At the beginning of each academic year the GAFS committee holds several meetings to review past performance and success. Goals and policy matters are discussed and formulated incorporating input from faculty, staff, and students. The overall goal has been to maintain a physics graduate class of the highest possible academic level with the support funds available. To achieve this goal, the committee has found it useful to be aggressive in seeking new ideas concerning admission and financial support. During each semester, completed applications for admission and financial assistance are evaluated by the committee.
All rankings are combined and averaged to produce an overall ranking for the applicant.
In addition, the files of all unsupported or temporarily supported students who have requested support are evaluated. The averaged numerical scores form an ordered list of applicants. This list is a starting point for discussions concerning admission of new students and financial awards to both new and current students. The committee then decides what type of financial support will be offered. This is an Associate Instructorship plus Fellowship.