2012 Applicants

[Guest22]

Your opinions are nice but irrelevant.

Complaining does nothing. All I'm saying is go and be productive instead of wasting your time thinking about the scholarship. If you get it, you'll get it. No amount of forum checking or email checking or stressing will do anything but other than negatively affect you.

[Guest]

You people are absolutely ridiculous. You'd think bright engineers like those applying for this scholarship could figure out the strategy to cope with this scholarship application process.

The acceptance rate is 10%. This year, they're probably going to accept even less. Expect ~6-7% acceptance rate.

Tell yourself you aren't going to get the scholarship (because chances are, you won't), continue life as usual. If by some chance, they notify you that you won, congratulations! Don't expect it, and stop wasting your time checking your email.

Stop complaining. They are going to give the winners copious amounts of money. They'll let you know whenever they want too. It's the government. You guys probably could have made like $1000 by now working a minimum wage job with the time you spend on this forum and checking your email.

I do have to say that I agree with everything you said here. My life has been SO much less stress accepting the fact that I have not received the scholarship. (Okay, that's not set in stone, but like you say--what are the odds? They're horrible). I've let this scholarship be something of the past. If they call or e-mail me with good news then yes, I will cry with joy. But otherwise, I'm not glued to my e-mail. I have resumed life as normal. Unfortunately we're all watching paint dry at this point. Checking e-mails 5,000 times a day isn't going to make a difference. If you expect an e-mail, it won't come. DON'T check!! The second you stop it will come. It happened for me. The other day when the delay notifications came out--I know it wasn't award notifications, but it's the same idea. Just forget about it. Really!

For those of you who are relying on this scholarship for planning/financial aid, etc., hang in there! Is there any way that you could plan assuming you didn't get the scholarship, and then always have a plan B set up in case you end up getting the scholarship? I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist. But as the person above me mentioned earlier, if the acceptance rate is now looking like 6-7%, your chances of getting your life together according to a plan not including the scholarship is probably what you should be focusing your efforts on. Again, not trying to be the Debbie downer, but it's just reality.

Like my mom always tells me--hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

[Guest22]

You people are absolutely ridiculous. You'd think bright engineers like those applying for this scholarship could figure out the strategy to cope with this scholarship application process.

The acceptance rate is 10%. This year, they're probably going to accept even less. Expect ~6-7% acceptance rate.

Tell yourself you aren't going to get the scholarship (because chances are, you won't), continue life as usual. If by some chance, they notify you that you won, congratulations! Don't expect it, and stop wasting your time checking your email.

Stop complaining. They are going to give the winners copious amounts of money. They'll let you know whenever they want too. It's the government. You guys probably could have made like $1000 by now working a minimum wage job with the time you spend on this forum and checking your email.

I'm not really sure where you live, but here minimum wage is $7 an hour, so to make $1000 while going to school full time is not really feasible in the week we've spent checking our emails. For some of us, who are struggling to pay for school, who's parents don't support them, this is a HUGE deal. Some of us have had to make plans for summer or next semester without knowledge of whether we had the scholarship or not.It kind of makes a difference. I'd like to know if I need to accept my current scholarships again, or if I can reject them and let someone else who needs them have them.

Maybe we are being a little ridiculous, maybe we check our emails too much, or maybe we check the forum too much in your opinion. But some of us take comfort in knowing we aren't the only person pulling their hair out, having to make uninformed decisions about the future, and its always nice to get an update from anyone who has anything. If you're so chill about this all, that's great, more power to you and I respect you for it. But belittling the people who are stressed about their future is beneath you and us. This is a place where people can respectfully share questions, comments, and concerns. And I for one would appreciate if you kept it that way.

Also, I feel obligated to help you out and point out a few facts:

1. Go ahead and accept any and all scholarships you've been given. With SMART's new policy, there is no restriction to accepting outside funding. This is going to be even more important because it is VERY likely the 2012 (and on) cohort will not be receiving Internship Support Payments.

Poster above me is right. Plan for the worst. Assume you didn't get it and make all arrangements like that. I agree your situation may not be ideal, but the fact is you can do nothing to change it. Checking the forum more often or worrying more doesn't motivate the government to get their budget straight and contact you. At this stage, the best way to proceed is spend your time being productive, proceed as if you did not receive it, and then if you do, be happy.

[Guest]

And while you're at it, you know all those feelings you feel about things, just stop feeling those, feelings aren't real they are a chemical reaction to brain stimuli and they make you do irrational things so just turn those off. And quit smoking for goodness sakes, it's not hard, just stop. And quit eating unhealthy foods and just lose weight, it's not like you can't just decide to eat right and exercise. And stop thinking about sex every 10 seconds perv. Stop buying things you can't afford. Stop wishing you had things you will never be able to have...

