Guest wrote:I am considering applying for SMART for my PHd after I complete my BS/MS. Can someone who has done that before explain the process? Since SMART announces so late in the year, I am unsure how I would apply my senior year. I wouldn't hear if I was accepted until after graduation and when I was already supposed to be at my SF as a full time employee.
I'm a little late to the party, but I want to answer your question. The other responses gave good insight, but in case you want to pursue the SMART extension I want to give you the information.
I received SMART for my BS, and then during my senior year applied to extend it for an MS. What you need to do is:
1) Talk to your supervisor and SF about your intentions. Ultimately they will be part of the award process, so it is good to make sure they approve before you waste any time applying or waiting. They won't be able to give you a definite "yes," but you are mainly checking to make sure it is not a definite "no."
2) In the fall, reapply for the SMART program. As a follow-on candidate you will be required to submit a letter from your supervisor that shows their support for the modification/follow-on award.
3) Wait until award are given out. I checked in with my facility a few weeks are the semi-finalist emails went out to make sure they had recommended me when they got the semifinalist lists. (If they do its more waiting to get the final decision, if they don't you should plan to not get it).
4) Get your award info. I got mine 4 days before I was supposed to graduate, which was late, but the government can't hire you until 6 weeks after your degree is conferred anyway, so there is still plenty of time if it turns out you don't. As a follow-on recipient you will be expected to do an internship the summer after your first award ends and the second begins.
The key throughout the process is to stay in touch your facility so that you can have realistic expectations of which way it is going to go. There is not guarantee you will get the follow-on award even if they support you and later select you, but they can certain stop it entirely.
[quote="Guest"]I am considering applying for SMART for my PHd after I complete my BS/MS. Can someone who has done that before explain the process? Since SMART announces so late in the year, I am unsure how I would apply my senior year. I wouldn't hear if I was accepted until after graduation and when I was already supposed to be at my SF as a full time employee.[/quote]
I'm a little late to the party, but I want to answer your question. The other responses gave good insight, but in case you want to pursue the SMART extension I want to give you the information.
I received SMART for my BS, and then during my senior year applied to extend it for an MS. What you need to do is:
1) Talk to your supervisor and SF about your intentions. Ultimately they will be part of the award process, so it is good to make sure they approve before you waste any time applying or waiting. They won't be able to give you a definite "yes," but you are mainly checking to make sure it is not a definite "no."
2) In the fall, reapply for the SMART program. As a follow-on candidate you will be required to submit a letter from your supervisor that shows their support for the modification/follow-on award.
3) Wait until award are given out. I checked in with my facility a few weeks are the semi-finalist emails went out to make sure they had recommended me when they got the semifinalist lists. (If they do its more waiting to get the final decision, if they don't you should plan to not get it).
4) Get your award info. I got mine 4 days before I was supposed to graduate, which was late, but the government can't hire you until 6 weeks after your degree is conferred anyway, so there is still plenty of time if it turns out you don't. As a follow-on recipient you will be expected to do an internship the summer after your first award ends and the second begins.
The key throughout the process is to stay in touch your facility so that you can have realistic expectations of which way it is going to go. There is not guarantee you will get the follow-on award even if they support you and later select you, but they can certain stop it entirely.