"You have been named as an alternate for a University Fellowship and Graduate Assistantship for the 2013-2014 academic year. We have only a limited number of these awards available, not nearly enough for all deserving applicants. So while we cannot offer you an award at this time, we may be able to in the near future."
Just saw this in my acceptance letter. Does anyone know how this works? So if a certain number of people offered an assistantship turn it down by April, I have a shot at it? I'm hoping this means there's still a chance of other merit-based aid, half-tuition or whatnot. No one at the GW admissions office will answer at the moment.