|
Frequently Asked Questions
DEADLINES
Extensions
for Application and supporting materials
Q. I
can't make the deadline. May I have an extension?
A. No. Unfortunately, we cannot extend the deadline past
March 7, 2010. We must maintain the preset deadline to ensure
fairness to all applicants. However, if potential applicants are
unable to meet the deadline this year, we do invite those who are still
eligible to apply next year.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Citizenship/Green Card Holders
Q. I am a U.S. permanent resident. Would my application
be accepted if my naturalization application has been submitted and the
process is underway but not yet complete?
A. No. U.S. citizenship at the time of application is a
requirement. Green card holders are not eligible, but we hope they will
apply in the future once they have become U.S. citizens.
Age Requirement
Q. My 21st
birthday is a few weeks after the program dates. Is the age
requirement strict or can exceptions be made?
A. The age requirement is strict. All applicants must be 21 years of age on
or before July 11, 2010 to be eligible. However, if potential applicants
are unable to meet the age requirement this year, we do invite those who
are eligible to apply next year.
Q.
Is there
an upper limit on age to participate?
A. No. There is no age limit to participate other than the requirement
that applicants be 21 years of age on or before July 11, 2010.
Grade Point Average
Q. I am very close to a 3.0 GPA. Is the GPA
requirement absolute?
A. No. On a case-by-case basis we may rule eligible an application in
which the GPA is very close to 3.0, but applicants in this case must
demonstrate an otherwise strong academic background as completely as
possible in their applications. However, applicants will be compared to
applicants who fully meet this requirement.
Non-Traditional Fields of Study (Non-National
Security Related)
Q. What fields of study should an applicant be
involved in to qualify for application?
A. We are pleased to accept applications representing a wide variety of
academic disciplines (i.e., medical school, veterinary medicine,
psychology, law school, etc.) that might not be traditionally considered
directly related to national security. Indeed, a diverse array of
backgrounds is drawn on by our thousands of professional intelligence
analysts every day.
Preference for Undergraduate/Graduate Applicants
Q. It seems that the words "graduate student"
are mentioned often in your announcement even though you will also
accept graduating seniors (undergraduates). Does the program have a
preference for graduate students over college seniors? In other words,
what is the probability that an undergraduate student will be selected
for the program?
A. We are accepting applications from graduating seniors (Class of 2010
with acceptance to or enrollment in ongoing graduate study), and current
graduate students. All applicants will be competitive based on their
merits, and we do expect undergraduates will count among the most
competitive candidates overall. (In 2009, approximately one third of
our selected participants were undergraduates.)
Class of Fall 2009 Graduates
Q. I completed my (graduate) degree in December,
2009. Do I have to currently be a student to attend NSAISS next summer?
A. You have to be currently enrolled in an academic program, or planning
to enroll in a graduate program by Fall 2010 to be eligible to apply for
the NSAISS. If not currently enrolled,
you must show proof of enrollment in or acceptance to a graduate school
program by June 30, 2010.
Q. I earned my B.A. in the spring of 2009, am
taking a year off and will enter graduate school in the fall of 2010. Am
I eligible to apply?
A. Yes. We will consider an application to be valid if, along with other
requirements, the applicant (if selected) must send proof of acceptance
to or enrollment in a graduate program by June 30, 2010 to
NSAISS@orise.orau.gov.
Class of Spring 2010 Graduates
Q. I am completing my graduate degree in Spring
2010, am I eligible to apply?
A. Yes. In this case, applicants must be able to show current enrollment
in a graduate program by the application deadline. Transcripts
including class enrollment during the current term will suffice.
Q. Are graduating seniors required to be entering
graduate school in the Fall of 2010 to be eligible?
A. Yes. If graduating seniors (Class of 2010) submit an
application to a graduate program, then they are eligible to apply. If
selected for the NSAISS, selectees must show proof of
acceptance/enrollment in the graduate program as soon as possible but no
later than June 30, 2010 to
NSAISS@orise.orau.gov.
Class of 2011 Rising Seniors
Q. May "rising seniors," i.e., juniors who will
be seniors in college in the Class of 2011, apply?
A. No. Potential applicants are encouraged to apply next year when they
meet the eligibility criteria.
Part-Time Grad School
Q. I am enrolled in a Masters program but as a
part-time student. Am I eligible to apply?
A. Yes. We will accept applications from applicants enrolled part-time
in graduate programs at the time of application. However, applicants
will be compared to applicants who are enrolled as full-time students.
