The Unofficial SMART Scholarship Forum

I had another concern. I think I read in another thread that it's not possible to change SF while still in Phase 1. IIRC you have to work for the current SF for a least a short while in Phase 2 before changing SF. Anyone know if this is correct? That's false. I had a friend chance SF while still in...

Hey RAM123, Could you give us a little information about how you got approval from SMART to move your commitment over to your new job? I'm in the process of changing SFs. My current SF is on board with me moving and I've found a new SF that would like to have me. I just have to get it all approved b...

Thanks Guest, my current SF has been very supportive in my desire to change and has even given me contacts at other facilities. They would rather have me 100% happy than keep me here. The SF I'm seeking to move to has just hired some SMART scholars for Phase 2 and I think their track record is good....

Hi everyone, I'm attempting to change my SF to a location closer to home. I've found a new SF that will have me and they are currently looking for a spot for me and checking with what needs to be done bureaucratically. I've emailed my CA to let her know I'm pursuing a change and asked what all neede...

I'll be starting in June 2014 with a masters degree. My SF told me I'll be on the GS-9 pay grade. Does this sound the same for other masters students?

I'm not sure if this question has come up, but has there ever been a case of a student who was not offered a job upon degree completion? Could the furlough cause this to happen to some of us? What would happen if we couldn't fulfill the scholarship requirements because we weren't offered a job? Woul...

When I interviewed with my SF they brought up the topic of drug testing. They said that they were all drug tested to get the job and are continuously randomly drug tested. They said it's a little awkward but everyone there has to do it so it's no big deal. I'm not sure if I believe them or not becau...

With my experience going through the interview process, I was never really asked about my GPA. They seem mostly focused on my work experience. I think as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the application you should be fine. They did ask me how well I did in my math classes which makes me...

While I do like the idea of rolling around like Scrooge McDuck in a gigantic pile of money on the third Friday in September..

I must say, when I read the email I was a little mad, but your imagery has made me feel a lot better.

I'm having trouble in that they have the wrong university listed on all my paper work. I requested an award adjustment request yesterday and it says it's "pending". Did anyone else have to request an adjustment or know how long it will take? I emailed smart but got no answer.

Was_just_a_lurker wrote:Just wondering, are any of you 'SMART funded' scholars female or minority?

Yes, I'm female and I'm getting funding.

I wanted to thank you guys for participating in this forum and giving us all information and support during the wait. I got my email today and I'm glad to say I got the scholarship.

Bulldog, The reason I wonder is because SMART called me about two weeks ago asking me what university I decided to go to (I listed undecided on my application) and it made me think, why would it mater? The uni I told them is the cheapest one I applied to so I wonder if they consider the price.

I wonder if they are considering the cost of certain universities people are attending when choosing who gets the awards. Like, if the university you're attending is cheaper are you more likely to get a scholarship.

So I'm a 2012 applicant and I just found this message board yesterday. I read every post and had no idea about SMART having so much trouble. I've just been waiting patiently without concern. Well I have an update I thought you guys would like to hear about. I got a call AND an email today from the A...