I'm finishing up my undergrad and will be graduating Spring 2012. I've just applied for a Graduate Research Fellowship from the NSF, and have been told by prior recipients that I have a very competitive application.
If I receive the grant, I plan on going to graduate school. Otherwise, I won't be attending.
I know that schools are generally excited to accept NSF fellows because they come with funding.
Is it necessary that I apply to graduate schools prior to the official deadlines? I'm wondering if I can circumvent the application costs by waiting until I figure out whether or not I have been awarded a GRF.
Is there any history of graduate school admissions accepted NSF fellows after the official application process has expired?
First post! Thanks in advance for any responses.