Graduate-Level Certificate Program Students
Q. I am currently enrolled in a graduate
certificate program at a university. Although I am in the same classes
as other graduate students, I wanted to ensure that I could apply for
the program even though I will not be receiving a two-year master's
degree or PhD.
A. Yes, we will consider an applicant’s involvement in a certificate
program within a graduate-level program to meet the eligibility
requirement.
Online Learning: Does it Qualify?
Q. I am earning my graduate degree online. Is
that an acceptable program for the purposes of your application?
A. Yes. Applicants pursuing advanced degrees online from a nationally
accredited university/college are eligible to apply.
Not Planning on Graduate School
Q. Can I apply if I don’t plan to go to graduate
school?
A. No. Applicants must be planning to enroll in a graduate program by
Fall 2010 to be eligible to apply for the NSAISS. Applicants
must show proof of enrollment in or acceptance to a graduate school
program by June 30, 2010. If applicants are interested in a
career in intelligence analysis, we encourage them to pursue
opportunities in the intelligence community
http://www.intelligence.gov/careers-in-intelligence/types-of-opportunities/analysis.html
and at http://www.usajobs.gov/.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Already Have Security Clearance
Q. I hold an active clearance. Can I submit a
copy of a form such as the ‘JPAS’ (Joint Personnel Adjudication System)
printout documenting my clearance instead of submitting the SF-86?
A. No. The SF-86 form must be submitted regardless of an applicant’s
clearance status. If an applicant currently has an active security
clearance, the clearance must be valid at the time of the seminar, July
11-23, 2010, and verifiable through appropriate clearance databases. ODNI
Security may ask to have clearances certified by the sponsoring agency.
Previously completed SF-86 forms may be submitted as long as the
information is still accurate. Supplemental information on a separate
sheet of paper is acceptable as long as it contains a signature. Subject
must re-sign and re-date page 17, authorization for release of
information page and medical release page.
A fillable PDF version of the SF-86 is available at
http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86.pdf
Additional information may be requested once an
initial review is completed. This information may include, but is not
limited to, verification of past credit resolution, contact with foreign
nationals, and court documentation supporting past law enforcement
encounters. Applicants will be personally notified should further
information be required.
The SF-86 MUST be submitted by postal mail, and it
must be postmarked on or before March 7, 2010. Electronic or faxed
copies of the SF-86 will not be accepted.
Oak Ridge Institute for
Science and Education
NSAISS, MS-36
P.O. Box 117
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117
Already Submitted SF-86 for Another Job
Q. I currently have an SF-86 pending. Do
I need to fill this out again?
A. Yes. The SF-86 form must be submitted regardless of an applicant’s
clearance status. Previously completed SF-86 forms may be submitted as
long as the information is still accurate. Supplemental information on a
separate sheet of paper is acceptable as long as it contains a
signature. Subject must re-sign and re-date page 17, authorization for
release of information page and medical release page. Information must
be complete to the best of the applicant’s abilities since partial or
incomplete information could delay processing. It is preferable that
information is typed, but it may be handwritten as long writing is
legible. A fillable PDF version of the SF-86 is available at
http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF86.pdf
Additional information may be requested once an
initial review is completed. This information may include, but is not
limited to, verification of past credit resolution, contact with foreign
nationals, and court documentation supporting past law enforcement
encounters. Applicants will be personally notified should further
information be required.
The SF-86 MUST be submitted by postal mail, and it
must be postmarked on or before March 7, 2010. Electronic or faxed
copies of the SF-86 will not be accepted.
Oak Ridge Institute for
Science and Education
NSAISS, MS-36
P.O. Box 117
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117
Q. If my security clearance is denied, can I still participate in NSAISS?
A.
No. Even if an award is offered, participation in the NSAISS program is
contingent upon the approval of the applicant’s proper clearance.
PAST/PRESENT OCCUPATIONS OR RELATED EXPERIENCE
Prior Intelligence Experience
Q. I was wondering if this is for people with
little or no background in the field, or can experienced (inactive)
intelligence analysts apply?
A. Prior experience as a federal, state, or local intelligence analyst
in no way impedes an applicant’s application to or participation in NSAISS. NOTE: While we welcome applications from anyone meeting
the published criteria, our program will not suit the interests or
levels of experience of anyone with substantial intelligence background;
the curriculum introduces one to the IC, its disciplines (what is HUMINT,
what is SIGINT etc.), and provides insight into becoming a working-level
analyst. Experienced practitioners may find little information in the
program that is new.
