligible. This weeds out a lot of comparatively less "motivated" candidates before the paper even hits the table. Ah, that sweet German efficiency. So if every single applicant is motivated enough to have gone through at least 2 years of intense language study, and the nature of the google sheet is self-selective on top of that, and then they accept 140 ETAs in total, I wouldn't be surprised if everyone on the sheet becomes a finalist, at least on the ETA side. Not sure about the intricacies of the Research/Study requirements so I can't speak to that.

It is 5:59 y'all. FIVE. FIFTY. NINE.

It is 5:59 y'all. FIVE. FIFTY. NINE.

This email is going to come as I'm driving home from work I bet.
I'm going to have to pull over.

I got the "The status is coming today" email from my FPA a few minutes ago. I'm DYING with every notification. (My power company decides to announce a new and improved website TODAY? REALLY?)
My FPA's email did have a notably jovial tone to it, which seems unlikely if she knows I got rejected....hmmm....perhaps I'm thinking too much into it......

From my perspective, if your FPA only has 2-3 people to keep up with, they should be calling you on your cell phone lol. Extra personal attention. Taking y'all out for coffee....

To offer perspective, I was born American to immigrant parents, and have a name that's "ethnic" that sounds similar to an "English" sounding name, so I always had to make an effort to stop people from calling me the "English" version because its "easier." I personally have a very strong name identity so I make a point to encourage people to use my real name to the best of their ability, out of respect for me, and because to me there are two categories: my name, and not my name. Deciding to no longer allow others to mispronounce my name was a very empowering time of my life and I always encourage others with "difficult" names to do the same just to see how it makes them feel when others start to get it.  "To the best of their ability" is the key there though. It's not your responsibility to have perfect pronunciation, just to try your best, so asking for a nickname before demonstrating an effort is super disrespectful. Even if you make a million tries and you still can't get it right, it's up to the person themselves to present an alternative. That coach doesn't get to just change someone's name because he doesn't want to try anymore.
That said, I completely understand the desire to Anglicize. It really is easier, that's the plain and simple of it. I fault no one for it because whatever rationale they have for that decision, I'm likely to agree with their concerns.
To your particular situation, you don't need to ask him. He already told you he goes by Leo. He didn't just come up with a random name on the spot, meaning he thought about the issue long enough to come to a decision on it, and considered different options to choose an "English" name he likes. He wouldn't have told you he goes by Leo unless he actually wants to be called that. Asking him now is redundant, and you risk coming across as not accepting the preference he clearly stated. It's also easier to have everyone in a particular environment use the same name, so if you're the only one calling him his Chinese name, it would be weird.

To offer perspective, I was born American to immigrant parents, and have a name that's "ethnic" that sounds similar to an "English" sounding name, so I always had to make an effort to stop people from calling me the "English" version because its "easier." I personally have a very strong name identity so I make a point to encourage people to use my real name to the best of their ability, out of respect for me, and because to me there are two categories: my name, and not my name. Deciding to no longer allow others to mispronounce my name was a very empowering time of my life and I always encourage others with "difficult" names to do the same just to see how it makes them feel when others start to get it.  "To the best of their ability" is the key there though. It's not your responsibility to have perfect pronunciation, just to try your best, so asking for a nickname before demonstrating an effort is super disrespectful. Even if you make a million tries and you still can't get it right, it's up to the person themselves to present an alternative. That coach doesn't get to just change someone's name because he doesn't want to try anymore.
That said, I completely understand the desire to Anglicize. It really is easier, that's the plain and simple of it. I fault no one for it because whatever rationale they have for that decision, I'm likely to agree with their concerns.
To your particular situation, you don't need to ask him. He already told you he goes by Leo. He didn't just come up with a random name on the spot, meaning he thought about the issue long enough to come to a decision on it, and considered different options to choose an "English" name he likes. He wouldn't have told you he goes by Leo unless he actually wants to be called that. Asking him now is redundant, and you risk coming across as not accepting the preference he clearly stated. It's also easier to have everyone in a particular environment use the same name, so if you're the only one calling him his Chinese name, it would be weird.

