CARET AWARDS Frequently Asked Questions

Questions: our@kennesaw.edu

• Can I receive CARET funding multiple times?

  Because CARETs are very competitive and the panel review group would like to see new faculty work with undergraduate researchers, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that a faculty member would receive more than one CARET award at this time.

• Can I change my budget/timeline/list of students/etc. after receiving the funding? 

  That is possible; however, any changes need to be discussed with the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research first. Some changes, especially those that change a project to be less student-centered, might not be approved.

• Can I work with more/fewer students than the required number?

  No.

• Can I submit my application late or revise my application once submitted?

  No. In order to be fair to all other applicants, we need to adhere strictly to deadlines, as all grants do.

• Are graphs/figures permissible in the project narrative section?

  Yes.

• What are some common problems in CARET applications?
  • Too few details are provided (much fewer words than allowed in sections with word limits).
  • The budget is not itemized as specifically as reviewers like (e.g., “Supplies: $500”).
  • The timeline is vague.
  • There are numerous writing errors (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.). Consider visiting the Writing Center for help.
  • The budget is not student-centered enough (i.e., all of the funding going toward faculty stipends or course releases).
  • The budget and/or timeline has obvious flaws (e.g., student travel amounts wouldn’t be enough given the number of students traveling; timeline starts/ends at incorrect times).
  • Not following directions (e.g., no learning outcomes listed in the learning outcomes section).
  • There are feasibility concerns (e.g., the project can’t be completed unless another external grant also comes through; the students won’t be able to present until after the funding period).
• What is the acceptance rate for CARET awards?

  The CARETs are increasingly competitive. In 2012, 3 out of the 8 applications were funded (37.50% acceptance rate). Five years later, in 2017, 3 out of 23 applications were funded (13%).

• Who evaluates the CARET applications and how do they make decisions?

  CARET applications are reviewed by a panel review group. Each member individually evaluates each application prior to an in-person meeting. The group meets, discusses the applications, and makes decisions.

• What do funded applications have in common?

  Funded applications typically have:

  • Clear, engaging descriptions of the proposed research project(s), including how the research will make a unique contribution to the literature in this area.
  • A student-focused budget.
  • A plan for obtaining more funds if necessary (e.g., URCA, external funding).
  • A list of measurable student learning outcomes (e.g., “at the end of this project, undergraduate researchers will be able to conduct appropriate data analysis techniques in SAS”). You can find a list of possible learning outcomes here. 
  • Learning outcomes that focus on both products as well as process.
  • A detailed timeline (usually by month).