Active Duty as a Reservist
Q. Will the program allow me to be on Active
Duty orders with the Army National Guard?
A. Yes. Reservists may participate, however, the reservist’s National
Guard Unit or similar employer must agree. (Being on official orders is
one way to indicate the Unit’s agreement.) If selected, reservists must
waive the stipend as a reservist on active duty.
NOTE: If you are in an intelligence related billet, this
program will not suit the interests or levels of experience of anyone
with substantial intelligence background; the curriculum introduces one
to the IC, its disciplines (what is HUMINT, what is SIGINT etc.), and
provides insight into becoming a working-level analyst. Experienced
practitioners may find little information in the program that is new.
Career Uniformed Military
Q. I am career officer corps/enlisted corps
personnel but can get orders to participate in NSAISS as a training
event. May I apply?
A. No. NSAISS is not open to currently serving career uniformed
military.
U.S. Government Contractor
Q. I'm a graduate student and a full-time
employee of a U.S. government contractor. Am I eligible for this program?
A. NSAISS is not open to federal government employees,
contractors or currently serving uniformed military. However, we realize
that in rare instances, full-time graduate students may be on work-study
through their departments that provide expertise to the U.S. Government.
In other cases, a graduate student may be studying at a federally-funded
institution such as a service academy or service graduate program (such
as the Naval Postgraduate School) and part of the tuition package may
involve employment as a teaching assistant. In such circumstances,
please send an e-mail to
NSAISS@orise.orau.gov explaining your special circumstances and we
will look into the situation on a case-by-case basis.
REFERENCE LETTERS
Submitting Letters of Reference
Q. My professor gave me the letter of
reference. Can I submit the letter or does it have to be submitted
directly by the referee?
A. You may submit letters of reference provided to you as long as letter
is on university letterhead and includes your name and the signature of
the referee.
Confidentiality of Letters of Reference
Q. If the writer of my reference letter wishes
to send confidential letters to NSAISS, is there a way they can do
that?
A. Yes. If referees prefer to have their letters sent confidentially,
they can
e-mail them directly to
NSAISS@orise.orau.gov. Letters must be on university letterhead and include the name
of the
student and signature of the referee.
Content of Reference Letters
Q. What should the two letters of reference
contain?
A. At least one letter must testify that the applicant is currently a
student in good standing with their current university. This will be
used in conjunction with the applicant’s transcripts to confirm academic
status. If the applicant has already graduated or is not currently
enrolled in a graduate program (but intends to enroll by Fall 2010), the
statement must confirm the applicant’s graduation date/degree and intent
to enroll in graduate school.
We are interested in an assessment of the
applicant’s interest, broadly speaking, in national security. Letters
would be strongest if from current or recent faculty who can attest to
the applicant’s academic qualifications.
Additional (More than Two) Letters of Reference
Q. I have more than two references that I want
to send. Is this acceptable?
A. No. Additional letters (more than two) are not requested, and, in
interests of fairness, are not evaluated as part of the application.
Employer Recommendation/Reference Letter
Q. May I use a recommendation from an employer
instead of from a faculty member or dean?
A. A letter from an applicant’s current employer may be submitted as a
substitute for one of the required letters of reference if there is
absolutely no way of providing two letters from academic officials. If
using an employer’s letter, it would be best if the letter made
reference to the applicant’s future academic plans or any current or
prior intellectual/academic activities of which they are aware.
NOTE: NSAISS is intended for
individuals involved in graduate study in some capacity, and it is not a
career entry or mid-career program.
Classified Reference Letters
Q. My faculty member reference can submit a
classified letter because my study involves classified national security
issues. Can you accept classified letters?
A. No. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to retain classified materials
in this application process. Applicants should ask referees to write
letters that discuss work at the unclassified level.
TRANSCRIPTS
Official/Unofficial Transcripts
Q. If I can’t get an official transcript in
time, may I send an unofficial copy?
A. Yes. An unofficial transcript will be accepted as long as it includes
the university logo, a registrar signature and/or university seals. We
will accept official/unofficial transcripts given to students with these
official markings. Transcripts printed by the student will not be
considered.