Morons

People have feelings they can't control. People react to feelings in undesirable ways. You can't just say, stop feeling that or stop doing that or stop worrying about that. They can't. Feelings are irrational by nature. If you don't understand that about humans, you aren't going to have a very happy life when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

[Guest]

And while you're at it, you know all those feelings you feel about things, just stop feeling those, feelings aren't real they are a chemical reaction to brain stimuli and they make you do irrational things so just turn those off. And quit smoking for goodness sakes, it's not hard, just stop. And quit eating unhealthy foods and just lose weight, it's not like you can't just decide to eat right and exercise. And stop thinking about sex every 10 seconds perv. Stop buying things you can't afford. Stop wishing you had things you will never be able to have...

Morons

People have feelings they can't control. People react to feelings in undesirable ways. You can't just say, stop feeling that or stop doing that or stop worrying about that. They can't. Feelings are irrational by nature. If you don't understand that about humans, you aren't going to have a very happy life when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

Furthermore, if you don't like the fact that these people are checking their emails 250 times per day and posting in here and checking this forum every time they hit refresh on their email...don't read the forum! No one is holding your head to the screen making you pay attention to it. Quit yer b*chin' and let these people vent however they feel like it.

[AmenAmen]

Preach!

[Guest 2012]

You people are absolutely ridiculous. You'd think bright engineers like those applying for this scholarship could figure out the strategy to cope with this scholarship application process.

The acceptance rate is 10%. This year, they're probably going to accept even less. Expect ~6-7% acceptance rate.

Tell yourself you aren't going to get the scholarship (because chances are, you won't), continue life as usual. If by some chance, they notify you that you won, congratulations! Don't expect it, and stop wasting your time checking your email.

Stop complaining. They are going to give the winners copious amounts of money. They'll let you know whenever they want too. It's the government. You guys probably could have made like $1000 by now working a minimum wage job with the time you spend on this forum and checking your email.

From where did your 10% come? I understand if you were just quoting it from someone else earlier in the thread, but I am fairly certain that 10% is a very high compared to the actual acceptance rate. I recall, though cannot find the source, that there were between 5,000 and 6,000 applicants for the 2011 cohort and only 270 accepted in to the program. Rounding it to 300, you are looking at more like 5-6%. Take in to account the recorded growth of the program over the years in terms of applicants and I think the projected was between 7,000-8,000 students in this years pool. Even if they accepted the full 300, we are now looking at about 4%. Now take in to account the likely drop in available awards (let's assume 200 awards), then we are looking at about 2-3%.

With that said, surely most people will not be receiving the award. But as the saying goes, misery loves company, and many people are "miserable" with having to continue waiting. As someone said a couple posts above, if you have a problem with people checking their emails and writing on the forum, what right do you have to tell them to stop?

Alternatively, I have an idea for you. If these things bother you so much, why not pretend the forum shut down. If you pretend it was shut down, then you can go on with your normal life, and do something productive instead of criticize those who find solace and comfort in that which is posted within these forums. I mean you probably could have made $1,000 by now working a minimum wage job with how much sleep you must have lost over the posts you find ridiculous. And one day, if you receive an email from ASEE and you feel so compelled to write something in a forum for others to read, you can be happy that this forum still actually exists. And if you feel no need to report an emails you receive, then you can still pretend it doesn't exists and will no longer have to read the ridiculous posts herein.

PS- No emails in my inbox from SMART everyone...

[WaitingIsFun]

Where is my popcorn?

Drama!!!!!

[Guest22]

I'm not losing any sleep, as I already have the scholarship. Just passing on wisdom for others, because I know for myself I wasted lots of time I didn't need too.

Yes feelings are irrational but they are controlled to some degree by your thoughts. In this case your thoughts should be that you probably wont get it. Building up your hope is generally detrimental. If you don't want to take my advice, enjoy your extended misery with no reward at the end. For those who are wise, you'll learn to cope with your feelings and not let long shots like the scholarship throw you off your game. Especially for those who need to be focusing on finals right now.

[AArrgghh]

[quote="Guest22Also, I feel obligated to help you out and point out a few facts:

1. Go ahead and accept any and all scholarships you've been given. With SMART's new policy, there is no restriction to accepting outside funding. This is going to be even more important because it is VERY likely the 2012 (and on) cohort will not be receiving Internship Support Payments.
quote]

What is this about there no longer being any restrictions to accept outside funding? Does this mean you can accept SMART and a Stipend?

