pdcook

Brilliant points. I was awarded another fellowship directly from my university that outright prohibits internships, so I wasn't planning on doing any anyways. I will email my perspective advisor nonetheless. My work has been very heavily defense so far, and I think it will continue to be, so NDSEG makes more sense for me maybe. Conferences most relevant to me are mostly in the US, but in very expensive places. However, I've been told that my department will pay for most conference travel already, so I might not need the travel allowance, though it would be nice.

From the official acceptance letter: ""Tenure" means you draw a stipend, "Reserve" means that you do not." "This is used for forecasting only, and is not viewed as a permanent or binding commitment on your part." So just put 'Reserve' for your fourth and fifth years.

I was very lucky and was offered both the NSF and the NDSEG this year. I am a graduating Bachelor in Math / Physics and enrolling in a Ph.D. Physics program in the fall. Many people have asked this question before, but it seems this year the NDSEG is significantly more than it has been in the past, so here are the details: NSF $34,000/year for three years ($2,833/month) Deferable Health insurance provided by school Up to $12,000 provided for tuition NDSEG $38,400/year for three years ($3,200/month) NON-deferable Up to $1,200 in health insurance $5000 travel allowance (not per year, this is for the total tenure) Full tuition and fees covered. Paid directly to the school. I have also accepted a fellowship from my university that will cover my first and fifth years, though I've been told I can defer it to cover my fourth and fifth instead, so it shouldn't conflict with the NSF. In regards to prestige, though the NSF is more well-known, I've been informed by my former supervisor that hire-by-name is very common with NDSEG at research labs, much moreso than with NSF. I'm leaning heavily towards NDSEG, but just want to hear some opinions to make sure I'm not missing something. Thanks!

Graduating bachelor in Math/Physics, going to Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Theory: Awarded V/E V/E V/V E/E I was also awarded the NDSEG ($38.4k/year first three years) and can only accept NDSEG or NSF. Any advice?