Fulbright 2016 - 2017

[L08]

Hi all, I'm new to this thread after remembering this site/digging up my account that I haven't used in a few years.

I applied for a Full Grant to Poland this year. Just had the Skype interview yesterday. It was very straightforward -- three people from the Commission asked me to elaborate certain areas of my project and why I want to undertake it, how I would plan to contribute to U.S.-Polish relations upon my return to the States if I am awarded the grant, and why it was important to me to go to Poland at this particular time over any other. At the end, they said I would hear the decision from IIE probably in March.

@emiliajulia, they were very friendly, and I don't think that rescheduling your interview would present a problem -- they are probably just busy scheduling other candidates and figuring out any rearrangements that need to be done, which I'm sure are common, given all the different time zones and everything. But I hope that you've heard back by now, and that sharing my experience can help with your interview! Best of luck to you, to all other applicants to Poland, and to everyone applying for a Fulbright this year.

Edited February 5, 2016 by L08

[LifeLearner]

On 1/18/2016 at 1:23 PM, sairam94 said:

So does anyone know what criteria the country committee bases their final decision off of? I'm a finalist for the Spain ETA, I'm getting super anxious!!

Hey! 

I have been reading this thread for a while and I finally decided to post. I am a semi-finalist as a Spain ETA too! Congrats on yours!! 

[bgp5]

Is it normal to assume I won't be given a UK partnership award interview if I haven't heard back via email yet? Trying to decide how committed I should be to applying to Plan B programs. Any incite would be so helpful. 

[emiliajulia]

4 hours ago, L08 said:

Hi all, I'm new to this thread after remembering this site/digging up my account that I haven't used in a few years.

I applied for a Full Grant to Poland this year. Just had the Skype interview yesterday. It was very straightforward -- three people from the Commission asked me to elaborate certain areas of my project and why I want to undertake it, how I would plan to contribute to U.S.-Polish relations upon my return to the States if I am awarded the grant, and why it was important to me to go to Poland at this particular time over any other. At the end, they said I would hear the decision from IIE probably in March.

@emiliajulia, they were very friendly, and I don't think that rescheduling your interview would present a problem -- they are probably just busy scheduling other candidates and figuring out any rearrangements that need to be done, which I'm sure are common, given all the different time zones and everything. But I hope that you've heard back by now, and that sharing my experience can help with your interview! Best of luck to you, to all other applicants to Poland, and to everyone applying for a Fulbright this year.

I just had my interview as well, and had much the same experience. Unfortunately they were not willing (or able) to reschedule my interview-- I'm sure they're interviewing a lot of candidates, so it makes sense to me, and fortunately I was able to end my first class early/start my second class late in order to step out for a Skype interview. The interview was actually so succinct and straightforward that I couldn't say at all if it helped my chances! Best of luck to you and all other applicants as well! 

[sairam94]

13 hours ago, LifeLearner said:

Hey! 

I have been reading this thread for a while and I finally decided to post. I am a semi-finalist as a Spain ETA too! Congrats on yours!! 

Awesome! Great to see a fellow semi finalist for Spain! fingers crossed for the both of us. 

[sat0ri]

14 hours ago, bgp5 said:

Is it normal to assume I won't be given a UK partnership award interview if I haven't heard back via email yet? Trying to decide how committed I should be to applying to Plan B programs. Any incite would be so helpful. 

So I think others getting interviews at your partnered institution has some diagnostic value. If people are getting interviews were you applied to, that's a bad sign. It looks like the UK awards come out in a staggered fashion. What uni did you apply to? If no one received an invite from there yet, I don't think you need to fret quite yet. The data to draw on is very limited. This year, the 2 UK semifinalists who reported the dates they received interview invites were within the same week. Last year, only 2 people self-reported their dates of interview invites, so it's really difficult to draw any meaningful insights from the data here.

