Vader Was Framed

There are a smattering of tools on gradcafe related to managing your PhD work. I'm looking for project management tools for both overall PhD milestone tracking and individual projects (i.e., project plans in project management speak). In particular, I've been trying out a few gantt chart tools but have not really found one I like. I want to map out my 3-4 years of study/research/professional development all in one master view. Action item/status/deliverable/timeline/etc. What do you use to be organized and successful? A few resources I've found: PhD Tools: Creating Gantt Charts - http://phdtools.blogspot.com/2011/08/creating-gantt-charts.html PostGrad Blog: Your Dissertation Plan – 18 Free Tools - http://www.postgrad.com/blog/your-dissertation-plan/ Tom's Planner: web-based Gantt generator which is free for personal use - http://www.tomsplanner.com/

start planning what easter egg you are going to hide in the final version once you are able to review/comment the proofs. duh. Congrats!

It doesn't hurt to contact them, give them a call. Maybe they will add a note to your application like in skat's scenario (which is awesome skat). My guess (others may know) is that the reviewers themselves aren't asked to check the formatting requirements. This is done beforehand by NSF staff, etc. and applications that pass the formatting requirement are then prepared in the system for the actual review panel once that process starts. It doesn't make sense to waste resources on applications that will be DQd ... but then again... this is the government. Extending the LOR deadline is pretty standard protocol. They recognize it is silly to DQ many many strong applicants merely because letter #3 isn't in.

Submitted! Thanks for the help contained throughout this thread, and for folks on chat. Good luck everyone!

For the research proposal, does anyone know if the title that we submit in the entry form of the fastlane application will be generated in the header (with name, ID, keywords) on our behalf for the reviewer version? I currently include my title in the upload version... but need that 1 line of space!

No I would not worry. There comes a point where you know best what to include in the final draft. Certain details have to be left out inevitably, that would normally be included in an NSF grant proposal (which this is not). However, do thank him for that final review (and perhaps acknowledge you simply ran out of time to integrate all of his feedback). I am in the same boat, I did not have the chance to integrate all of my advisor's (helpful) feedback.

still finalizing my personal statement ... cough I am mentioning some of my key publications and presentations in my personal statement (as I'm sure others have), in a 'research experience' sub-heading. Did you cite these with a reference list at the bottom? I've seen this in some successful personal statements, but not all. If you chose not to, is this because you felt entering into an application form field these pubs/talks was sufficient? In addition to the NSF-generated .pdf's of our statements, do reviewers get a pdf generated from the online form? Thanks!

right - I do not have direct experience with that, however, I do not think that NSF would frown upon a great letter from someone who happens to be at another agency. In fact, it could be to your advantage that NSF sees you have worked in the past on work that is affiliated with other U.S. agencies. I have a silly question - do we not upload a CV for the fast lane application process? Or instead, are we limited to the entry fields for things like publications, awards, etc.?

I would prioritize gaining some more practical experience of some sort during your remaining time, over taking on more course load. Especially so if you want to do any type of research in your MS program and/or future job. Getting research experience can really help to curb your low GRE. Yes, better GPA scores and another degree are great ... but not at the expense of having zero research experience. UGs with research experience really stand out. It not only will better your application, but will benefit you in the long term in really deciding if it's something you are interested in (research).

Don't give up. It's a strange strange process and you cannot predict was it happening on the other side of the wall. Just try and wait it out and be productive with other efforts.

Henry. First, congrats on being accepted to the program. Typically GRA opportunities and funding opportunities are managed through 1:1 relationships with professors, which seems to be the case for you. Unlike offers that come from the department, from what I read/hear these are generally more informal. It sounds as if your PI verbally offered you a position when you met in person. However, if it were me, I would do everything to get that offer formalized in writing (via email at a minimum) before I accepted the program admit offer. I would try him again via phone. If you do not have luck, try giving the graduate director a call (or staff person) and explain that you are hoping to make a decision soon but you are attempting to connect with your PI to follow up on a GRA position he mentioned previously. He could be at a conference, traveling, who knows. This is certainly understandable, and well within your right to inquire about. Hope it works out soon! May I ask why you did not apply for department/program funding?

Congrats to folks who are now NSF fellows, nice work! I enjoyed reading the play-by-play of the release. I should have applied this year in parallel to my PhD program apps. I have a M.S. but didn't realize I was NSF-eligible until late in 2013. Will be applying next year (year 1 of PhD). In addition to undergrad record, publications, conferences, is professional experience also taken into account on the qualifications side of things?

you would get laughed at - leave off

I can answer questions about hipsters. I'll hang up and listen.

Great information folks and thanks for your willingness to share. One extra question that I haven't necessarily seen covered: Who do you typically aim these negotiations to? The staff coordinator? Graduate Director (professor)? Your POI(s)? All of the above? .... Or is the answer simply to negotiate with whatever person/entity sent you the initial offer.

moar

Yup - I plan on being cordial, thankful and will follow up to close the loop with many of these folks who I have corresponded with over the course of the year. Look forward to meeting with them at conferences and hope to work with them in the future ... you never know.

dazed for the win. thanks for saving those questions previously! tremendous help. I've just added most of them to my toolbox.

finally shipped my gifts - went with a few personal, small items totaling about $50 with nice hand written note gently laid on top of white tissue paper. baller.

Hi Folks, It's that time to start thinking about gifts for letter writers since they have done us an enormous favor in spending time to draft letters. What are some of the best gift ideas you already have sent, are thinking about, or have seen in the past, etc? I'll be shipping gifts as I am not in the same location as my LORs. Thinking about sending them some nice alcohol + another gift + hand written thank you note. What are you doing?

troll.

the "flair" comes from the headshot you include at the top of your CV anyways

Hey yall - relative to my other programs and SOPs, I am having trouble with the program with the smallest word limit: 600. I am in interdisciplinary studies. Willing to swap, but looking in particular for someone who has worked on an SOP that is shorter in length requirement for specific feedback. Thanks!

I'm also interdisciplinary, but not those fields. Willing to swap if you are in. Send it over via PM when ready, I need about 24 hours for mine. Thanks!

I can swap, happily. But cannot get to it until later tonight. Cheers.