Extra Funding

[ThisSlumgullionIsSoVapid]

Anyone have any information on attainable funding outside of the given stipends and federal loans?

[lovenhaight]

Usually it will depend on the school. Some places don't want you to work outside of the department, while others might be fine with you picking up an extra university job. In my experience, many schools include student jobs on the HR website. You might want to contact your department and see where they stand on it. In some cases, asking could get your stipend bumped up a bit. (I've seen it happen for a few people, different universities)

[Darth.Vegan]

Don't forget to also apply for funding for original research projects, both from the university and outside sources. My university gave me 3k for my honor's thesis! I am sure funding for grad students is generally better than that.

[lovenhaight]

Don't forget to also apply for funding for original research projects, both from the university and outside sources. My university gave me 3k for my honor's thesis! I am sure funding for grad students is generally better than that.

Maybe other grad students can back me up on this, but original research is somewhat expected in a grad program. Other than possibly getting some funding specifically for your research, I've never heard of a graduate student actually getting paid to do what they're supposed to do.

[Darth.Vegan]

Maybe other grad students can back me up on this, but original research is somewhat expected in a grad program. Other than possibly getting some funding specifically for your research, I've never heard of a graduate student actually getting paid to do what they're supposed to do.

I meant specifically for the research.

[lovenhaight]

I meant specifically for the research.

That makes more sense...usually when people mention more funding they're looking for a bigger take-home paycheck, so that was what my comment was based on.

[ThisSlumgullionIsSoVapid]

That makes more sense...usually when people mention more funding they're looking for a bigger take-home paycheck, so that was what my comment was based on.

Ya, that's what I was referring to

[Darth.Vegan]

Aren't there some extremely competitive NSF grants for supporting graduate study?

[sciencegirl]

Yes... I am sure some people here also applied to the NSF predoctoral fellowships and the Javitts. There is a long thread on these in "The Bank" section. I was told by advisors to apply and I did submit an application for the Ford NSF predoctoral fellowship mostly to get the practice and experience in applying. Even though it was an extra application, I'm glad I spent the time to get that experience so I know what to expect for the next 4-5 years every Fall during grant application season.

[FertMigMort]

Yes... I am sure some people here also applied to the NSF predoctoral fellowships and the Javitts. There is a long thread on these in "The Bank" section. I was told by advisors to apply and I did submit an application for the Ford NSF predoctoral fellowship mostly to get the practice and experience in applying. Even though it was an extra application, I'm glad I spent the time to get that experience so I know what to expect for the next 4-5 years every Fall during grant application season.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Javits is cancelled for next year: http://ucsdgraduatefunding.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/jacob-javits-fellowship-canceled-for-2012-2013/

For some reason I thought it was cancelled this year too, but I can't find the article now.

I have an NSF GRFP and I always share my essays with new students at my school. To be eligible for the NSF GRFP you can't have taken any graduate courses between undergrad and your graduate career. If you already have a masters, you are ineligible. I would check to see how sociology majors faired in April when these fellowships come out. Since they cancelled the NSF DIG (see below) this year, I am concerned that they are also going to defund NSF GRFP.

I will also mention the NSF Dissertation Improvement grants, but those are specifically for research. Unfortunately, the government is defunding those as well. We had 3 people place in the top 1 percent, but they could only fund one. They also cancelled the February round of funding. <_<

Check your university, fellowships are frequently offered by the college your department resides in. Sometimes your department chooses, but sometimes you can apply for them. Ford is a great option as well. You can't get any extra funding unless you apply for it.

[splitends]

Javits was definitely cancelled this last year too. I had to really dig to find that information, but I tried applying last fall and couldn't.

[sciencegirl]

OK.. so I wasn't crazy this last fall then.. I was trying to apply and was looking for info this past August and then someone just told me "Oh, you must have missed the deadline" but was so confused... that is sad about the Javits.

[msafiri]

Anyone have any information on attainable funding outside of the given stipends and federal loans?

Funding for what? Conference attendance? Summer research? Fieldwork? The answer to your question depends on what you're looking for funding for more than anything else.

[giacomo]

Funding for what? Conference attendance? Summer research? Fieldwork? The answer to your question depends on what you're looking for funding for more than anything else.

I think the OP meant extra money for living. At least, that's my understanding.