However, students who travel to a National Training Center are encourage to conduct the program during the summer as there are group activities that will not be available during other times of the year.

: The deadline is February 7, 2009. After this date you will not be able to access your application whether or not it is complete. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

: Your application will have a “Pending” status until it has been scored and reviewed by the National Review Committee. At that time you will receive an e-mail notification.

: We allow up to two weeks after the February 7 deadline for letters to be submitted. If they are not received by that time, then your application will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted. You will be able to log-in to see if any letters are still missing for your application.

: The HIFS will be asked to submit a broad-based geriatrics research, clinical, and mentoring plan. This plan will help to ensure that your interest in academic geriatrics is sustained and further developed upon completion of your research program.

: After you submit the contact information for your home institution faculty sponsor/reference/certifier, these individuals will be contacted automatically via email. The email will include information on how to log-in to the web-application in order to submit their portion of your application, as well as the information they need to provide in order to complete your application. Be sure you enter the correct contact information!

: No. Your HIFS can only submit one portion of your application. You must have someone else submit your reference.

: You are required to have a HIFS at your home institution to help ensure that your interest in academic geriatrics is sustained and further developed upon completion of your research program. If you are traveling to a National Training Center, you will be matched with a research mentor based on your interests.

: Once you are accepted into the program and placed at a National Training Center, you will be contacted by someone from the National Training Center and matched with a research mentor based upon your interests.

: Yes, if your reference letter writer is the dean of students, dean of student affairs, registrar, or dean of academic affairs, then they may also certify that you are currently enrolled and in good standing.

: While we prefer all materials to be submitted through the on-line web-application, we are aware that some registrar offices will not do this. In this event, you may have them mail or fax the enrollment certification to: MSTAR, American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), 55 West 39th Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10018, FAX: 212-997-0330.

: That depends. If you are not attending or going to a National Training Center, we should be able to notify you by the end of March. If you are at a National Training Center or have indicated you wish to travel to a National Training Center, it may take a few weeks longer to be notified.

: Yes! We prefer that the letters arrive by December 23, but we will accept them up to two weeks after the deadline.

: NO! The cover sheet with original signatures must be in our office by 5pm EST on December 16.

: The Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) and Beeson Career Development programs require that the applicant is a US citizen or permanent resident. There are no citizenship requirements for the biology of aging programs.

: We are very sorry that your cat died, but, no you can not get an extension on the deadline for ANY reason.

: July 1, 2009, except for the Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) and Beeson programs.

: As long as it is 12 pt for the 8 page proposal that is fine.

: NO. All figures, etc. must be included in the 8 pages.

: No, it has to arrive with original signatures (NO FAXES) in our office on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 by 5:00 pm EST. We will not accept late submissions. Please plan accordingly.

: Yes. But we only cover stipends, not tuition. (This does not apply to the postdoc program.)

: Yes. (This does not apply to the postdoc program.)

: The budget section will say if it is, but for most programs the answer is no. Especially if it says "absolutely no indirect costs."

: No.

: Yes, have them write a letter and include their NIH-style biosketch.

: No, but if your application is recommended for funding you must provide it prior to the start date of the award.

: Yes, but please provide two physical letters, otherwise it is very confusing. You may include additional letters if you'd like. Three are required: one from department chair and two others.

: No, you can only include it if it has been accepted for publication but has not yet been published.

AFAR/Gilbert Grants
Q: Is the total amount for the AFAR and Gilbert Grants $75,000 for one year and $150,000 for two years?
: No, it's $75,000 total over one or two years.
Q: I am not yet junior faculty, but I will be by the start date of the application, am I still eligible to apply?
: Yes, you will just need to have your department chair indicate in his or her letter that you will be junior faculty by July 1, 2009.

BIG-specific
Q: I am a full or associate professor. Do I still have to get the Chair's letter for my BIG application?
: No. Only assistant professors or equivalent.

Julie Martin Mid-Career
Q: My institution does not award tenure to Associate Professors. That's ok, right?
: No, sorry. If your institution gives tenure-- even if tenure is only given to full professors-- you must be tenured. People at institutions that do not give tenure must demonstrate that their appointment is equivalent to a tenured position. This may be accomplished by a statement that the applicant has an appointment equivalent to that of a tenured Associate Professor, and how the institution determines tenure equivalent. Also, please keep in mind that this appointment must have been received after December 1, 2005.