[Guest22]

[quote="Guest22Also, I feel obligated to help you out and point out a few facts:

1. Go ahead and accept any and all scholarships you've been given. With SMART's new policy, there is no restriction to accepting outside funding. This is going to be even more important because it is VERY likely the 2012 (and on) cohort will not be receiving Internship Support Payments.
quote]

What is this about there no longer being any restrictions to accept outside funding? Does this mean you can accept SMART and a Stipend?

[/quote]

There are a few stipulations. Expect an updated handbook to show up sometime. Basically you can't accept money if it imposes an obligation on you that conflicts with SMART or your clearance in any way. Aside from that, outside scholarships are fair game. I assume that includes stipends. This was told to current scholars via email, but they have not yet updated the handbook. Also although they returned the ISP of the current scholars, it is likely there will be no ISP in the future. This is due to budget cuts, and also partly due to the new administration of the SMART program which deals with things a little differently.

Until its laid out solidly in the handbook, so ahead and accept everything and expect no ISP.

[mitts]

Well, looks like week 2 is about to come to an end. Here's to next week!

[In_Stitches]

Well, looks like week 2 is about to come to an end. Here's to next week!

I'm hoping for some sign of stirring tomorrow, like maybe the login on the awards page being taken down to add the new awardees, etc.

[currentfed]

So I just had a project review meeting with the SMART POC at my SF (I'm a retention applicant), and during the chit-chat before the actual meeting began, he gave me a little more insight into the process, which I thought I could pass on.

Apparently SMART gives each SF a budget alongside the Stage 2 applications, which dictates how many people that SF is supposed to recommend. My SF has gotten around $1.5 million as their preallocated portion of the SPO's budget in the past, but was only given ~ $350,000 this year (which makes me speculate that SMART has seen pretty significant budget reductions this year, and/or the new management decided that they just don't like my SF anymore...). With that preallocated approximate budget in mind, each SF submits their list of recommended names. Keeping that in mind, it's entirely possible that the SF's consider how many years of funding each candidate is requesting, even if the SPO does not in their final decisions.

The POC at my SF said he just ignored the budget this year and submitted 8 names, even though the budget could only support 1-2. He said he hasn't heard anything else from SMART with regard to final decisions, but he thought my chances were about 50/50, or a little less... sounds like maybe my name was #3 or #4 on his list, but that's purely speculation.

[DexyDean]

Alright then, let's just say that ends that. Continue with the reason we are all here...

They said Apr 9th, I am not going to consider myself out until this Tuesday, the 24th. That will be two weeks late on their part so I guess it will make things easier. If you're all smart, just apply for other positions or accept other awards for now and then decline them later. If you show a contract stating you need to decline the funds then they cannot make you repay something they have not paid yet... meaning a university can't demand you give them the scholarship money they offered you if they never physically gave it out yet in the first place.

Personally, I've applied for a couple jobs and one at a big research facility here in Texas that I am really looking forward to. I hope everyone can get around to finding the same opportunities.

[Guest22]

Alright then, let's just say that ends that. Continue with the reason we are all here...

They said Apr 9th, I am not going to consider myself out until this Tuesday, the 24th. That will be two weeks late on their part so I guess it will make things easier. If you're all smart, just apply for other positions or accept other awards for now and then decline them later. If you show a contract stating you need to decline the funds then they cannot make you repay something they have not paid yet... meaning a university can't demand you give them the scholarship money they offered you if they never physically gave it out yet in the first place.

Personally, I've applied for a couple jobs and one at a big research facility here in Texas that I am really looking forward to. I hope everyone can get around to finding the same opportunities.

I'm telling you, it's not a maybe. The new SMART policy is that there is no "number" on restricting outside funds. You won't have to decline the funds later. That is an OLD policy that has been updated. They just haven't updated the website. They already sent the current scholars the update.

I personally went to my universities scholarship department place thingy, and had them reinstate all my scholarships I had previously declined. They said "well the website isn't updated, still says you can only accept $5,000 a year" but once I showed them the email, they allowed me to accept all my scholarships.

[Guest 2012]

Alright then, let's just say that ends that. Continue with the reason we are all here...

They said Apr 9th, I am not going to consider myself out until this Tuesday, the 24th. That will be two weeks late on their part so I guess it will make things easier. If you're all smart, just apply for other positions or accept other awards for now and then decline them later. If you show a contract stating you need to decline the funds then they cannot make you repay something they have not paid yet... meaning a university can't demand you give them the scholarship money they offered you if they never physically gave it out yet in the first place.

