<p>During my senior year of college, there was a brief time when I thought I would be accepted into graduate school without funding. I was also told that winning an outside fellowship looks great on a resume. And so, I frantically searched for science-related funding sources. I only found one which I was eligible for, but I was rejected.</p>
<p>As it turned out, I was accepted into another grad school with full funding. However, I still wanted the outside fellowship for the slight pay raise, prestige, and because my adviser hinted that if I got one, I would free up her grant money for another student. And so, I made up an even larger list of all programs I was eligible for.</p>
<p>Later, I turned that list into a comprehensive listing of physics-related scholarships, fellowships, and grants for students of all years. That listing can be found here: [Astromiror:</a> Student Opportunities](<a href=“http://www.astromiror.org/opportunities.html#fellowships]Astromiror:”>http://www.astromiror.org/opportunities.html#fellowships).</p>
<p>I applied to three, and I was awarded a NASA Graduate Student Fellowship Program ([GSRP</a> Home Page](<a href=“http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/nav/]GSRP”>http://fellowships.hq.nasa.gov/gsrp/nav/)) fellowship, which is renewable for up to three years. Here are some general tips from my experiences:</p>
<li>Don’t think you’re too young or too late in your program to get outside funding. There are programs for students of all levels.</li>
<li>Start early! It takes a surprisingly long time to write a decent proposal, despite the short length.</li>
<li>Work very closely with your adviser. Have him/her proofread it and edit it multiple times.</li>
<li>Don’t discard any programs because you think you’re not good enough. Apply to as many as you are eligible for. Do your best, and let the selection committees decide.</li>
<li>Try not to submit your application right before the deadline. It adds to your stress level, and something may happen which causes you to be late.</li>
<li>Don’t freak out if you haven’t heard back by the intended award announcement date. Last year, my program was a month and a half late in announcing. This year, they haven’t announced yet (over a month late so far).</li>
<li>Don’t be afraid to contact the program office if you have a question. Calling is usually more productive than emailing if you can reach the right person.</li>
<li>Tailor your proposals and essays to the specifications and goals of each program.</li>
<li>Don’t get discouraged if you get rejected. Try again next year!</li>
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<p>Do you have anything to add? Share your experiences and tips here!</p>