fieryfox99

I would go with the school near your home. It sounds like family is really important to you. You can make the most out of the academics of any school you go to if you work hard, and you might find a related area of your field that you find even more interesting, but you can't change your family being 10 hours away. The departments might be a little different than you think, so you might end up being happier at school B anyways!

I've gotten both suspiciously overly-positive responses and critical, candid ones about the programs I've applied to. As long as you take everything you hear with a grain of salt to account for the fact that the students might have been instructed to recruit you or are worried about annoying their PI, I think you can learn a lot from talking to current students. The more the better really, and you can form a good picture of the types of people who are at that school and how they like the program they're in. I'd say there's no harm in asking.

2 questions I've asked current grad students in the programs I've been accepted to which have gotten me useful/interesting responses are: "Was the program different at all from what you expected it to be?" and "If you had to go through the program again what would you change?" For me, it's helped me decide if the program really would be a good fit or not. I think asking about career plans is important as well so you get an idea for where this kind of program is going to take you.

The "interview" was... interesting. I've never seen or done anything like it. First there was a video message from the director congratulating me for making it on to a list of the top applicants (yay!) Then a recording played with the director asking a question. As soon as the clip of the question ended, it began recording my response with a maximum of 1 minute of recording time, though I could stop the recording before then if I finished my answer. There were a few of these. It was nerve-wracking that there were no do-overs or the chance to explain things (60 seconds goes by in a flash). I prepared for it like a normal interview and thought it went well.

Does anyone have experience with one-way video interviews? I have been asked to submit one as a part of my application for a Master's in Development Practice. However, it is optional, and the form says that my application will still be considered complete without one. It looks like questions will flash up on the screen and I'll have a few minutes to give my answer through a webcam before it goes on to the next question. Does anyone know what to expect? Is there a good reason to submit or not submit one? Has anyone else completed one of these?

Bump. I'm in the same situation. Any advice would be appreciated!

I sent my grad school rec writers handwritten thank you notes and included with each one a different printed photo from my year living in Mongolia according to their interests (people, nature, traditional art, etc). I think giving rec writers something like a gift certificate (which is basically money) would be sort of inappropriate. Something homemade like cookies or fudge sounds much better. But you really can't go wrong with just a thoughtful, personalized card.

Hi there fellow Mongolia appplicant :-) I can't give you exactly the info you're asking for because I applied for a research grant, but I'll try to help you out with what I can. According to the forum, at least 1 ETA who applied to Mongolia was already notified. I didn't receive an email when I found out about my Fulbright. I would call Jonathan Akeley if you think your letter has gotten lost. His number is 1-212-984-5487. Best of luck!

I'm sorry to hear that :-(

Hey all! I am thrilled to say that I got a Fulbright to Mongolia!!!! Wow, still in shock, but extremely delighted by the news! Info if anyone wants to know: type: full address: permanent notified: April 29th postmark date: unsure method: large envelope academic status: undergrad project: agriculture and human development anyone else going to Mongolia??? message me!

Ah well, more waiting... at this point I just want to know. I've spent a long time trying not to get my hopes up too much! Although I would love to do my sustainable livelihoods research project, even if I don't get the Fulbright I'll be visiting Mongolia again this summer after I finish some English teaching in China. Can't wait for some fresh suuteitsai! Good luck fellow Mongolia applicants! Hang in there! -Fieryfox99

Cool another Mongolia person! Why don't you add your info to the spreadsheet? What would your project be on and stuff?

Mongolia finalist here too (full grant) I wonder when we'll find out!