National Science Foundation
The NSF Graduate
Research Fellowship
Program
Graduate Research Fellowship Program Operations Center
GRFP Key Elements
• 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!!!
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
GRFP General Eligibility
• 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
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
NSF GRFP Deadlines
• 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
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Changes to the Application
• 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.
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
Online through NSF FastLane
• Proposed plan of research (2 pages)
• Previous research experience (2 pages)
• Personal statement (2 pages)
• Transcripts
• Three letters of reference
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
• 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
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Preparing a competitive application
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)
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 criteria
• Intellectual Merit
• 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/
Intellectual Merit Assessment
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Academic performance
Awards/honors
Communication skills
International experience
Independence/creativity
Publication/presentations
Research plan
Choice of institution
References
Research experience
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 Assessment
• Prior accomplishments
• Future plans
• Individual experiences
• Integration of research and education
• Potential to reach diverse audiences
• Impact on society
• Community outreach
• Leadership potential
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Preparing a competitive application
Reflection on your
experiences and proposed
research on the real world
***Discussion with
experts, mentors, and
peers
***Construction; give to
experts, mentors, and peers
to review
Polish to create final draft
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/
Key Resources
At www.nsfgrfp.org:
• Tips for applying
• Frequently asked questions
• Find GRFP resource people
• Other funding opportunities
Most Importantly:
*Your Professors and Mentors*
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Information: www.nsf.gov/grfp or www.nsfgrfp.org
Apply at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/