FAQ: New Frontiers Initiative Graduate FellowshipsThese answers to frequently asked questions will aid candidates in preparing their applications for the New Frontiers Initiative Graduate Fellowship.
Q. Can international students who are in the United States on a Visa apply?
Q. Are there any requirements beyond being a graduate student, such as year in PhD program?
Q. I will be starting my PhD program this year. Should I apply?
Q. I didn't take the GRE. Can I still apply?
Q. Do official GRE scores need to be sent?
Q. How many fellowships are being awarded?
Q. Can MD/PhD students apply?
Q. How should my references send you their letters of recommendation? Q. I am in my final year of my PhD program. If I graduate early, will I still be eligible? A. As long as you are a full-time graduate student at an accredited US academic instituton when you apply and when the fellowship starts, you are eligible. Q. Once the fellowship is awarded what is required of the fellows?
A. Fellows will be asked to attend a startup orientation session at the University of Illinois as soon after the announcement of the awards as possible. There will be a showcase event (yet to be scheduled) at which fellows will present the preliminary results of their research. All travel expenses will be paid outside the fellowship award. Other than that, fellows are expected to work on their research projects with the assistance of the Blue Waters technical staff.
Q. Will I be able to upload my application until the last day?
A. Although this is possible it is highly risky. Several past applicants missed the final deadline because of technical problems with their applications that were not corrected in time to meet the deadline. You may save and return to edit your application as many times as needed.
Q. Can I get a copy of what the references will be asked to submit so that they can start the letters before I complete my application?
Note that the more specific a letter the references can provide, the better it is for the candidate. If you are the candidate's research supervisor, comment on the originality of his or her proposal, and communicate what role you played in assisting the student with the proposal. Q. What will be my responsibilities should I win the fellowship?
A. Your major responsibility will be to carry out the research program you propose using the Blue Waters computing system. You will be expected to participate in a two-day meeting (in person or virtually depending on the status of the COVID pandemic) at the University of Illinois shortly after the award of the fellowship to meet with the Blue Waters technical support staff, and to make a presentation at a Showcase event to be determined at a future date. All required travel will be paid for by the New Frontiers Initiative. Fellows also meet virtually once per month to discuss their progress and challenges. All fellows are expected to provide quarterly and final reports on their projects. |