National Science Foundation
NSF Graduate Research
Fellowship Program
www.nsfgrfp.org
Graduate Research Fellowship Program Operations Center
GRFP Key Benefits
• Three years of PORTABLE support
• $32,000 Stipend per year (planned)
• $12,000 Educational allowance to
institution
• May be used over 5 year period
• International research opportunities
• Access to XSEDE
cyberinfrastructure resources
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
GRFP Eligibility
• U.S. citizens, nationals, and
permanent residents
•Early-career students – fewer
than two years previous graduate
study in the past two years.
• Pursuing research-based
PhD (or MS) in NSF field
• Enrolled in accredited U.S.
institution by Fall 2014
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
GRFP Supported Disciplines
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Chemistry
Computer and Information Science
and Engineering
Engineering
Geosciences
Life Sciences
Materials Research
Mathematical Sciences
Physics and Astronomy
Psychology
Social Sciences
Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics Education (researchfocused)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Not Supported by NSF GRFP
• Business administration or
management
• Social work
• Medical, dental, law, or public health
programs
• Joint science-professional degree
programs, e.g., MD/PhD, JD/PhD, etc.
• Education (except research-focused
STEM Education programs)
• See Solicitation (www.nsfgrfp.org)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
*NSF 2013 Application Deadlines*
November 4, 2013: Engineering / Materials Research / Computer and
Information Sciences and Engineering
November 5, 2013: Mathematical Sciences – Chemistry – Physics/Astronomy
November 7, 2013: Social Sciences – Psychology – STEM Education
November 8, 2013: Life Sciences – Geosciences
November 14, 2013: Reference letter deadline
All deadlines are at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Complete Application
NSF FastLane
• Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement (3 pages)
• Graduate Research Statement (2 pages)
• Transcripts, uploaded into FastLane
• Three letters of reference required
• Additional information required for some candidates See Solicitation
for eligibility requirements (available on www.nsfgrp.org)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Review Criteria
Two National Science Board-approved Review
Criteria:
• Intellectual Merit: this criterion
encompasses the potential to advance
knowledge
• Broader Impacts: this criterion
encompasses the potential to benefit society
and contribute to the achievement of specific,
desired societal outcomes
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Intellectual Merit
Panelists may consider the following with respect to
the Intellectual Merit Criterion:
“The potential of the applicant to advance knowledge
based on the totality of the content in the application,
including the strength of the academic record, the
proposed plan of research, the description of previous
research experience or publication/presentations, and
references.”
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Broader Impacts
Panelists may consider the following with respect to
the Broader Impacts Criterion:
“the potential for future broader impacts as indicated
by [past and present] personal, professional, and
educational experiences [including service,
leadership, and outreach].”
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Intellectual Merit and Broader
Impacts Assessment
• Personal, Relevant Background
and Future Goals Statement
• Graduate Research Statement
• Reference Letters
• Transcripts
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Personal, Relevant Background and
Future Goals Statement (3 pages)
Theme of the Statement:
How do you envision graduate school preparing you for a
career that allows you to contribute to expanding scientific
understanding as well as broadly benefit society?
• You should strive to portray the key aspects of your
intentional preparation for a successful graduate career
and to discuss concisely your aims for graduate study.
• Your writing should be clear and engaging to a scientific
but non-specialist reader.
• You should convey your enthusiasm and passion for your
field of study/research.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Personal, Relevant Background and
Future Goals Statement (3 pages)
• MOTIVATION AND EDUCATIONAL TRAJECTORY: Describe [clearly and
specifically] your personal, educational and/or professional experiences that
motivate your decision to pursue advanced (graduate) study in science,
technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
• PREVIOUS RESEARCH: Include specific examples of any research and/or
professional activities in which you have participated. Present a) a concise
description of the activities, b) highlight the results and c) discuss how these
activities have prepared you to seek a graduate degree. Specify your role in
the activity including the extent to which you worked independently and/or
as part of a team. Note any presentations/publications.
• PERSONAL AND SCIENTIFIC BROADER IMPACTS: Describe the
contributions of your activity to advancing knowledge in STEM fields as well
as the potential for broader societal impacts
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Graduate Research Plan (2 pages)
Present an original research topic that you would like to pursue in
graduate school.
•Describe the a) research idea, b) your general approach, as well as c) any
unique resources that may be needed for accomplishing the research goal (i.e.,
access to national facilities or collections, collaborations, overseas work, etc.)
You may choose to include important literature citations.
•Address the potential of the research to a) advance knowledge and
understanding within science as well as b) the potential for broader impacts on
society. The research discussed must be in a field listed in the Solicitation
(Section X, Fields of Study).
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Recommenders
Reference Letters
• Choose at least three appropriate reference writers
o Research mentors and advanced course instructors are best
o Rank recommenders in order of strength
o List up to 5 recommenders (only top 3 will be read)
• Give them ample time to prepare their letters
• 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)
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Evaluation of applications
• NSF Panelists spend approximately 20 to 25 minutes
reviewing your application file – from start to finish.
• You must aim to make it as easy as possible for panelists to
see your strengths – your essays must be:
o Clearly written
o Excellently organized
o Highly responsive to requirements
o Strongly focused on demonstrating your intellectual merit
and broader impacts
• YOU MUST HAVE ESSAYS REVIEWED BY OUTSIDE
READERS
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Summer 2013 Steps To Take
• (For undergrads) Finalize your Grad School application plans
in conversations with your mentors.
• Nail down 3 appropriate recommenders – TALK to them
about your plans and request that they review and critique
your application essays.
• Brainstorm your NSF “Graduate Research Plan” statement
with mentors and research your topic carefully.
• Make a full inventory of your “Broader Impacts” activities
and include them wherever appropriate in your essays.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Best Online Advice Sites
www.nsfgrfp.org
http://grfpessayinsights.missouri.edu/
Or search “grfp essay insights”
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/