The Unofficial SMART Scholarship Forum

Yes standard TS or S clearance doesn't require a polygraph. It will depend on the specific Agency/organization you are working with whether they require a polygraph. My organization did not require a polygraph for the TS. Moreover, the polygraph was also not required for the SCI clearance at my part...

You will be fine, I can practically guarantee it. They really don't care much about that (I wasn't even asked about that). And if they did care so much, then probably a fair amount of people wouldn't get a clearance. The rate of denial for clearances is I believe about 5% (even lower after consideri...

The clearance procedure also varied widely depending on the organization you are with. If for example, you wanted a position with CIA, FBI, DEA, then you would definitely be denied. For DoD, as long as they don't start your clearance process within 12 months of your last drug usage then I would be p...

I reduced my award length (by 1 semetester) about 6months before I finished the degree. I did not have any issue with this and it went smoothly.

I would disagree with regard to not doing SMART for PhD. My experience has been mostly positive, and SMART has just implemented a new program that will make it less relevant which facility you choose (essentially turning it into a post-doc). This year they just implemented a "seed funding" initiativ...

My opinion is that you are free to do this. Note from the previous poster the very important key term they copied, "Degree AWARD". If you receive the master's degree while completing the requirements for your PhD, and you don't have to do any additional courses or stay beyond your original award ter...

It's a bit of a crapshoot. I just looked at the websites for different SF's and tried to make a determination. One thing I also did was search for people with that lab's affilation on ResearchGate and LinkedIn to get an idea on what they ACTUALLY do, as opposed to what's on the website. I can say th...

I never changed SF, but some of my colleagues inquired with SMART about it. I'm assuming you are phase 1 and not yet hired at the SF. If so, I would just email your SMART Component liaison and ask them about it, it doesn't do your status any harm. My colleagues who were in phase 2, had emailed SMART...

I don't know. However, one thing I've done to infer salary has been to keep an eye on USAJOBS from that specific organization to get an idea. SPecifically takea look at the minimum requirements and find one that aligns with you (even if it's not specifically your specialty). Also keep an eye out for...

All, Some advice from someone who has completed the program. Remember that you are an asset to your SF. They hired you because they want and need people with outstanding technical skills and intellect. Use this to your advantage, and don't let them keep you down. It's a two way street, they agreed t...

I can't speak from personal experience, but I have two former colleagues who left somewhat prematurely. First to answer your question, yes SMART will almost certainly notice you have left early, regardless of how close you are to completing phase 2. Second question: If you intend to leave on your la...

Just a friendly reminder to make sure you document your interactions with SMART. This includes: maintaining proof that your transcript has sent from you university, take screenshots of your award portal showing your documents have been accepted/received, and anything else so as to minimize a headach...