or else i'm going to... get over it, move on, and be successful anyway. While I too have been anxiously awaiting the decision, I think it is important to approach it reasonably. More qualified people apply than receive the award and the process is highly subjective. But on the other hand, its not that big of a deal. If an admission decision rides on it, of course it puts more pressure on it, if you have the intelligence, work ethic and experience to win an NSF fellowship, then you should be able to be successful without one. For me (a first year grad student), the award would mean a little more freedom in choosing research projects, less hassle from my advisor in general,a raise and a great bullet point on my CV. But if it doesn't work out, there are plenty of other opportunities. I think some people here are adding more pressure to this process than is necessary. It's an award and an honor to win an NSF fellowship, and no one "deserves" it. Rather, everyone should be happy to have had the opportunity to apply and learn from the process.
