<p>I am currently a first year graduate student in applied math and I was wondering if I should apply to national fellowships (NSF, NDSEG, etc) this fall. My main problem is that I just rejoined academia after a few years in industry and while I was an undergrad I focused on professional development as opposed to getting research experience. I see that the NSF has an entire essay devoted to describing previous research, so is it even worth my time to apply? Most of these fellowships are open to second year graduate students as well, so I figured that I can apply after I have a summer of research experience. However, are second year applicants looked down on? Is it worth it just to get the feedback for the next year's applications? Also, since I am new in my current department, who is expected to write recommendation letters? As you can tell I am very confused. Any help is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Are you sure the NSF and DoD can be applied for during the second year of grad school? I was under the impression both can only be applied for during senior year of undergrad or the first year of grad school? Anyways, definitely apply and see what happens.</p>
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Are you sure the NSF and DoD can be applied for during the second year of grad school?
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<p>Nah, second is also fine. I looked this up pretty recently.</p>
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However, are second year applicants looked down on? Is it worth it just to get the feedback for the next year's applications?
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<p>No and yes. From what I understand (having read some NSF advice pages and seen some photocopies of feedback forms on the Internet), the feedback is pretty good, and they totally understand that if it's not your final year of eligibility you may be using it to help future applications.</p>