To offer perspective, I was born American to immigrant parents, and have a name that's "ethnic" that sounds similar to an "English" sounding name, so I always had to make an effort to stop people from calling me the "English" version because its "easier." I personally have a very strong name identity so I make a point to encourage people to use my real name to the best of their ability, out of respect for me, and because to me there are two categories: my name, and not my name. Deciding to no longer allow others to mispronounce my name was a very empowering time of my life and I always encourage others with "difficult" names to do the same just to see how it makes them feel when others start to get it.  "To the best of their ability" is the key there though. It's not your responsibility to have perfect pronunciation, just to try your best, so asking for a nickname before demonstrating an effort is super disrespectful. Even if you make a million tries and you still can't get it right, it's up to the person themselves to present an alternative. That coach doesn't get to just change someone's name because he doesn't want to try anymore.
That said, I completely understand the desire to Anglicize. It really is easier, that's the plain and simple of it. I fault no one for it because whatever rationale they have for that decision, I'm likely to agree with their concerns.
To your particular situation, you don't need to ask him. He already told you he goes by Leo. He didn't just come up with a random name on the spot, meaning he thought about the issue long enough to come to a decision on it, and considered different options to choose an "English" name he likes. He wouldn't have told you he goes by Leo unless he actually wants to be called that. Asking him now is redundant, and you risk coming across as not accepting the preference he clearly stated. It's also easier to have everyone in a particular environment use the same name, so if you're the only one calling him his Chinese name, it would be weird.

To offer perspective, I was born American to immigrant parents, and have a name that's "ethnic" that sounds similar to an "English" sounding name, so I always had to make an effort to stop people from calling me the "English" version because its "easier." I personally have a very strong name identity so I make a point to encourage people to use my real name to the best of their ability, out of respect for me, and because to me there are two categories: my name, and not my name. Deciding to no longer allow others to mispronounce my name was a very empowering time of my life and I always encourage others with "difficult" names to do the same just to see how it makes them feel when others start to get it.  "To the best of their ability" is the key there though. It's not your responsibility to have perfect pronunciation, just to try your best, so asking for a nickname before demonstrating an effort is super disrespectful. Even if you make a million tries and you still can't get it right, it's up to the person themselves to present an alternative. That coach doesn't get to just change someone's name because he doesn't want to try anymore.
That said, I completely understand the desire to Anglicize. It really is easier, that's the plain and simple of it. I fault no one for it because whatever rationale they have for that decision, I'm likely to agree with their concerns.
To your particular situation, you don't need to ask him. He already told you he goes by Leo. He didn't just come up with a random name on the spot, meaning he thought about the issue long enough to come to a decision on it, and considered different options to choose an "English" name he likes. He wouldn't have told you he goes by Leo unless he actually wants to be called that. Asking him now is redundant, and you risk coming across as not accepting the preference he clearly stated. It's also easier to have everyone in a particular environment use the same name, so if you're the only one calling him his Chinese name, it would be weird.

I had submitted all of my grad apps this week and I just submitted the Pickering. 
I am free.
You know what happens next.

I would not bother with their official information about the cut-off line. It is simply the score at which you stand zero chance and are automatically refused admission without any consideration. From what I have read in other threads, a Q below 160 may conceivably damage your chances, and anything below 156 or so makes admission unlikely.
For a peek at realistic GRE results for admission, I suggest checking the results page. Northwestern has a bunch of recent admits whose Q is 158-159, but not below that. I'd also search for any mentions of Northwestern and other relevant schools in older application cycle threads that tend to outline the profiles of the applicants, including their GRE.
I get the impression that GRE scores are steadily creeping up, unfortunately. You can see it well with Duke - a higher-ranked program, but it looks bleak, and it seems reasonable to assume that the situation is mirrored elsewhere.

@mrs12 @Karakoy

I just got an email that says if I attend an info session in my city (which I was going to attend anyway even if just for info for next year's app cycle) I get an application fee waiver for all five of the top schools there WHICH MEANS as long as I apply to those particular schools this just became free WHICH MEANS the $700 investment from above just turned into a $200 GRE retake which I can totally pay WHICH MEANS I take back everything I just said. Pickering Fellowship just got un-cancelled for me. I can suddenly afford this so now it's just the work (at a faster rate since I had put it aside). The work I can do. Let's go.

