Pickering/ Rangel Fellowship 2013

[riverguide]

If its like the Boren, the inquiries came first.

[na3eem]

So they asked you for the additional info & then u were selected as a candidate? It's really nerve racking, I wish they didnt say anything lol..

[DaniCM]

DaniCM - The selection committee meets and aren't allowed to leave to go home until the 40 finalist are selected (this is for both Rangel and Pickering).  Yes, people have been rejected from Rangel (which always is the first to select finalist, interview, and select fellows) then move and get accepted as a finalist for Pickering.  It is a possibility so don't lose hope and best of luck!

Thanks, Legally Proper. Thats really good to hear. I just thought I was a bottom of the barrel applicant, which was devastating given how much work I put in to my application and the fact I had a great recommender. On the bright side, I did just get one of the emails from Pickering requesting additional info. Since they're supposed to announce finalists any day now, I am cautiously optimistic they are requesting this info from those selected, or at least those being highly considered as finalists. I can't imagine them collecting this information from everyone so late in the game otherwise. Can anyone provide any information on the written test and interview process?

[na3eem]

 its a hit and miss with these fellowships. i had an Ambassador give me a recommendation and I speak numerous languages and have excellent grades, numerous internships, experiences, financial need & I got denied for Rangel. Hopefully see all you guys in D.C next month

[na3eem]

I heard somewhere a few months ago that the writing test is online & it's on some  issue dealing with IR (dont think it's that specific of a question). I think u have options to choose from as well. Not 100% sure tho

[na3eem]

Is it this weekend that Pickering sends out the acceptance/denial emails? Also, do we get a phone call too, or just an email? 

[Wanderlust2013]

For those who did not get an eligibility email one way or the other, you might email them and inquire about your status. I did not receive one, and did not have anything sitting in my spam either. When I emailed them, I was told I am eligible, and they copied the email that was sent in February (they asked for my photo and other info right in the eligibility email, not separately). It just never arrived in my inbox. Strange. But I'm very relieved to say the least!

 

The email says they received more than 350 completed applications this year. Anyone know the number of applications in past years?

[na3eem]

It's always been around that # from what I recall. Hopefully they will give the final decision soon! (Im guessing it has to be next week, right? it cant be this week as Rangel is doing their interviews this week)

[riverguide]

The Boren sent these emails as well. I found mine in my spam box. Hope to see you folks at the interviews.

[DaniCM]

For those that got the additional information emails, what kind of pictures did you send? I don't know if it should be more candid or professional...since I don't know what they're using it for. I can't find anything that seems appropriate.

[kcolli12]

For those that got the additional information emails, what kind of pictures did you send? I don't know if it should be more candid or professional...since I don't know what they're using it for. I can't find anything that seems appropriate.

I erred on the side of professional. I just took one with me against a white background.

[DaniCM]

I erred on the side of professional. I just took one with me against a white background.

Thanks...I'll probably do the same!

[na3eem]

I used a headshot of me at a nightclub lmao (but u cant tell its a night club). Any day now! excited and nervous!

[kcolli12]

Do you think we'll hear today or sometime next week?

[Damis]

Do you think we'll hear today or sometime next week?

 

Likely next week. Rangel Finalists just found out their status late this week and the new Fellows are essentially under gag-order atm. 

[DaniCM]

Damis, do you think being asked for our photos so late in the process is a good sign of being chosen as a finalist? I'm really excited to hear back, but I've also worked myself up about it so I'm nervous that I'm not a finalist and all this worrying and excitement is for nothing. / :

[Damis]

Dani! Please don't worry! That's bad juju! Bad juju just isn't good regarding these type Fellowships.

 

Generally, whenever you're asked for information later on in the application process, it's for a good reason. One scholarship I received actually had a member of the review panel give me a call to ask about some information, which was awesome because this lack of information technically made me ineligible. I've also had pictures and a variety of other assorted requested asked of me after turning in an application. It's usually only for the best!

 

I've been on a few scholarship review panels, so I sorta know this process. My opinion (and please don't hold me to it too much!) is you're in a great position. I don't know the Pickering selection process at all, though, so who knows what they're doing with the pictures! They could be drawing smiley faces on them for all we know.

[DaniCM]

Aw, thanks a lot, Damis. I know I shouldn't worry. And I'm lucky to have been offered generous funding from Fletcher, so I have options regardless, which makes waiting for the decision a little easier.

 

But, intuitively, it definitely seems like a good thing to be asked for additional info late in the process. I think we all find out soon, so you'll likely see this topic blow up a bit in the coming days. ( :

[DaniCM]

Man, they just sent me an invite to a google + event on diplomacy...which I take as another "good sign," but it sure would be nice to get an official notice either way! I'm going nuts over here. All my app decisions are in, and without the Pickering my choice is easy...but if I were to get it, a whole new realm of choices is posisble. I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed a few more days...

[Damis]

Man, they just sent me an invite to a google + event on diplomacy...which I take as another "good sign," but it sure would be nice to get an official notice either way! I'm going nuts over here. All my app decisions are in, and without the Pickering my choice is easy...but if I were to get it, a whole new realm of choices is posisble. I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed a few more days...

 

Woohooo! It's looking good, just be patient.

[riverguide]

Man, they just sent me an invite to a google + event on diplomacy...which I take as another "good sign," but it sure would be nice to get an official notice either way! I'm going nuts over here. All my app decisions are in, and without the Pickering my choice is easy...but if I were to get it, a whole new realm of choices is posisble. I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed a few more days...

 

I received that, too. Are you fluent in any strategic languages? It seems geared towards that.

[kcolli12]

I got the email and speak Russian. Anyone who sent in the additional information get a confirmation email? Paranoid they didn't get the email even though I triple checked that I sent it to the right address.

[kcolli12]

Just got the email. Pickering finalist. Beyond excited. Can't wait to meet you all in DC next month!!

[riverguide]

Same here, but I would like to extend CONGRATULATIONS to those who did and good luck in DC!!

[DaniCM]

Same here...I got my hopes all up for nothing. ) : But definitely a big congratulations to all those selected as a finalist. I wish you all the very best!