how much to request for fellowships

[devona]

Hey, GradCafe-ers,

 

When you apply for a fellowship and it asks how much you want, what is the general rule for requests?

 

For example, I want to apply for a fellowship that awards UP TO $15,000. I could use all of that and more, but should I ask for less because I increase my chances for success with smaller demands?

[rising_star]

You should ask for what you need and can justify in an itemized budget that includes an explanation. If you need $15,000, then that's what you ask for. If you need less, you ask for less. I applied for and received a grant where the max amount was $10K and I asked for about 2/3rds of that.