How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online through a rolling admissions process. In order to apply online, you will need a computer with an internet connection and a supported web browser.

Can I print the application form and mail it?
If you are unable to use the online application, contact predoc@cfa.harvard.edu for more information.

How do I register online?
Go to the Fellowship Application Login page. Select "Register." On the Registration page, enter your full email address and a password of your choice. Repeat both for verification and select "Register Now."

Will funding be awarded for my fellowship if my application is accepted?
All applicants must either have funding from their home institution or obtain funding directly from their SAO Advisor.

When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted throughout the year. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials, including letters of recommendation, are received by the deadline. Incomplete applications -- and/or applications received less then six weeks before the intended start date -- will not be considered.

What type of visa am I eligible for as a fellowship recipient at SAO?
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) issues only J-1 visas to fellowship recipients. SAO cannot issue any other type of visa including tourist or employment visas to fellowship recipients at the time of their award or during their tenure if their J-1 visa eligibility expires. Please contact us at predoc@cfa.harvard.edu if you have further questions about visa eligibility.

When will offer be made for the SAO Predoctoral Fellowships?
Offers will be issued by email shortly after receipt of required application materials. If you are not selected, you will be notified via email.

Are there any requirements I must meet in order to apply?
All applicants must be currently enrolled in a university degree program. Additionally, applicants must have completed preliminary coursework and examinations and be ready to begin dissertation research at the time of the award. Similarly, the candidate must secure the sponsorship of an SAO advisor and the permission of her/his university's department head in order to be given full consideration by the Predoctoral Oversight Committee.

Where are the Application Instructions?
They are online on the Application Instructions web page.

How should letters of recommendation be submitted?
Letters of reference should be submitted by three "referees" familiar with your scientific abilities and must be received six weeks prior to intended start date for the applicant. They should be emailed as pdf, Word attachments, or plain text directly by the referees to the Fellowship Program Coordinator at predoc@cfa.harvard.edu. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that letters of reference have been received. Use the "View Status" feature to check if receipt of a letter of reference has been recorded.

What format is required for uploading files?
Files should be in pdf format. If this is not possible, Word documents or plain text are acceptable.

Can I edit my application online?
Yes, you can access the application as many times as you want until the deadline. You can enter more information or edit existing information each time. You can upload new files to replace existing ones until the deadline.

If my password does not work, what should I do?
On the "Fellowship Application: Login" page select "Reset Password" and a new password will be emailed to you if you have already successfully registered.

How will I know if all my application materials have been received?
After logging in to the application, select "View Status" to check what remains incomplete in any of your applications. In addition, when viewing your application online, you can check previously uploaded files by clicking on the link provided. You will be prompted for a username and password -- enter the email address and username you used to register.

What should I do if I notice an error in my application after I submit it?
Until the deadline, you can access the application to make corrections, including uploading new versions of the pdf files.

What if I decide to withdraw my application?
If you want to withdraw your application, send email to predoc@cfa.harvard.edu stating your full name and which fellowship application you wish to withdraw.

What if I have other questions?
Please send an email inquiry to us at predoc@cfa.harvard.edu.