Frequently Asked Questions

The Coordinating Center is available to assist you Monday - Friday during normal business hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time).

1. When should I start preparing my application?
2. Who can help me with this process?
3. What is an official transcript?
4. To whom do I address my professional letters?
5. When is my application due?
6. How soon will I know the status of my application?
7. Is the Award taxable?
8. How do references work?
9. I am interested in a Predoctoral Scholarship. Which degrees can I pursue?

1. When should I start preparing my application?
START AS SOON AS THE CALL COMES OUT. Do not underestimate the time it takes to properly prepare and complete the application process. All applicants are encouraged to start gathering necessary information as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Things to do as soon as the call comes out:

• Update your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Begin thinking about your professional development plan and research, if applicable
• Identify and contact 3 individuals who would write strong letters of recommendation; provide enough information about the program that they can speak to your qualifications for it.
• Identify a mentor/advisor and begin discussions regarding their availability to be your mentor, the clarity of the match between your goals and research interests and their program of research, and to participate in this program

2. Who can help me with this process?
Your advisor, your mentor, a current or previous BAGNC Scholar or Fellow can assist you with the preparation of an application. Depending on the organizational structure and processes of your school, the office of research or graduate studies may be helpful.

3. What is an official transcript?
An official transcript is a transcript prepared and approved by the university's registrar office, enclosed in the original sealed envelope from the university, and has the university's official stamp. Please be aware that once the envelope has been opened the transcript is no longer considered official. Thus, you should request one copy of the transcript to scan and upload to the application system. 

NOTE: Collate your official transcripts and mail them to the Coordinating Center in one package, i.e. have all official copies sent to you, and when you have them all, forward the package to us.  Request transcripts from current institutions of study in September so that grades from as many courses as possible are listed.

4. To whom do I address my professional letters?
Even though they are being uploaded, all professional letters (including letters of intent and letters of support) are to be addressed to:

5. When is my application due?
The deadline for receiving applications is January 14, 2009 by 12:00 Midnight, EST. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete (this includes all transcripts, as well as all references). The official transcripts must arrive to the Coordinating Center by close of business (5:00 p.m. EST, M-F) on January 14, 2009. There will be no exceptions made. Incomplete and/or late applications will be ineligible for review.

6. How soon will I know the status of my application?
We provide a response as soon after the Selection Committee meets as feasible.

7. Is the Award taxable?
Each person's situation is different. You should work with a tax accountant regarding how to handle the award in your particular situation.

8. How do references work?
Applicants obtain a commitment from three individuals for professional references and enter the names and email addresses of these references into the application system at the same time. Each reference will receive an email with a unique password with which they can sign into the application system and provide the required information for the applicant. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the person providing the reference completes it by the due date. The system will send an email to the reference, the applicant, and BAGNC when a reference has been completed.

9. I am interested in a Predoctoral Scholarship. Which degrees can I pursue?
Our program is designed to support the preparation of academic geriatric nurses. The Predoctoral Scholarship thus supports nurses enrolled in or accepted into a doctoral nursing degree program with a focus on research and preparation for an academic role in nursing. Examples of such degrees are PhD and DNS. An example of a degree not supported is DNP. If in doubt, please contact us.