Personally, I've applied for a couple jobs and one at a big research facility here in Texas that I am really looking forward to. I hope everyone can get around to finding the same opportunities.

I'm telling you, it's not a maybe. The new SMART policy is that there is no "number" on restricting outside funds. You won't have to decline the funds later. That is an OLD policy that has been updated. They just haven't updated the website. They already sent the current scholars the update.

I personally went to my universities scholarship department place thingy, and had them reinstate all my scholarships I had previously declined. They said "well the website isn't updated, still says you can only accept $5,000 a year" but once I showed them the email, they allowed me to accept all my scholarships.

If you are talking about the original email regarding the revocation of the ISP, then you may be incorrect. From what I have read on the recipients side, the cap was lifted at the same time ISP was no longer provided. In a later email, they stated that they redacted the previous email regarding the loss of ISP, which would also indicate that they redacted the removal of the cap. I may be wrong if a newer email has gone out, but I would think that for those who still receive ISP, there is a cap.

[RPI CSE]

If you are talking about the original email regarding the revocation of the ISP, then you may be incorrect. From what I have read on the recipients side, the cap was lifted at the same time ISP was no longer provided. In a later email, they stated that they redacted the previous email regarding the loss of ISP, which would also indicate that they redacted the removal of the cap. I may be wrong if a newer email has gone out, but I would think that for those who still receive ISP, there is a cap.

The cap remains lifted. As I posted in another thread:
"To quote my CA: "The monetary limit on outside funding remains lifted as set forth in the 20 March 2012 email. "

So my people, go forth and apply for free money!!

I believe it depends on your school and the individual scholarships if you can get a kickback from them or if they send it to SMART, so you should check it out, but you can now get as much as you want (following the source restrictions)!

Good luck and good hunting!"

Hope this helps!

[Guest22]

Alright then, let's just say that ends that. Continue with the reason we are all here...

They said Apr 9th, I am not going to consider myself out until this Tuesday, the 24th. That will be two weeks late on their part so I guess it will make things easier. If you're all smart, just apply for other positions or accept other awards for now and then decline them later. If you show a contract stating you need to decline the funds then they cannot make you repay something they have not paid yet... meaning a university can't demand you give them the scholarship money they offered you if they never physically gave it out yet in the first place.

Personally, I've applied for a couple jobs and one at a big research facility here in Texas that I am really looking forward to. I hope everyone can get around to finding the same opportunities.

I'm telling you, it's not a maybe. The new SMART policy is that there is no "number" on restricting outside funds. You won't have to decline the funds later. That is an OLD policy that has been updated. They just haven't updated the website. They already sent the current scholars the update.

I personally went to my universities scholarship department place thingy, and had them reinstate all my scholarships I had previously declined. They said "well the website isn't updated, still says you can only accept $5,000 a year" but once I showed them the email, they allowed me to accept all my scholarships.

If you are talking about the original email regarding the revocation of the ISP, then you may be incorrect. From what I have read on the recipients side, the cap was lifted at the same time ISP was no longer provided. In a later email, they stated that they redacted the previous email regarding the loss of ISP, which would also indicate that they redacted the removal of the cap. I may be wrong if a newer email has gone out, but I would think that for those who still receive ISP, there is a cap.

No. You're wrong. Good day.

[xkcd13]

I think you guys are going to be notified today. Just a hunch.

[Random1313]

I think you guys are going to be notified today. Just a hunch.

^Leon Panetta in disguise

[jtc111]

Just fyi.... for those who didn't know... I got this the 12th or so...

ASEE has been notified by the Department of Defense that the 2012 SMART Scholarship award announcements have been delayed. Award notifications are now expected to be sent out at some point in the next few weeks. Once the Department of Defense provides another update this information will be provided to you. All applicants will be notified of their final award status. Thank you for your interest in the SMART Scholarship Program.


The ASEE SMART Scholarship Team

[aerostudd]

I think you guys are going to be notified today. Just a hunch.

^Leon Panetta in disguise

Haha so funny! I wish...

[WestToEast]

I think you guys are going to be notified today. Just a hunch.

^Leon Panetta in disguise

Haha so funny! I wish...

I've had a running bet with my mother that it would be today. So I would certainly like for it to be today.

[aerostudd]

I think you guys are going to be notified today. Just a hunch.

^Leon Panetta in disguise

Well, I think there is a pretty good chance it could be today. We are going on two weeks from April 9th. Either way it needs to be soon, I dont wanna be notified finals week or sometime in June....