SF Choosing

[guest461]

I currently have two SFs showing interest in me. I don't want to tell either no but I do have a preference between them. If they both request to sponsor me will smart allow me to choose between the two or how do they determine where I end up?

[Username]

Based on what has been posted on this forum previously, the facilities will rank the SMART applicants they are interested in. From there, budgets will determine how many scholars the facilities get (if any at all). If you have ranked one of the facilities in your original application, SMART *should* take that into consideration. As far as the selection goes, if both facilities say they want you, the facility that ranks you highest in their priority list AND is able to hire that number of scholars would get you. If you’re the #1 top pick (or otherwise tied) for both facilities and they are able to get that # of scholars, SMART may allow you to have some input, and would reach out.

***SMART’s top priority is for the DoD facilities to benefit from hiring STEM students into the workforce. They are much less mindful of the scholar’s preferences. If you don’t absolutely love a facility/their work/the location, I would be cautious accepting an award with a contract to work there.

[2018 Rec]

I had 3 facilities that expressed interest in me, and after my interviews I was given the opportunities to rerank all of the facilities (and essentially choose) as my first choice ended up choosing me. So if I were you I would express interest in both and email SMART if you want to rerank.

[mixolydianSSF]

I had had 4 interviews with two of them from different squadrons at the same facility. This last week, SMART called me and asked if I wanted to rerank any of my preferences. My guess is that my name was submitted by multiple facilities and that is why they wanted to clarify. So like a previous post mentioned, when you have multiple facilities requesting you, SMART will double-check to ensure your ranking is what you said it was to begin with. In this way, you do have some input.

[guest461]

Both facilities basically told me they wanted me, but I did not receive a call from smart last week or anything. TBH I don't remember what preferences I had put down. I guess I will just hope for the best