Pre-Doctoral Ford Foundation Question

[Hiver Tongue]

I am considering applying for the Predoctoral Ford Foundation fellowship this year. I just finished my first year of grad school, next year I will have a full-year of course work. During my third year I am required to be in residency but am not required to take a full load. In my program, students typically spend their third year TAing and doing independent studies to prepare for exams. Would this year qualify as "full-time course work" according to the Ford's eligibility criteria? See below the requirements below, with the last one applying to me. Has anyone else had any concerns or issues with this? Thanks.

Predoctoral fellowships are intended for individuals who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in an eligible Ph.D. or Sc.D. program by the fall 2013 term. The 2013 predoctoral fellowships competition is open to the following individuals:

• Undergraduates in their senior year who plan to be enrolled in their Ph.D. or Sc.D. program beginning with the fall 2013 term,
  
• Individuals who have completed undergraduate study,
  
• Individuals who have completed some graduate study, and
  
• Individuals currently enrolled in a Ph.D. or Sc.D. program who can provide evidence that they have at least three years remaining as of the fall 2013 term before they would receive their Ph.D. degree and at least one of the three years is comprised of full-time course work.
  

http://sites.nationa...hips/PGA_047958

Edited July 5, 2012 by Hiver Tongue

[snowblossom2]

I don't think it would count as "full time course work" bc you'd be finished with courses. You're still be enrolled, doing work full-time, but things other than courses. However, I would email or call Ford Foundation to be certain

[juilletmercredi]

I'm going to guess the same thing - I think by requiring this Ford is trying to get people who are still early in their doctoral studies (second or third year at most) who are still taking coursework. If you're finished taking coursework, or only have enough coursework left that you only need one or two classes a semester, then you're not taking full-time coursework. But I would certainly ask to be certain since so much money is at stake.