How to fill in "PLANS FOR SUPPORT" in dept supplemental form?

[Lexie122]

 

Hi, I am applying to a PhD program and it requires a department supplemental form, which includes a part called "PLANS FOR SUPPORT". I supposed all PhD program would provide full funding for everyone who was admitted, so what does "PLANS FOR SUPPORT" mean? What should I fill in it? Could anyone give me some advice? Thank you!

[TakeruK]

I think you should check with your department to see what they say. There could be several different reasons why they ask this:

1. It could be a standard form that they ask everyone and it's meant for you to list any other external support you may have. In this case, it would be a good idea to list "Department TAship or RAship" in addition to any external funding sources you may have already been awarded or have applied to. If you have applied to awards then indicate whatever status you are at (shortlists etc.), if known, otherwise just put "applied".

2. It could be a form meant for international students in order to prepare the paperwork to issue the I-20 or DS-2019. Per US immigration requirements, all foreign students must demonstrate on their entry paperwork that they have funding to pay for the program and living expenses for themselves and any dependents on their visa. Again, for fully funded programs, this would mostly just be whatever the school/department provides. However, if your specific program doesn't provide enough funding to meet US immigration standards, or if you are also bringing dependents, then you might need to add "personal funds" or something like that to meet the requirement. Again, it's worth asking the department so that you can clarify. Note that if you are foreign student and this is why they are requesting this information, what you put here isn't final. Usually after you accept their offer, the international office will reach out again to confirm the information necessary for the paperwork.

[Lexie122]

Thanks for Takeruk's answer! I am going to email the department for detail information.

[Lexie122]

On 12/1/2017 at 2:26 AM, TakeruK said:

I think you should check with your department to see what they say. There could be several different reasons why they ask this:

1. It could be a standard form that they ask everyone and it's meant for you to list any other external support you may have. In this case, it would be a good idea to list "Department TAship or RAship" in addition to any external funding sources you may have already been awarded or have applied to. If you have applied to awards then indicate whatever status you are at (shortlists etc.), if known, otherwise just put "applied".

2. It could be a form meant for international students in order to prepare the paperwork to issue the I-20 or DS-2019. Per US immigration requirements, all foreign students must demonstrate on their entry paperwork that they have funding to pay for the program and living expenses for themselves and any dependents on their visa. Again, for fully funded programs, this would mostly just be whatever the school/department provides. However, if your specific program doesn't provide enough funding to meet US immigration standards, or if you are also bringing dependents, then you might need to add "personal funds" or something like that to meet the requirement. Again, it's worth asking the department so that you can clarify. Note that if you are foreign student and this is why they are requesting this information, what you put here isn't final. Usually after you accept their offer, the international office will reach out again to confirm the information necessary for the paperwork.

2

Thank you very much! I have emailed the department last week but haven't got the reply. 

I am sure that the supplemental form is a standard form for every applicant, but indeed I am an International student so I realize that my tuition would be more expensive and many Fellowship is unavailable for me.

Probably I can only list "Department TAship or RAship" and "personal funds" in the end...Do you think this would be appropriate?

[TakeruK]

Yes, you should list whatever is actually available to you. It shouldn't really matter what you put there if you don't have anything external. Sometimes international students can put funding from their home country's fellowships.

So Department TA or RA ship is fine. And you can list "personal funds" if you have them but you don't need to feel like you must have some!