Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the award more than once?
Yes, but it is highly unlikely that you will receive the award more than once.
What can the award be used for?
The award can be used for travel to conferences, workshops and meetings that directly support your graduate research career. This includes events that are sponsored by APS as well as those that are not. The award CANNOT be applied to long-term events such as summer internships and travel to/from visiting researcher positions. If you are unsure whether you may apply the travel grant to a particular event email the FGSA Travel Committee with your question.
When will I hear the decision?
You will get a response about 2 - 3 weeks after the application period closes. Note that this means you may not hear back until after the award period starts. Please be aware of this especially if you have a conference at the start of the award period.
If the event time-frame straddles two quarters (for example, if a conference begins at the end of March and finishes at the beginning of April), in what quarter do I need to apply for the award?
The date the conference begins marks what quarter it is in. In the example above, the applicant would need to apply for the first quarter (Q1) travel award to be considered for that conference. Note that this typically means the applications will due prior to this quarter.
Does the FGSA provide feedback on individual applications?
The FGSA cannot provide feedback on individual applications due to the large number of applicants. Generally speaking, the FGSA Travel Award committee makes the selection based on achievement and potential. This is to award applicants who have shown success as young scientists as well as those who would get the most out of attending their specified conference, workshop etc. The statement of purpose is important for evaluation of the latter.
How many applications do you receive, and what percentage of applicants receive the award?
We receive an average of 35 +/-4 applications per award season. The average acceptance rate is 17%. Since the FGSA Travel Award is given out 4 times a year we strongly encourage an applicant who has not been selected to reapply in future quarters.
Does you award support summer school?
We accept applications for summer intensive (non-credit-bearing) programs.
Can the travel award be used for conferences that aren't sponsored by APS?
Yes, it can be.
Am I still eligible to apply if the conference I'm planning on attending is after I graduate?
As long as the applicant is a graduate student when the apply, they are eligible. Students who have not started their graduate program but will be a graduate student during the award period are welcome to apply.
What can I do if I find an error in my application after it is submitted?
If an error is discovered after submission, an application can be removed from the system and a new application submitted online. The removal can be done by sending an e-mail request to FGSA Travel Committee. The request must be received and the new application must submitted before the application period closes.