I agree that it's still worthwhile to apply for the STAR, obviously they are still awarding it. Sara_s, if you needed funding to stay in the U.S., I wonder how you could have been eligible to apply (since the STAR requires that you be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident--two categorizations which would mean that you would be able to stay in the U.S. irregardless of PhD funding). In any case, good luck next year everyone and I hope you get useful comments! I'll be interested to see mine, which also haven't arrived yet.