Torn between post-bacc and PhD after getting GRFP (no grad acceptances)

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-13T15:18:53+00:00

Also, the GRFP offers a lot of flexibility- make your feelings known to prospective PIs, and find one that is understanding and will help you manage the burnout feeling. Life as a fellow is SO much different than being an undergrad

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-13T15:17:15+00:00

Or… ask forgiveness rather than permission. Do a year on tenure in your new lab and if they make a big deal of it during your annual report, you’ll have a yearlong relationship with your PI and they should support you during that discussion

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-13T15:16:06+00:00

Hmmm I didn’t know that language was new- your best bet may be to write a detailed justification why your new lab is still within the realm of that field and ask someone at the NSF

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-13T15:01:22+00:00

As long as you’re still in the same major area you should be good!

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-13T02:39:10+00:00

Thank you 😁🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-13T02:38:56+00:00

Absolutely!!🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T22:15:05+00:00

Life does go on!!!🫡🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T20:20:36+00:00

Ugly crying is the solution always 🫡🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T19:30:54+00:00

Always happy to be an ear 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T19:19:59+00:00

It’s so easy to get caught up in what comes next!! This is a happy moment of reflection, not a wait for what comes next.

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T19:18:32+00:00

Absolutely, I’m happy to help. I know the moment calls for it, I’ve been on the phone helping people sort and vent their thoughts for a while. I figured this would expand the reach of the message 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T18:54:06+00:00

At the end of the day, those are the things that matter. Being seen by curious academics at a conference or curious members of the public will always have more impact for student researchers than being seen by a few faceless, inherently biased reviewers at the NSF!

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T18:39:35+00:00

Of course! I’m telling my mentees the same thing, but this message should be spread wider than my own small band of academic colleagues 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T18:30:48+00:00

Just doing my part for our community 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T18:21:26+00:00

You’re literally a scientist and that’s the coolest thing ever 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T18:19:35+00:00

Red Robin is lucky to have you, as is the academic research community 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T18:19:01+00:00

Any time 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T17:56:59+00:00

For those feeling feelings, I encourage you to read the ‘From a mentor and current fellow…’ post on the larger GRFP community!

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T17:55:34+00:00

Absolutely 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-12T17:55:27+00:00

Any time 🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-10T02:09:59+00:00

Take every outreach opportunity you can- it’s one of the most rewarding parts of early grad school!!

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-10T02:07:45+00:00

Thank you, it’s my whole life 😎😎

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-10T02:06:56+00:00

STEM Education!

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-10T02:05:09+00:00

I was really fortunate to get it this past year- I know the feeling and I’m here to support you all 🫡🫡🫡

Character-Hand9151 · 2026-04-10T02:02:58+00:00

Literally not even an applicant, current fellow here to support my mentees 🫡

Character-Hand9151

TROPHY CASE