FAQ's

1. It looks like you have to be accepted at GW before you can even apply for the scholarship. Is there a way to know that you have the scholarship before you actually enroll in the degree program?
   
   We use the acceptance process as a first screen to eliminate applicants who are not qualified or not suitable for this program. The applicant who is serious about wanting to pursue the program has to invest the upfront fee (if any) in applying to cover the university's processing costs. Once applicants are accepted, the scholarship committee selects the ones with promise and interviews them either in person or by video connection. We consider that interview along with references, transcripts, etc. We select the winners and notify them, typically in late March, so they have plenty of time to plan their life change that will start the following September. They must accept or decline within a month or two of notification.
   
   Most winners gladly accept the scholarship, of course. But we have had some decline it. For example, one person who would have had to relocate to Washington could not sell their house and couldn't afford the mortgage payments or stand the uncertainty of finding a renter; another's spouse got cold feet (so talk it over before you apply!).
   
   
2. Of your applicants, how many do you grant scholarships to? How many of these are from underrepresented groups?
   
   Typically, 25-50% of the individuals who submit complete applications and who meet all the basic criteria to qualify for the scholarship program are successful.
   
   

   GW CYBERCORPS	Underrepresented Men	Women	Underrepresented Total	TOTAL
   Graduates as of May 2011	11	15	26	55
   In program as of September 2011	1	4	5	10
   Withdrew from program	0	1	1	2
   Not serving yet, studying for Ph. D.	0	0	0	1
   TOTAL	12	20	32	64

   
   

   Graduates / Acceptances = 55/57 = 96%
   Underrepresented Graduates / All Graduates = 26/55=47%
   Women Graduates / All Graduates = 15/55=27%
   Placed in federal jobs 55/55= 100%
   

3. I am about to graduate from a community college (or I am attending another university). Am I eligible?
   
   The links below are intended to help students prepare to enter The George Washington University (GW) after graduating from a community college program. Certain local community colleges have course equivalence tables with GW that should make planning to move on to a junior year at GW relatively painless. Links to these are shown below.
   
   Several undergraduate majors at GW qualify for the CSIA scholarships. But if your destination department or source community college is not shown here, or if you are attending another university as an undergraduate and wish to transfer, contact the admissions office at the relevant GW department for further information and help in planning to move forward with your higher education.
   
   Transferring into the Computer Science Department
   http://www.cs.gwu.edu/academics/undergraduate/transfers/index.php
   
   Transferring into the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
   http://www.ece.gwu.edu/prospective/undergrad/admission.htm
   
   
4. Is there any age limit? Do you consider nontraditional students for the scholarships?
   
   While most of our students in this program are traditional students or are recent graduates, some have been nontraditional students who have been out in the working world for a while and wanted to change their careers or pick up the degree they never earned. They have completed the program very successfully also. There is no age limit.
   
   
5. Can I take a junior semester or year abroad under this program?
   
   As long as you can plan a program that fits in your required courses, including required courses for CSIA scholarship recipients, before you graduate, you may take a semester or year abroad. During that time, you would be "on leave" from the scholarship program and not receiving any monetary benefits from it.
   
   
6. Are permanent residents of the United States eligible for this program?
   
   No, only U. S. citizens are eligible.



7. If I am enrolled in GW's joint BS/MS program, what is the amount of my stipend?
   
   It is paid at the undergraduate level until you obtain your bachelor's degree; then it is paid at the graduate level.
   
   
8. I would like to submit a recommendation from a supervisor for a volunteer position more related to information technology than my current actual supervisor, since I work in an unrelated field to {earn a living/put myself through school} and there isn't anyone from an employment relationship who can comment on my character and the skills that pertain to the scholarship. Is this OK?
   
   Yes, that supervisor for the volunteer position would count as an employer.



9. I don't work in the field, and I think you might get a better picture of me from several recommenders. Can I ask more than two recommenders to fill out the form and mail it to you?
   
   To keep the playing field equal for everyone, we want exactly two recommenders for each applicant. If you send in more than two, we will arbitrarily pick two, which is probably not in your interest. Take some time to figure out which two might present you in the best light.
   
   We cannot suggest who are the best recommenders for you. The recommendation form asks recommenders to answer several questions, the majority of which are not related to computer security and information assurance. If you have not worked in this field in the past or if they don't feel competent to assess your skills in those areas, they can skip those questions by indicating "inadequate opportunity to observe".
   
   
10. If I win the scholarship, can I start in the summer, be a full-time student for four consecutive semesters (summer, fall, spring, summer) without an internship, and then go on to a government job right after (August) graduation?

    No. The internship is an integral part of the SFS program. So if you accept, you have to plan your schedule to be a full-time student in the fall and spring, serve your internship in the summer, and then continue (or graduate). There is nothing preventing you from taking courses in the (first) summer before you start in the SFS program, and they will certainly count toward your graduation, but the SFS program will not pay for them, nor will it pay stipend or housing allowance until the fall semester.

11. Must I start working for my government employer immediately after graduation?

    It is fine to set your start date a couple of months after you graduate as long as it is okay with your employer. But after receiving an offer from an agency, do not then tell the agency, "Yes, but I cannot start for three months," since the agency may have to rescind the offer and look elsewhere for someone who can start immediately. Be up front when interviewing about what you would like and what you will accept.

12. May I participate in the program as a doctoral student?

    No. This program is currently only available to bachelor and master degree level students.

13. May I participate in this program either completely or partially online?

    No. While some of the courses have online components, all require actual in person attendance at GW as a full time student.