2021 Applicants Thread

[aqzws]

I know we're dealing with our initial reactions to the rejection, but we should start working on tips and strategies for winning the scholarship next year.

Background info:

Program: PhD Human Factors (Cognitive, Neural, and Behavioral Sciences)
Years remaining: 3 years
Grad GPA: 3.9
Experience: 1 publication in the Human Factors proceedings, 1 upcoming NREIP internship at the Naval Information Warfare Center- Pacific. Multiple research experiences in general Human Factor roles (e.g., UX, Usability).
Locations: NIWC-Pac, AFRL, Naval Sea Systems Command, NRL in D.C., NUWC, NSMRL, NAWCTSD (I still have to narrow it down)

[Chicka]

I found a really good website once that had all the current research being done, but I can't for the life of me find it! One go to site I used was the Dod STEM site. It at least lists the basic research and core competencies.
https://dodstem.us/labs

I'm kind of in the same boat as you where I applied (2nd time) for SMART but got an internship at my top choice this Summer. It may be for good since I'm switching majors. The major I applied to SMART to was CS, but I just transferred schools and I'm now majoring in Unmanned Systems Applications.

Only way I'll apply to SMART again is for a dual BS/MS program. I saw in the other thread that someone got it after 4 times applying, so maybe 3x a charm?

[aqzws]

We should scope this thread in a way that helps us make our applications more competitive. If you were awarded the scholarship, could you provided your materials anonymously?

[anxiouslywaiting]

Didn't get a position and this is my only year I could apply since I would graduate too soon for next year's application Sad day.

[navyengr]

For human factors you could try applying to some of the Navy facilities. Specifically, Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab and Naval Undersea Warfare Center have human factors scientists/engineers. I think NUWC is bigger than NSMRL so probably has more funding.

[aqzws]

For human factors you could try applying to some of the Navy facilities. Specifically, Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab and Naval Undersea Warfare Center have human factors scientists/engineers. I think NUWC is bigger than NSMRL so probably has more funding.

Wow! Thanks for the heads up I'll look into those when the time for applications gets closer.

[Guest]

For human factors you could try applying to some of the Navy facilities. Specifically, Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab and Naval Undersea Warfare Center have human factors scientists/engineers. I think NUWC is bigger than NSMRL so probably has more funding.

Do you have any suggestions as to how I should contact someone from the base that would be able to let me know if they would take a smart scholar in my field?

[aqzws]

Applications open up in a month!

[Gatorleg]

Spoke to the SMART office today. As of 3:15, there were about 2000 completed applications and about 8000 in progress. The person I spoke with indicated there might be over 500 scholarships awarded this round.

[Biomed]

Spoke to the SMART office today. As of 3:15, there were about 2000 completed applications and about 8000 in progress. The person I spoke with indicated there might be over 500 scholarships awarded this round.

I'm curious if making the test scores optional this cycle made people more competitive in the eyes of SMART or less.

[aqzws]

Spoke to the SMART office today. As of 3:15, there were about 2000 completed applications and about 8000 in progress. The person I spoke with indicated there might be over 500 scholarships awarded this round.

That's interesting... I wonder how many out of the 8000 in progress hit that submit button in time. Also, 500 scholarships?! That's a ton.

I wonder the SMART office will let us know the final number of completed applications?

[Nutcracker]

Spoke to the SMART office today. As of 3:15, there were about 2000 completed applications and about 8000 in progress. The person I spoke with indicated there might be over 500 scholarships awarded this round.

How did you speak with them and have you heard any updates on this?