Michigan Rackham Merit Fellowship

[thepriorwalter]

Did anyone else receive one? If you are a Rackham Merit Fellow, how do you feel this is impacting your time at Michigan? I know the summer bridge program is now becoming the RMF Connection program -- anyone have thoughts on whether the summer programming is worth it or are you considering it?

[sleepyhead]

I received one, though for engineering. I'm entering the PhD program this fall so I'm in the same boat as you. I heard that the summer bridge program is an excellent way to network and meet fellow students while getting a great introduction to life in Ann Arbor. I think it's especially worth it for people coming from a different school since you'll get a good perspective of what it's like to be a grad student at Michigan.

 

I'll probably attend it as well even though I did my undergrad here. It's not like I'll have anything more productive going on when I move to Ann Arbor early August. Good luck! 

[plasticities]

I was considering it until I saw there is no "partial" participation. I have a prior engagement the weekend that it occurs over. So unless you get the weekend off, I can't attend. It's a shame--it looks like a great program.

[Christian0412]

I am a 2nd year in the Materials Science & Engineering PhD program and also a Rackham Merit Fellow. Congratulations on your accomplishments and welcome to Ann Arbor soon! Great question: I can not express how much of an impact the Rackham connection program was and still is for me. 

 

Last year, it was called the RMF Summer Institute. It helped me transition more smoothly into grad school. I created and developed relationships that I probably would not have if I didn't participate. I still have close friends who I hang out with regularly from the program. During that time, I met important contacts that I will use throughout my time here, from experts who specialize dissertation/fellowship writing, financial success for grad students, literature reviews for developing my research project, training for the job market.... I can go on. I definitely recommend the RMF connection program. I doubt that you will regret it. I hope this helps and good luck in your studies here!

 

Christian

Edited July 12, 2015 by Christian0412

[stillalivetui]

Are any other Rackham Merit fellows planning on participating in the RMF Connection this year?