AstroTech 2021 Summer School: Communications and Updates

January update and application deadline reminder

Date: January 8, 2021

Subject: AstroTech 2021: January update and application deadline reminder

Message:

Dear AstroTech applicant,

We are writing with a few friendly reminders and an update on the acceptance process for the 2021 AstroTech Summer School. First, the deadline for Part A of the application (the portion of the application currently open) is January 21, 2021. All applicants that submit Part A will receive a notification when Part B opens at a later date.

Next, we understand there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the pandemic and summer plans and would like to provide a brief update on the acceptance process. We would very much like to offer AstroTech in an in-person format if it is safe to do so, given the status of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are continuing to plan for the best-case scenario. However, we have a contingency plan to pivot to a shorter remote version of AstroTech if an in-person format is not possible. Our best chance of offering AstroTech in-person is to wait as long as we can to make a decision. Because of this, we will delay notifying applicants of their acceptance status until March 2021 or later. Our general plan is as follows:

• Close the current application (known as Part A) on the deadline of January 21, 2021. All components of Part A (see “Required Materials” section of the How to Apply page) are due on this date.

• Announce the format of AstroTech, and send applicants Part B of the application (questions related to constraints imposed by COVID-19).

• After Part B of the application has closed, we will notify applicants of their acceptance status: March 2021 or later.

We apologize for any inconvenience and understand that you all need to make summer plans as early as possible. We encourage you to get in touch with us if you need to make a decision on your summer plans. In the meantime, please be sure to complete the portion of the application currently open, Part A, if you would like to be considered for AstroTech 2021. Late or incomplete applications after January 21, 2021, will not be considered regardless of delays in our acceptance process.

Thank you for your interest in AstroTech, and we look forward to reviewing your application!

The AstroTech Team