GEM

Q. I have been notified of sponsorship by a GEM Employer, but I have not heard from my employer sponsor. What should I do? Can I still accept the fellowship?

A. You should contact the GEM Office ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202-457-8672) to help you contact the appropriate GEM Employer representative. Then proceed to accept the fellowship and mail the student acceptance form as soon as you are prepared to accept the GEM Fellowship conditions.

Q. What if I am still unsure about accepting the GEM Fellowship by the deadline?

A. Your decision to delay accepting the GEM Fellowship prohibits the GEM Employer from seeking the best internship experience in a timely manner. Therefore, in the interest of the GEM Employer and other GEM Applicants, this is not an option.

Q. I haven't decided whether I should go to graduate school or work full time. Can I defer accepting the fellowship? Or can I accept the fellowship and defer starting graduate school?

A. If you are unsure about your graduate school plans, you should talk to your GEM Employer and University representative. You may be able to defer starting your graduate program or you may be advised to decline the award and reapply when you are ready for graduate school.

Q. I was not admitted to my first choice graduate school (or any graduate school). What should I do?

A. Contact the university/universities that did not admit you and find out the reasons for your not being admitted. Discuss your options with the department, graduate school or GEM University representative. You may be advised to retake your G.R.E. or expand the list of graduate schools to consider. If you wish to request deferring the start of graduate school, discuss this possibility with your employer representative. You may be advised to reapply for a GEM Fellowship when you are prepared to begin graduate school.

Q. When should I let the GEM Office know my graduate school choice?

A. You should inform the GEM Office as soon as possible that you have accepted a graduate school offer but no later than May 1st. As soon as you have accepted a graduate school offer, use our University Intent Form to let us know your graduate school choice. This helps us keep in touch with you. Please take a moment to fill this form out if you have changed your name, moved or changed e-mail addresses since we last spoke with you.

Q. How are stipend checks disbursed? I received an invoice for my graduate school tuition. What should I do?

A. All funds are administered through the GEM University representative. Be sure you have sent your GEM University Confirmation form to the university representative.

Q. I've begun my summer internship and don't like my job. Can I switch my Employer sponsor?

A. You must work for the employer you have been matched to by the GEM Selection Committee. If you do not fulfill your obligation, you must decline your GEM Fellowship. You can, however, reapply the following year.

Q. Can I accept more than one fellowship?

A. It depends on what is offered to you. While you may not accept a competing fellowship in addition to the GEM Fellowship, you are eligible to accept many supplemental fellowships. Please call the GEM Office to answer your questions.