The Unofficial SMART Scholarship Forum

My SF said they let scholars use the 2nd day to explore the area. So, I just picked the day before the official visit as my 2nd day when filling out the paperwork.

Not necessarily. Some people will decline after their site visits. So, SMART will continue trickling out awards into the summer. However,it is likely best for sanity's sake to assume rejection at this point and be pleasantly surprised if an offer comes later. Also, I am still reading those essays. I...

It seems like it would have to be. As a PhD student, my entire last 3 years will each be 12 unit individual study or dissertation research units.

Yes. However, I would contact SMART and let them know the situation and, perhaps, your SF to get a recommendation for a good elective(s) to take that could be useful.

Having just viewed the orientation, it states that you have to be full-time even if in your last semester and only needing less than the full-time status minimum credits. So, I think you will still have to take some extra classes to fill your minimum.