Schools Where I Did Not Earn a Degree
Q. I have studied at universities in the
U.S./abroad other than the university from which I received my degree. I
did not earn a degree from those universities and the credit(s) did not
count toward my past/current degree. Should I also include transcripts
from those institutions?
A. Yes, although it is not required. If an applicant can provide
transcripts showing courses taken at schools from which they were not
earning a degree, and those schools are not included as credit-earning
on the primary school transcript, they are welcome to submit
transcripts. Transcripts
from the universities at which an applicant earned credit toward a
past/current degree in the last two years are required.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM/GENERAL
Absences/Schedule Conflict
Q. I have a personal commitment that will take
me out of town for a three-day weekend during the course of the seminar.
Will this commitment jeopardize my chances of being accepted into the
seminar?
A. Yes. A three day conflict would impede an applicant’s involvement
since the intensity of the program will involve scheduled activities
through both the weekdays and the weekends. However, a smaller schedule
conflict may not be considered disruptive. If an applicant is
offered a position in NSAISS, we request that they advise us at that
time of any scheduling conflicts and we will evaluate these instances on
a case-by-case basis.
Hours/Program Schedule
Q. What will the schedule and hours be like
during the seminar?
A. While exact times have not been finalized, we expect each day to
begin around 8:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon to mid-evening.
A few evenings will include a working dinner, and other evenings will be
open for participants to organize themselves. Because there will be
interest in visiting tourist sites, museums, etc., some of these
activities will be scheduled, but there will also be some free time for
participants to plan their own activities, religious observances if
desired, and so forth.
NOTE: The intensity of the program
will involve scheduled activities through both the weekdays and the
weekends during NSAISS. Practical exercises, case studies,
gaming/simulations, meetings with senior IC professionals and
policymakers, site visits and more will be held throughout NSAISS.
Lodging
Q. If participants already live in the area, are
they required to lodge with the others?
A. No. However, it is recommended since the schedules will involve many
early morning or late evenings. The Washington D.C. commute is so
unpredictable, the participant may wish not to have to worry about the
commute during this two-week seminar. Note that any commuting
expenses the participant incurs are the sole responsibility of the
participant and will not be paid in lieu of the accommodations.
Daily Life for an Intelligence Analyst
Q. What is the typical day of an intelligence
analyst like? What are some of the pros/cons of the job?
A. For information on the career of an Intelligence Community analyst,
please see:
http://www.intelligence.gov/careers-in-intelligence/types-of-opportunities/analysis.html.
What to Expect from NSAISS
Q. What should I expect from a two-week
intensive course like this?
A. Our two-week seminar will provide insight into the work of
intelligence analysts. NSAISS will be composed of practical exercises,
case studies, gaming/simulations, meetings with senior Intelligence
Community (IC) professionals and policymakers, site visits and more,
which will be held throughout the entire two weeks of the program,
including weekends. Students will interact
with front-line analysts working high profile intelligence issues,
engage with senior IC managers, senior policymakers and eminent experts,
and make site visits to IC agencies for in-depth analytic sessions.
Q. Will I be offered a job upon completion of
the NSAISS?
A. No.
No commitment on the part of the participant, ODNI, or any other federal
agency with regard to later employment is implied or should be inferred
by the offer or acceptance of an award.
Q. If after selected to participate, I cannot
attend the seminar this year, can the award be deferred for next year?
A. No.
Available funds are for awards for the summer of 2010, and awards may
not be deferred.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Q. When will I be notified if selected to participate in NSAISS?
A. All selection notifications will be conducted by ORISE. It is
anticipated that both selected and non-selected applicants will
be notified by e-mail beginning April 5, 2010. Please note that with
security clearance processes taking up to 8 weeks, some candidates may
not hear final acceptance until June 1, 2010.
Q. Who will make final selections?
A. Completed and submitted applications will be reviewed by a carefully
selected panel of reviewers who will select 40 of the most qualified
applicants based on eligibility (see “ELIGIBILITY”
section of this website for more information) and credentials presented
in the application materials. This will include the student’s academic
record, reference letters, and statement of interest. Reviewers will
also consider the applicant’s educational background, personal and
professional experiences, and demonstrated understanding of and interest
in national security. The final selection of participants will be made
by ODNI.
Q. I have more questions not answered here.
A. If your question is not covered here or in the application process or
other materials, send an e-mail to
NSAISS@orise.orau.gov.
Thank
you for your interest in the
Office of the Director of National Intelligence NSAISS 2010.
Good
Luck with your application!
|
