pelevinfan

Unfortunately staying on this thread is now a bit tortuous, so I'm gonna make my exit and return only if I am promoted to principle. I just want to thank everyone so much for their positive energy; this is such a supportive community, and it has been so wonderful to find a place where my constant whining about this process is understood. Congratulations to all who have been accepted, my condolences to those who have been rejected (you still made it so so far!) and to those who, like me, are stuck in alternate limbo: chin up! We're in this together! Sincerely, Pelevinfan

Alternate for ETA Russia. Why can't this just be over already?!?!

Thanks, belafish. To be honest, with all of the acceptances that went out Wednesday, I have little hope. But I appreciate the support! And (since I never came out and said it, I don't think) CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL YOU RUSSIA GRANTEES! What a wonderful achievement, and you get to spend the year in the most awesome country ever ever ever. Enjoy :-)

Trip, stop posting in this thread!! Every time I see that you have, I get all excited that you've finally heard back. * edit to say that this is a joke, of course, and I'm just really rooting for you!

Yes, indeed it is. And Kellie, I have no idea why they're doing it in waves. I would call BS on it, but my Fulbright advisor called to find out what the deal is and got the same response. Maybe they want to further raise my blood pressure?

So apparently all you Russian finder-outers are the lucky ones, as not all of Russia announced. Rachel now says that I will find out 'by the middle of next week'. So if there are any Russia lurkers out there, here's some more info for ya!

I have no choice but to laugh at myself. I caught myself thinking "WHAT IS GOING ON I EMAILED RACHEL EIGHT WHOLE HOURS AGO WHY HAS SHE NOT RESPONDED???" What? That is so, so crazy. At this point, one more day - hell, a whole weekend - really doesn't matter. The decision is already made, it just isn't available to me. I swear, this process has brought out a whole new, hilariously uptight side of myself.

Now that I'm 90% sure I'm starting at my PhD program in the fall, I'm actually having the opposite worry. Am I too young to be in a PhD program? I'll be a newly-minted, 22-year-old college grad. I have NO real-world experience. Extremely worried that I'll get there and be completely and totally over my head. Not looking for sympathy here - I know how lucky I am to have gotten an offer - I guess I just needed to get this off of my chest.

Thanks for the understanding, AndrewJ. They didn't give me any hint whatsoever as to what the hold-up could be, just said 'it takes a couple of days for FSB to process information and approve things, and so that may be the hold-up.' I'm convinced it was a technical glitch. I wish it had something to do with my applying for the critical language scholarship part, but I doubt it - seems like everyone usually finds out at the same time, regardless. But thanks again for making me feel like I'm not crazy!

Called Rachel's office and I guess her secretary picked up...I may have to wait until Monday to get my response! *WHINE* I know this seems to ridiculous to those who are still waiting, but man does it suck that I have a deadline, and my country HAS announced - just not to me! ANDD end pity party :-\

Oh davushka, I'm so sorry to hear that. I was rooting for you so hard!! EXTREMELY confused though...where is my email??

Just chiming in to say TRUTH about people who claim to speak/read/write Russian. I was insecure about my level (proficient, not yet fluent), and then I heard some grad students (and professors!) speak - ahem, try to speak - it. Now I feel great :-)

Haha, only the successful Russia hopefuls! Guess they ran out of time to send the rejected/alternate emails... Had a good cry about it, and moved on. Grad school, here I come!

Thanks, katelynnlindsey! Appreciate the info :-)

Thanks, Kellie79, but I did check my spam folder. Nothing. Maybe still hope, but it is slim at best.