Given that Fulbright's are so competitive, and no so more than for US-UK awards, regardless of how strong your application is, it is a good idea to be making preparations for a back up plan. However, at the current time, I don't think you should give up hope--it seems a bit early for that.

[bgp5]

5 hours ago, sat0ri said:

So I think others getting interviews at your partnered institution has some diagnostic value. If people are getting interviews were you applied to, that's a bad sign. It looks like the UK awards come out in a staggered fashion. What uni did you apply to? If no one received an invite from there yet, I don't think you need to fret quite yet. The data to draw on is very limited. This year, the 2 UK semifinalists who reported the dates they received interview invites were within the same week. Last year, only 2 people self-reported their dates of interview invites, so it's really difficult to draw any meaningful insights from the data here.

Given that Fulbright's are so competitive, and no so more than for US-UK awards, regardless of how strong your application is, it is a good idea to be making preparations for a back up plan. However, at the current time, I don't think you should give up hope--it seems a bit early for that.

That is so helpful. I have given up hope, but maybe I'm thinking a little too far into the future. I applied to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. I don't know anyone who has received an interview there as of yet. But I know the possibility obviously exists. I know students at my current institution that have received invites from their respective UK institutions, which also made me feel a little less hopeful. I assume it is a good time to start applying to other plans to ensure that I don't miss any deadlines. But you still think there is potential for SOAS interviews being called out at this stage? I know SOAS is the 3rd or 4th most applied to UK institution according to statistics from last year. Thank you for the advice!

[SmarterChild]

Oh my gosh I already can't handle waiting for results. I'm a semi-finalist for a country that releases results in April-May depending on the year. I'm going to be finished with all my classes and perhaps already have walked in convocation for finishing my master's program before even knowing!!!!!!! 

[sat0ri]

On 2/6/2016 at 7:41 AM, bgp5 said:

That is so helpful. I have given up hope, but maybe I'm thinking a little too far into the future. I applied to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. I don't know anyone who has received an interview there as of yet. But I know the possibility obviously exists. I know students at my current institution that have received invites from their respective UK institutions, which also made me feel a little less hopeful. I assume it is a good time to start applying to other plans to ensure that I don't miss any deadlines. But you still think there is potential for SOAS interviews being called out at this stage? I know SOAS is the 3rd or 4th most applied to UK institution according to statistics from last year. Thank you for the advice!

Well, I'm in the same boat as you, but as you know, interviews are expected to be completed in February, and given that they seem to be 2 weeks out from the invitation date, I'd say me and you probably should give up hope by the end of this week. Given that other UK interviews went out there is cause for concern, but being in the top 3 most applied to location could conceivably give rise to some delay. It's really tough to say without better data though

[bgp5]

11 hours ago, sat0ri said:

Well, I'm in the same boat as you, but as you know, interviews are expected to be completed in February, and given that they seem to be 2 weeks out from the invitation date, I'd say me and you probably should give up hope by the end of this week. Given that other UK interviews went out there is cause for concern, but being in the top 3 most applied to location could conceivably give rise to some delay. It's really tough to say without better data though

Good luck to you as well, then! What UK institution did you apply to? I agree, and think waiting until the end of this week is reasonable. I've spoken to a few people and the consensus is that interviews are staggered so there seems to be a reason to still wait. 

[sat0ri]

7 hours ago, bgp5 said:

Good luck to you as well, then! What UK institution did you apply to? I agree, and think waiting until the end of this week is reasonable. I've spoken to a few people and the consensus is that interviews are staggered so there seems to be a reason to still wait. 

MPhil in Chemistry at Cambridge (so an open award). I have a professor and a designated project lined up, which is maybe why I got to semi-finalist. I noticed a few typos in my application, so I'd be pretty upset if that's what stopping me from moving on haha. It could also be because I'm not hitting the cultural exchange aspect of Fulbright hard enough. Essentially, one of the main reasons for choosing Cambridge was only a few people in the world are doing this particular research.

