Can we rely on external funding?

[sonnyday]

So I was thinking (and I am probably wrong), could you rely on external funding to supplement a small stipend? Is it common for grad students to receive grants and scholarships later, or is it best to go with the school who offers you more money?

And if you have an assistantship, can you add external funding to it without the school decreasing it?

[rising_star]

So I was thinking (and I am probably wrong), could you rely on external funding to supplement a small stipend?

And if you have an assistantship, can you add external funding to it without the school decreasing it?

The answers to both of these questions vary from one school to the next. You may also want to look at this post: viewtopic.php?f=67&t=15546&start=0