StephanieM

ALI applicants? What's that? Are we all supposed to hear from them?

I attended one of their webinars (I think that's what they're called), and I'm pretty sure they said we'd hear if we got it or not on May 1st.

I mostly agree with you, but you're in a field that less people study (at least from what I know of it), so in general you're a more competitive candidate, so maybe that's why they didn't contact you. And congrats on being a finalist for Fulbright, hope you win it it! Elementwil, that info you found on the University of Illinois' website I think is very telling. Either way I hope we all get it :-)

I had my essays revised by my Honors Program director and from the director of my department (who I've done extensive research with), and they made sure I discussed how I learned the language (entirely self taught and am near fluency) and provided other examples to prove that I'm "mature" and driven enough to make great use of my time abroad for my grad school/career goals.... so if that's the only issue I think I'm okay (or, I hope I'm okay, I really, really need this award for my grad school prospects). Thanks for answering, very helpful :-)

Does anyone know if not having an on campus Boren representative affect your chances?

I don't mean to be rude, but how can we say "it matters if you win, not if you don't"? Doesn't that mean that if grad school/job applicant A has the exact same credentials as applicant B, but applicant B won a prestigious award, B gets the place? So, I think it does matter, especially if you're applying someplace very competitive.

Unfortunately this seems to be a problem for international students. Like another poster said, they are viewed as "cash cows". Write to them if there's any sort of PhD funding for international students.

Hello everyone! I applied for a Boren Scholarship. I'm very nervous as the school I come from isn't a "big name" school and there was a massive strike that delayed everything at my uni so I sent unofficial transcripts (although I emailed them and they said it was okay). I've only received one email from them, the one to update budget and financial aid info. So, here goes: Name: Stephanie M. Country: Russia. Type: Scholarship. Language: Russian, Major/area of study while abroad: Russian, Russian economics, Russian politics.