I think this process would be a lot easier if they just let us know one way or the other. I think I just want some closure at this point, but I'm still keeping an ember of hope alive.

Edited February 8, 2016 by sat0ri

[Bluefit]

On 1/14/2016 at 2:59 PM, Photogeographic said:

Good luck tomorrow ya'll !! 

 

 

Hey did you get it? I remember you from last year.

[wildchartermage]

Has anyone got a message from Fulbright asking if you are open to be considered for another type of Fulbright grant? 

[lyonessrampant]

12 hours ago, wildchartermage said:

Has anyone got a message from Fulbright asking if you are open to be considered for another type of Fulbright grant? 

I haven't.  I'm guessing because your research topic overlaps with the deafness grant that they're wanting to see if you're interested in that because they feel like you're a strong fit for that award, which is a good overall sign!  Do they give you the possibility to be considered for both?  If so, you could see if you get the research award and take that if you prefer, and also have the option of taking the deafness award if you get that but not the research award.  More possibilities seems like a good advantage.  Good luck!

[RosyPosy68]

On February 8, 2016 at 5:01 AM, bgp5 said:

Good luck to you as well, then! What UK institution did you apply to? I agree, and think waiting until the end of this week is reasonable. I've spoken to a few people and the consensus is that interviews are staggered so there seems to be a reason to still wait. 

Hellooo! Current UK Fulbrighter here. Some of us got our interview invites WAY later than the others last year (me). Also, they sent out a few of the final notifications (definitely Cambridge and possibly a few others) much later than the others. Try not to worry too much! Although I do think they interview for all positions.

To the person worried about the typos--- don't worry. I found a few weird typos in mine later on, too. If you don't get it once you've gotten past the recommendation round, it will purely be because another candidate stood out a little more. At this point it's all how you weigh against the other 2 or 3 people left competing for the same spot. They really do emphasize the cultural exchange part. However, one of my main elements of cultural exchange I focused on was the British supervisor I really wanted to work with. So specificity of topic could definitely be considered relevant. 

To the person who they asked about other Fulbrights: Unless you really wouldn't accept the other one... Say YES! This happened to one of my friends who is currently a Fulbrighter during his interview... And he said he would be interested but would have to look into the other program. And he got the fulbright to the alternative they recommended-- and I'm pretty sure he loved it (Hey, person who got this one-- if you're still checking GradCafe, maybe you can help this person out!) 

Advice to potential UK Fulbrighters-- Start saving money NOW if you can...Especially if you are applying for London grants. I know some people in London know have missed some opportunities to travel for financial reasons. It is a very expensive city.  Everyone else, your grant may be sufficient, but sometimes there are banking delays, so I really recommend having some backup funds, as well. 

One more thing: If you are interviewing, do not be put off if they don't respond to anything you say!!! I've spoken to nearly all the current UK Fulbrighters (Seriously... Once you meet other candidates, you'll really understand why it's been so competitive... And to imagine that there's an alternate who was a close second for each award, too... There are some really amazing people out there. It's been humbling to meet them), and everyone has mentioned that the interviewers said literally NOTHING in response to their answers in the interview. They're all really, really lovely in person, though! 

I know this sounds impossible... But if you can help it, don't obsess over dates where things happened in the past. They pass on info as soon as they know. They are waiting from feedback from several different sources, often including the schools, which need to confirm that they are capable of hosting your proposed project if you are selected. Try to put your mind at ease, work out a backup plan, but also have some fun planning what you would do if you were there. 

 

Feel free to message me!!!!

[wildchartermage]

3 hours ago, lyonessrampant said:

I haven't.  I'm guessing because your research topic overlaps with the deafness grant that they're wanting to see if you're interested in that because they feel like you're a strong fit for that award, which is a good overall sign!  Do they give you the possibility to be considered for both?  If so, you could see if you get the research award and take that if you prefer, and also have the option of taking the deafness award if you get that but not the research award.  More possibilities seems like a good advantage.  Good luck!