I wanted to give personal statement advice for those who continue to Pickering.
To note: I was rejected by Pickering last year and their decision made me do a lot of self-reflection. I started the process by looking back at my application and noticed many little mistakes and that I came off as unfocused. While working on my Rangel app, I had many drafts over 20 each with a different intro. It was a difficult process because most of the feedback I was receiving was to be personal and that's not much to go off of.
 
So here's my advice based off of the process I put myself through this time around and things people told. 
 
1. Completely throw out your personal statement. 
2. Start from scratch. I did not look at what I had written for Pickering when I wrote my PS for Rangel. (It was obviously unsuccessful, so it made no sense to revisit)
3. The intro is so important and it's your chance to grab the readers attention and be personal with them. (Like I said I had over 20 intros I had drafted)
4. Be personal with your essay. Make it about you and the things you did. 
5. Don't sound like you're reading your resume. 
6. The personal statement is your opportunity to speak directly to the review community and explain why you want to dedicate yourself to public service. 
7. Think of the application and fellowship as a whole. Not just the one component like the FS. There are many gears at work.
8. Be concise. Don't come off like you're all over the place. 
9. If you mention grad school, talk about one school, not 6.
10. Don't be afraid to ask others for help throughout the process. Have many people read your app.
11. Don't think you are a shoe in because you meet the basic requirements. 
12. Really think about who can write you a recommendation, make sure they know the program. Don't get hung up on titles, university rankings, or the person's position within a university. Be strategic, yet mindful (added). 
13. Lastly, a lot of people applying to these programs have similar academic and career exploits. This is why you have to be personal and really explain your intentions. 
 
I hope this helps and that you apply to Pickering and other fellowships. 

The advantage with a Mac is definitely Apple Care and/or the Genius bar. You're paying for the convenience of the Apple Store, and knowing that whatever happens to your computer wherever you are in the world, chances are you have a designated place to get it repaired by a team that knows your specific machine inside and out. I've had my pro since 2011 and it works like new because if and when I have the slightest issue, I bring it to the apple store and say "Fix it," and they fix it. It only costs money if they have to order a physical part, and Apple Care Covers that cost for the first 2 years (the plans are much more inclusive for a computer than a phone).  Even if you don't have Apple Care, at the very least you can trust that while getting your repair, you're not getting scammed or paying for upgrades/repairs you don't need.

As far as required software, it really just depends on your program, like earlier stated. A lot of engineering  and 3D modeling software is only supported on Windows. I went to design undergrad so we had to have the best of both worlds. We were required Macbook Pro and ran Bootcamp so we could switch to Windows when we needed Solidworks or Rhino. If you have strong preferences, there are always options.
 @Bleep_Bloop I got my battery replaced for 80 Swiss Francs (I happened to be in Switzerland when it died. Made no difference to my ability to get it fixed. Convenience!), and the website says $130 to $200 depending on how advanced your model is. There is absolutely 0 reason you should buy a whole new computer. Just get the battery fixed. You have YEARS on that thing. If you're doing anything involving Adobe you don't want an Air. The battery life is longer on average because no one is trying to do anything too ambitious with it.

@mrs12 Oh for sure. I've been going to regular route and only added the fellowships into the mix this year since I'm ready for grad school now. That said, I do more likely see myself getting the fellowship than the regular application process, from a numbers standpoint, but also when they throw words around like "historically underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply." Also most FSOs who come off the register already have master's degrees and are not trying to get another one, so the competition is a contrasting pool of applicants.
And it's key: three candidacies per year is better than one haha. Aren't we lucky this is a good fit for our current life situations, huh.

@mrs12 @Amanda Libby Right. As a first-gen American (which is why I asked for clarification to which kind of first-gen we're talking about here) I can relate to a lot of this. While my parents have degrees they got here, they really didn't go any kind of traditional route with it, nor are they super familiar with American college culture. It was me and google, it's still me and google, and they basically just trust that I know what I'm doing. It's a curse that turned into a blessing though, as since high school I've really mastered the art and science of opportunity research, and it's lead to a lot of interesting experience that I wouldn't have found otherwise if I didn't have to start from scratch and actively dig around what's out there.