How likely can someone like me get involved with the progra?

[Keith]

Hello, all

I'm new to the field of computer science, but have a background in mathematics as that was my major when I initially started school. I don't have any prior experience in the STEM field, but I am a junior with a GPA of 3.72, received a National Science Foundation scholarship and even received (to my surprise) a scholarship award after being nominated by faculty. I also grew up overseas my whole life and went to DoD schools before my undergraduate career... Does it even sound like I have a good chance? Would the statements from my references make a difference? Reading some posts and comments in the forum, it looks like the majority of recipients are pursing or have received graduate degrees...

Thanks

[guestagain]

With regard to your comment about graduate degrees, perhaps there's just more of us who comment. When I attended my cohort's orientation I would estimate that only 30% of awarded scholarships are graduates and the other 70% were undergraduates.

I'm in Phase 2 so a little antiquated now. When I started I was not allowed to accept another scholarship. Since I was applying as a graduate student that meant I had to turn down the NSF Fellowship I was awarded in order to accept the SMART Scholarship. Now there were some changes to the program since I started that allow some level of outside funding but I do not know the specifics on that.