Yes, you're right! But when I looked at the requirements when I applied, they said "graduate" students, so I assumed I was not eligible because I don't have a graduate degree nor I am working towards one currently. I did send them an email response to ask them if I was wrong. Also, the Deafness grant is 4 to 6 months, not 9 months long. They did say they won't rule out the possibility of staying for full 9 months, so I asked them more about that, and if I would be considered for either grants. 

I haven't said "yes" exactly yet, but just starting the conversation just to see where it goes. My goal is to stay for 9 months, but if I get the Deafness grant, additional funds for another 3 months stay would have to be found...but has Fulbright historically found some sources of extra funding for just few extra months?

[lyonessrampant]

47 minutes ago, wildchartermage said:

Yes, you're right! But when I looked at the requirements when I applied, they said "graduate" students, so I assumed I was not eligible because I don't have a graduate degree nor I am working towards one currently. I did send them an email response to ask them if I was wrong. Also, the Deafness grant is 4 to 6 months, not 9 months long. They did say they won't rule out the possibility of staying for full 9 months, so I asked them more about that, and if I would be considered for either grants. 

I haven't said "yes" exactly yet, but just starting the conversation just to see where it goes. My goal is to stay for 9 months, but if I get the Deafness grant, additional funds for another 3 months stay would have to be found...but has Fulbright historically found some sources of extra funding for just few extra months?

Is there a compelling reason why your research would require 9 months to complete rather than six?  If so, I think you can make a strong case for why you need extra funds.  If the reason is just that you want to be in Italy longer, I'm not sure that would be as persuasive.  Either way, especially if they say you can be considered for both awards, there's no reason not to.  If you have to pick one or the other, that's a tougher call.  Hopefully you get clear answers to your questions about not being a grad student and length of stay.  It is good to hear that you've been contacted.  It means the Italian commission is reviewing our files so hopefully we hear soon.

[sat0ri]

4 hours ago, RosyPosy68 said:

as above

You are the absolute best!!! Thank you so much for this.

EDIT decrease space.

Edited February 9, 2016 by sat0ri

[wildchartermage]

59 minutes ago, lyonessrampant said:

Is there a compelling reason why your research would require 9 months to complete rather than six?  If so, I think you can make a strong case for why you need extra funds.  If the reason is just that you want to be in Italy longer, I'm not sure that would be as persuasive.  Either way, especially if they say you can be considered for both awards, there's no reason not to.  If you have to pick one or the other, that's a tougher call.  Hopefully you get clear answers to your questions about not being a grad student and length of stay.  It is good to hear that you've been contacted.  It means the Italian commission is reviewing our files so hopefully we hear soon.

Yeah, I briefly stated that there are no existing research initiatives or previous research literature for me to build on, which means I will be doing all of this potential research from scratch. This is why 9 months is optimal instead of the 4 to 6 months so I can ensure I have enough time to build the foundation of this research topic. Also, none of my potential research subjects are clustered in one city, so it'll take some time to travel to other cities and back. 

But yes, they did say in the email that they have reviewed my applications, and they want to hear my response about being considered for the Deafness grant "before the Fulbright Commission make their decision." I hope we do hear back soon! 

[lyonessrampant]

3 hours ago, wildchartermage said:

Yeah, I briefly stated that there are no existing research initiatives or previous research literature for me to build on, which means I will be doing all of this potential research from scratch. This is why 9 months is optimal instead of the 4 to 6 months so I can ensure I have enough time to build the foundation of this research topic. Also, none of my potential research subjects are clustered in one city, so it'll take some time to travel to other cities and back. 

But yes, they did say in the email that they have reviewed my applications, and they want to hear my response about being considered for the Deafness grant "before the Fulbright Commission make their decision." I hope we do hear back soon! 

So the email came from the Italian Fulbright Commission then?  That is good news that they've said they're reviewed your application.  Hopefully news soon.  All this waiting sucks!  It sounds like you've got a compelling case for why you need more time.  It also sounds like they're really interested in your project, so that's all good!

