The Unofficial SMART Scholarship Forum

I am a PhD student in Computer Science, so I don't have any lab/equipment requirements other than a computer. I am currently interviewing with a couple facilities. This is my understanding:

• I can accept any other scholarships/fellowships during Phase 1, provided they don't conflict with SMART.

• If I forego the service requirement upon graduation, I will owe the full amount of funds that were provided.

• I can use the stipend however I choose, which includes putting it in a savings account.

I am currently unsure about committing to a DoD service agreement, when I will likely have other career options in the commercial sector. Is there any reason I can't accept the scholarship and put the money away, in case I decline employment and need to pay it back? This means I will have the same effective PhD funding as if I had declined the scholarship, except I'll have a guaranteed internship and employment (if desired), mentorship, a great resume builder, and a little bit of savings account interest income.

Or would this award be offered to someone else if I decline it?

The award will be given to someone else if you decline. Facilities include secondary picks, in case a primary declines the award offer.

I'm not sure how it works for everybody, but....

my university charged SMART for tuition during my PhD (chemistry), even though i would not regularly have to pay it. so if i don't complete my service obligation, i would have to pay that back as well.