Crawn

I have a feeling the saying "awards beget awards" is true, especially for NSERC. Since my first application, I got OGS and two other prestigious awards. My publication record didn't change at all (1 submitted manuscript not first author and some conference presentations). A few things I did to showcase my research potential: (1) tailor my proposal to focus on my current progress (what techniques had I used already and how those results informed my current goal and objectives) (2) clearly outlined my research contributions (get specific, why was your contribution(s) important to the field) in my personal statement and (3) I asked my supervisors to focus on my research potential in their letters of reference. I also explained in my application why my publication record was limited. Some people think reviewers will see this as making excuses, but if you have legitimate reasons (early entry to a PhD, time off between MSc and PhD, COVID lockdowns, inherently difficult area of research, novel techniques that require optimization, etc.) for not publishing as much as other people at the same level as you, they will take that into consideration.    

I think last year they uploaded 2 PDFs to the extranet portal. One was a letter with your ranking and one was the explicit results (i.e. yes you got it, waitlist, or sorry no award for you).

*edited to explain what the letter was

I also got notice from my school that I got NSERC. What a mess to not have a centralized system. 
 
EDIT: I should also mention I got rejected for the provincial competition (Ontario Graduate Scholarship) which is supposedly less competitive. Just shows how subjective these awards are.

congrats!, do you mind sharing what changed significantly or what u think helped you the 2nd time round?

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

It should come up in applicant libraries like this!
* this is from last years!

I think last year they uploaded 2 PDFs to the extranet portal. One was a letter with your ranking and one was the explicit results (i.e. yes you got it, waitlist, or sorry no award for you).

*edited to explain what the letter was

I think last year they uploaded 2 PDFs to the extranet portal. One was a letter with your ranking and one was the explicit results (i.e. yes you got it, waitlist, or sorry no award for you).

*edited to explain what the letter was

I applied last year and I received the second email telling me what email address to use. I think the link is different because it doesn't match the previous ExtraNet website.

As we're heading into the last phase of this process, a couple of advices based on reading last year's thread (Maybe someone who applied last year can also comment): 
1- The process of sending emails and results in the extranet system is slow and is not at the same time for everyone, just wait a bit and you'll get it. 
2- The results appear in a random order (at least last year). They don't seem to follow an alphabetical order, committee order, or even award result (Successful or not). It's just random. Not worth it to have the mini-heart attack and develop all the theories on the order of the results. 
3- I hope we all get the awards, but unfortunately it's not possible (sad but realistic). However, many, many applicants get their award in their second or third application. Never give up:)
 
Best of luck everyone, we're almost there.

I'm honestly okay with not getting it... I was close last year and since of COVID I havent made much progress so I'm not expecting much.... but I want people to get NSERC and decline OGS so maybe I have a shot at that!!! Being in this twilight zone sucks cause I can't focus on anything else.

I asked my department if they have any updates late March, they said that they would know shortly after I receive a notification. However, in case people who apply through their institution (e.g. UofT), the departments find out before the students, and may even be able to give you a headsup if you ask! A friend of mine heard that he received the scholarship last year from the department before the notifications were out. 

I emailed NSERC and got this reply: 
" Hello, 
We were just informed that the results will be available by the end of the month."
 
I guess we probably won't hear the results until the last week of April. We have to wait another two weeks...

Yes - this information was provided by an NSERC program officer, who I reached out to last week.  I heard back from him yesterday afternoon.

Last year we got an email to login to an ExtraNet account. I assume it will be the same this year, but who knows!

Received this response from NSERC today:
"Hello,
All applicants will be e-mailed once the results have been finalized. Usually this happens mid to end of April."
End of April?! Aye yai yai..

Just got the news that I passed the internal competition and my school will forward my application....here goes my crack at this bad boy for one last time......yup..April it is for the panic party lol

Being sent out for my final kick at the can. See you all in April for the panic party.

Being sent out for my final kick at the can. See you all in April for the panic party.

In the same boat. Hard to put it out of your mind!
Does anyone know how often shortlisted people actually get the awards? I'm just not sure whether it's worth me keeping an eye on things since I didn't get an email when the files were posted to my account.

Can we clarify whether it was good news or bad news? Just curious if it's an awardee first thing or an all at once thing.

I emailed them about the problem and within 10 mins got a reply that told me to go through the 'forgot password' option. It worked and I can now obsess over my empty folder with everyone else.

It looked automated rather than an actual reply. 
Here's the verbatim email:
Dear Crawn:
This e mail contains information regarding your access to the NSERC Extranet site for applicants. As a previous user of an NSERC extranet, please use your existing account information to login.
Your Username is: crawn@obsessedwiththefolder.com
If you have forgotten your password, select Forgot my Password on the login page.
To access the extranet site, go to https://influence.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/100006/1000/L013/P001.aspx.
Technical support
Contact the On-line Services Helpdesk at 613-995-4273 or by e mail at webapp@nserc-crsng.gc.ca. Indicate your e mail address and telephone number. Hours of service are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST), Monday to Friday.
Regards,
Z-Schol
Research Grants and Scholarships | Subventions de recherche et bourses
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada | Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada

For real. @AlphaBetta 12 is the MVP of this thread.

Ugh I feel stupid thanks for the quick reply, it was in my spam folder on my computer/not my phone. Anyone else feel a little hungover from anxiety?