How to Be a Competitive Applicant for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Graduate research fellowships can be great funding alternatives to teaching and research assistantships. They provide an opportunity to show future PIs that you’re capable of getting funding, and they also give you more freedom with the scope of your project.
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) is a competitive, prestigious fellowship for graduate students that you apply for as an undergraduate or during your first or second year in graduate school.
To ensure your application is competitive, first thoroughly review the GRFP website and understand the mission of the NSF: to conduct research with both intellectual merit and broader impacts.
The application requires a personal statement detailing previous research and academic experiences and achievements, outreach and leadership experiences, and future career goals. Additionally, students propose an innovative research project and detail how it will be completed.
I’ve benefitted from the excellent funding, professional network, and research flexibility afforded by the NSF GRFP and highly recommend people apply.
Consider these tips as you prepare your application.
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