Mistakes That Can Cost You an Assistantship
1. Applying only to famous universities
Highly ranked universities can have excellent funding, but competition can be intense.
So, Don’t ignore smaller universities with strong programs in your field.
2. Sending generic professor emails
If your message could have been sent to 50 professors without changing a word, it is probably too generic.
3. Focusing only on grades
Strong grades help, but research, teaching, technical and professional experience can strengthen your case.
4. Waiting until admission
Some funding decisions happen during the admission process.
Research funding before submitting your application.
5. Assuming “funded” means completely free
Always ask what the package actually covers.
6. Ignoring deadlines
A university application deadline and a scholarship or assistantship deadline may not always be identical.
Check both.
7. Exaggerating your experience
You don’t have claim research experience, publications, software skills or teaching experience you do not have.
Academic departments can verify these things.