Graduate Research Fellowship Program Operations Center

The NSF Graduate The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Research Fellowship

ProgramProgram

National Science FoundationNational Science FoundationNational Science FoundationNational Science Foundation

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• Three years of support – $121,500

• $30,000 Stipend per year• $10,500 Educational allowance to institution

• May be used over 5 years

• International research opportunities

• Supercomputer access

• Portable – use it anywhere!!!

GRFP Key ElementsGRFP Key ElementsGRFP Key ElementsGRFP Key Elements

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents

• No prior graduate degree (except joint BS/MS)

• No more than 12 months prior graduate study

• Pursuing research-based MS and PhD

• Enrolled in accredited U.S. institution

GRFP General EligibilityGRFP General EligibilityGRFP General EligibilityGRFP General Eligibility

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• Application: Available NOW

• Deadlines: 7 pm Eastern Time

November 14, 2011- Engineering

November 15, 2011 - Mathematical Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering; Chemistry; Physics and Astronomy; Materials Research

NSF GRFP DeadlinesNSF GRFP DeadlinesNSF GRFP DeadlinesNSF GRFP Deadlines

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• The 7:00 p.m. Application Deadline (Eastern Time)

• Reference letters will be due by 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, November 29

• Applicants with a previous graduate or professional degree in any field are not eligible.

Changes to the ApplicationChanges to the ApplicationChanges to the ApplicationChanges to the Application

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

Online through NSF FastLane

• Proposed plan of research (2 pages)

• Previous research experience (2 pages)

• Personal statement (2 pages)

• Transcripts

• Three letters of reference

Complete ApplicationComplete ApplicationComplete ApplicationComplete Application

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• Panelists are academic and research experts in your discipline, not necessarily in your research area

• Each application evaluated by 2 to 3 panelists

• Panelists spend approximately 25 minutes on each

• Your essays must be as clear and well-organized as possible

• Panelists provide constructive comments for applicants

Evaluation of applicationsEvaluation of applicationsEvaluation of applicationsEvaluation of applications

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

Reference Letters

• Choose three appropriate reference writers:• Research supervisors/mentors• Teachers of advanced courses in your field who know

you well• Other science/math/engineering teachers who know

you well

• They should know you as a scientist and personally

• Share your application materials and the merit review criteria (good letters address Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts)

Preparing a competitive Preparing a competitive applicationapplication

Preparing a competitive Preparing a competitive applicationapplication

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

Two National Science Board-approved criteria

• Intellectual Merit

• Broader Impacts

Review CriteriaReview CriteriaReview CriteriaReview Criteria

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• Academic performance• Awards/honors• Communication skills• International experience• Independence/creativity• Publication/presentations• Research plan• Choice of institution• References• Research experience

Intellectual Merit AssessmentIntellectual Merit AssessmentIntellectual Merit AssessmentIntellectual Merit Assessment

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

• Prior accomplishments

• Future plans

• Individual experiences

• Integration of research and education

• Potential to reach diverse audiences

• Impact on society

• Community outreach

• Leadership potential

Broader Impacts AssessmentBroader Impacts AssessmentBroader Impacts AssessmentBroader Impacts Assessment

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

***Discussion with experts, mentors,

and peers

***Construction; give to experts, mentors, and

peers to review

Reflection on your experiences and

proposed research on the real world

Polish to create final draft

Preparing a competitive Preparing a competitive applicationapplication

Preparing a competitive Preparing a competitive applicationapplication

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org

Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/

At www.nsfgrfp.org:

• Tips for applying

• Frequently asked questions

• Find GRFP resource people

• Other funding opportunities

Most Importantly:

*Your Professors and Mentors*

Key ResourcesKey ResourcesKey ResourcesKey Resources