Placement

[Madiha 3]

So it's a very basic question, but how much of a choice do we have in changing universities in our submission plan? Do we at all?

[Ahsan 15]

Hello Madiha. I have some input to share regarding your situation. In my Fulbright cohort (2012), we had cases of individuals who got their submissions changed and some who could not. Unfortunately, your PO plays a big part in whether you can or cannot get your options changed. I know of a girl who managed to get Columbia into her submissions and then get sent there but I know of another who got into both Delaware and Columbia and was sent to the former; much to her chagrin.

 

The good news is its not impossible, the more realistic piece of advice is, make a strong case or otherwise you won't be accommodated. Strong cases can be made via possible increased scholarship options at the University you want included. Fulbright would love to send you to a cheaper university, you're going for free but they're still footing the bill. In the same vein, if the University is located in a "cheaper" city your PO would be more willing to consider sending you there. Cheaper cities include Pittsbugh, Durham, St. Louis etc. The most expensive cities are Boston and NY, anyplace is cheaper than those two! If you cannot make an effective case financially it would be important to impress upon your PO how the very crux of your postgraduate existence relies on him/her sending you to the University you want. Appropriate arguments include but are not limited to; " This program is the best for what I want to do" , " This program ties in better with my level of work experience " , " My interviewers told me I should change my choices" and the most used; "Please, Please, Please!!". Hounding your PO politely and incessantly could do the trick.

 

In a nutshell:

1) It's possible

2) Appeal to their finances

3) Appeal to their academic duty to provide you with the best opportunity

4) Appeal to their humanity.

 

Hope it helps and don't be disappointed if it doesn't, I have not yet met a Fulbrighter who disliked their experience in its entirety because of where they ended up! 

[Madiha 3]

Thank you Ahsan. This definitely clears out a lot of ambiguities. I haven't received my submission plan yet but as soon as I do, I'll seek your guidance on how to go about it! Thank you :)

[mfarhansohail 1]

Dear Ahsan. Thanks for the info. 

 

Would you please clear out a few more

 

1. How do we check if the university will share cost with FB?

 

2. Why cheaper cities appeal more to USEFP? I believe they pay the same 1500 USD no matter what the city? Please correct me here. 

[Ahsan 15]

Hello Farhan,

 

Unfortunately there is no direct way to check such cost sharing unless you approach the relevant universities Office of Financial Aid. A good check would be to however look at whether a school has a strong financial aid program or not. Such information can be gained by looking the relevant websites or contacting somebody from the financial aid office and explain your case.

 

Secondly, you do not have one stipend. Each city has its own stipend based on lifestlyle costs. For example, Pittsburgh has a stipend of $1400 whereas Boston would is approximately $2200 if I am not mistaken.

[Umer 8]

I second Ahsan. Stipend is not uniform, it can vary a lot depending a lot on what city you are in. The calculation is based on living costs so for example, the same apartment in New York can cost 1/3 in Pittsburgh which is therefore accounted in stipend calculations.

Secondly, I might be wrong but I believe reputation has a lot of weight in this. Fulbright scholars over the years have continuously performed well hence placement universities more readily accept such students. Their partnership over the years have made them comfortable collaborating with USEFP.