Thank you for your response, just talking to other people about the GRFP helps! I really think that I can present a strong case for those categories, so I think I'm going to submit an application! The worst they can say is no, and I would rather know that I tried, than not try at all.
You're absolutely right! I actually fall into the latter category, thank goodness
@nervousosteoblast First off, I love the name because I feel the nervousness and I think bones are really cool. Second, I don't have experience with the particular situation you are in, but I do have some advice.
I applied to the NSF GRFP for the first time this season, so I have never gotten it or anything. But I had experience applying for it and advice from a winner as well as from a professor. I think GPA is important to them, but I have a feeling your Master's and PhD one might be more important since they are more recent. Secondly, NSF seem to care more about your research proposal, your research experiences, and the outreach you have done within STEM. Their main two things is broader impacts and intellectual merit. If you can prove to them that you have both of things, then I think you are a pretty competitive applicant. They want to see that you are able to write a proposal, have the right background for the research you talk in the proposal, and how the research in your proposal will affect others. With the other essay, you discuss your past, which also builds up on your intellectual merit and previous broader impacts on your community.
I hope this helps!
nervousosteoblast got a reaction from Teaching Faculty Wannabe in GRFP Question