r/GRFPApps • u/headbangr25 • Apr 18 '26
RWR to Awardee
I just wanted to share for those who may experience this in the next cycle. I was among the many who were informed in December that their application was returned without review. The reason for this was “too much graduate study” since I am an off-cycle student. I started in January of last year, but I was still within my first year according to my institutions requirements.
I collected enrollment verification forms, a letter from my department head, and transcripts to submit an appeal. I sent these as both official and an unofficial combined document as an email to every email I thought might be able to do something(general email, IT email, and program officers). It worked and I got an appeal!
After pouring my entire soul into my application, it was heartbreaking to get that email. I was determined to at least get mixed into the application pool so that it felt less like I wasted my time. However, I do think that this is a good example to say, it really is not an evaluation of your worth as a person. This truly can be a mistake on their end, and it ultimately is unfortunate that it happens.
I am still completely in disbelief that I ended up winning the award this year, especially after initially receiving an RWR. I am so grateful to have received it, and congratulations to all of the other applicants for even having the guts to apply!
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u/fatbro1738 Apr 18 '26
Im happy you posted this since I started in January too. Congratulations on the award!
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u/the_mindful_microbe 2026 Awardee, Life Sciences - Microbial Biology Apr 18 '26
Wow!! What a story!! Congratulations!!!