[wildchartermage]

38 minutes ago, lyonessrampant said:

So the email came from the Italian Fulbright Commission then?  That is good news that they've said they're reviewed your application.  Hopefully news soon.  All this waiting sucks!  It sounds like you've got a compelling case for why you need more time.  It also sounds like they're really interested in your project, so that's all good!

Yep! It was from the Italian Fulbright Commission, based in Rome. Last year, I saw they notify people at the end of the March, so maybe they make decision in February, and then the Fulbright Board or something give final approval in March, for example. But we'll see how it goes. 

I am also certainly hoping they are interested in my project and picking me as the winner (instead of an alternative..which would be like...so close, but not quite there yet)!! 

[streeter]

Hi everyone... I wouldn't have realized that there's a forum here to commiserate on this daunting process.  Last time I was on grad cafe was applying for grad school... 

Anyway, I'm one of the semi-finalists for Fulbright-NatGeo, found out in January... crossing my fingers!!! Two of my friends (from MIT and Harvard) have been on the last two cycles, the inaugural and the 2nd wave, and was able to tap into them for tips.  Glad I found this and to hear from other hopefuls. I'd say I'm kinda glad that I'm keeping myself busy with finishing my thesis that I wont have to experience the pain of waiting, but having found this forum has made me more nervous.  Any Harvard '16 peeps here?

The site for my research proposal for the digital storytelling is in Brazil and Mexico, and relating it back to the US.  It's for the Critical Species theme. Having a background in design (architecture, landscape architecture) and urban studies, I'm hoping to utilize my knowledge and technical abilities in delivering the stories for my proposal.  Who else applied for the NatGeo one?

Anyway, good luck everyone!!!

[lyonessrampant]

58 minutes ago, wildchartermage said:

Yep! It was from the Italian Fulbright Commission, based in Rome. Last year, I saw they notify people at the end of the March, so maybe they make decision in February, and then the Fulbright Board or something give final approval in March, for example. But we'll see how it goes. 

I am also certainly hoping they are interested in my project and picking me as the winner (instead of an alternative..which would be like...so close, but not quite there yet)!! 

On the doc, they've also notified early March, so hopefully they'll do that again this year.  I think it is a good sign that they're to the point of contacting you about considering the other grant.  Hopefully that means they're through the rest of the candidates' applications as well and are finalizing decisions.

[Dreams]

On 2/9/2016 at 9:23 PM, wildchartermage said:

Has anyone got a message from Fulbright asking if you are open to be considered for another type of Fulbright grant? 

Take it as a good sign for your case.  My interviewer told me that they generally make these types of proposals if they actually want to offer the grant to the person.  I got the same message when I applied for a Fulbright.  They told me that they felt my proposal would fit another award category better, but I could opt for the traditional grant as well.  Either/or.  After a funding boost, they had added this category after the deadline for submissions, so it was not available as an option while applying.  They said the length of the two would be the same, except with the new award I would have access to some additional specialized pots of funds.  I opted for the other award since it did fit my proposal better and had a blast.  

Edited February 10, 2016 by Dreams

[wildchartermage]

3 hours ago, Dreams said:

Take it as a good sign for your case.  My interviewer told me that they generally make these types of proposals if they actually want to offer the grant to the person.  I got the same message when I applied for a Fulbright.  They told me that they felt my proposal would fit another award category better, but I could opt for the traditional grant as well.  Either/or.  After a funding boost, they had added this category after the deadline for submissions, so it was not available as an option while applying.  They said the length of the two would be the same, except with the new award I would have access to some additional specialized pots of funds.  I opted for the other award since it did fit my proposal better and had a blast.  

oh wow, that's great to hear! I guess I am not alone in this experience! It's a good sign that they seemed interested in my project.

I sent them an email response on Mon, Feb. 8, but haven't heard back from them yet. Hoping they will respond soon and answer my questions!