guttata

Even if you come up with a crap research topic, it's almost better to just apply as an undergrad anyway. That way, you get a 3rd chance to apply, you've got a starting point for next year, and you'll get SOME kind of feedback, so you'll have a better idea of what to work on, in addition to having a new research topic.

I'll break from the others: Bullshit. This application is about you. Put together the best application with the best references you can. The whole point of this fellowship is to give YOU academic freedom, not to pad this PI's lab. Now, I'm not saying you should be underhanded and lie/cheat your way to the award, but I would strongly recommend you discuss this with the PI beforehand. Be upfront about your thoughts and reservations. If they're a true professional, they will be willing to help you regardless. And if they're not willing to help you unless they get to keep the "free" student, do you really want to work in their lab anyway? Also: God damnit, its too early to start this again. I haven't recovered from the last cycle yet.

Actually, maybe a better idea: Would anyone be willing to submit scores and essays - off all types, award, HM, and reject - to some sort of database? I know i never found really big groupings of entries when I was looking for examples. I'm not sure right this moment how it would work, though I have some domain space or maybe could set up a group in Google Docs? If there's any interest I'll look more into it.

Willing to post edited versions for personal content. Probably wouldn't post my research proposal as it's still a viable project. No award or HM here, and received G/G and G/F (Terrible reviews. This is what I get for not spending NEARLY enough time on my essays).

As the email said, they'll be available in 3 business days. A link will show up on the homepage after you log in to Fastlane. Nothing there to see yet. Nothing for me as well.

Also, I've just noticed: We seem to be slacking this year. Last year's GRFP page had over 50 pages, we're less than half that. I think we need to pick up the pace, no way people keep posting enough to catch up once awards are announced.

150 and counting. I don't think gradcafe's servers can handle this being a fluke.

Great, so it looks like last year people could start scouring the sites for tidbits successfully at around 12-1am EST, even in the middle of when it was supposed to be down. Guess that means I won't be sleeping tonight...

Aw crap.

There's a 5 year period for you to use 3 years of support. I've already accepted a fellowship from my school that's for 4 years of support. If I get the NSF, I'll use my school's fellowship for the first 2 years, then take the NSF for the last 3 of the 5 year period. I don't know of many fellowships that are better than the NSF - I can't imagine there'd be many situations where you would need or want to decline it altogether.

Thanks Jimbo, that's cool to see. Hopefully a lot of us get to see our own soon...

It's not on Fastlane but its the same generic statement as they have on nsfgrfp.org. Newsflash: Late March is "around Early April." No new information.

Not true. That deadline only refers to funding, not admission. Also, there's no (or next to no) penalty if they withdraw their acceptance. On top of that, an acceptance from a program is separate from an admission the graduate school itself, which is why dept admissions letters always say something like "contingent upon your acceptance to the graduate school."

Bump. Any info?

Still waiting for news from UCD here, but they were a bit of a reach school and none of the PIs are really in a situation to take a student, so I've all but written it off.

black out

Never go back and re-read the essays after they've been submitted until you get the results. I'm fairly confident the logic in mine came out ok, but now I don't have to look at anything again until I start the application process again in the fall. The more removed I am from the essay, the more critical I can be when revising/restructuring for next year (Although hopefully there is no next year!)

admissions decision

double play

Why is this even a question? Proceed and see if you're offered it. Whether or not you're offered a fellowship at one school will have absolutely no bearing on whether you're funded at another.

critical condition

At this point, with about a month left, I wouldn't be surprised that most of the decisions had been made. As someone pointed out before, its not unreasonable to think they divide up the easy ones into "oh yes, definitely funded", "no way in hell", and then "Hmm, these could go either way... funded/hon mention or hon mention/reject." There's got to be some time built in for them to double check stuff, scan review sheets, get emails and reports lined up, etc. They can't be doing all of that the night before they send acceptance emails.

gravy boat

Oops, your signature says University of Oklahoma but your post says Oklahoma State. Which is it?

natural hazard