Robin G. Walker

Alex Lang's site has several essay examples http://www.alexhunterlang.com/nsf-fellowship including several from 2015-2016, several disciplines

The solicitation for 2017-2019 was released July 20. Did someone start a group? http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2016/nsf16588/nsf16588.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click Grad students who applied last year can re-apply; new grad students have only one opportunity to apply. Decision time - apply this year or next?

It is true that they are investing in the researcher for 3 years, not the research plan itself.Think of this as a detailed, 2 page abstract. Make certain that your data collection/analysis methods are rigorous and sound. It does NOT have to be a 5 year plan. The NSF GRFP is open to those pursing a research-based master's degree. If you proposed a 5 year plan, be clear about what you will accomplish in during the 3 years of a fellowship tenure, and how you will subsequently complete the research as part of your dissertation research. I do not recommend a one year plan simply because it begs t

Need some clarification on what is meant by leave, and when you take it. You remain eligible to apply to the NSFGRFP if you have earned less than 12 months of graduate credit as a full time student. Full time study is defined by the institution, not NSF. So you can stop/start/transfer, etc as long as you have not accumulated more than one year of full time grad credit.If you stop out for a period for 2+ years, you become eligible to apply again, even if you have a master's degree.You do NOT have to be enrolled at the time of application. You MUST be admitted at the time of acceptance with the

A note about the NSFGRFP: If you earned a master's degree, then worked for 2+ years (or stopped out for other reasons) and are just now starting a PhD, you would be eligible again to apply to the GRFP under the current rules.

A couple of thoughts on the above comments: reviewers need to learn if you are prepared to undertake grad study and a grad research project. That readiness comes from engagement in activities that include undergrad research, leadership, work, etc. Clearly explain (a) how your previous experiences have prepared you to persist/succeed in grad school and (b) your rationale for pursuing a different discipline. Be sure to connect your decision to your career goals. know that your selection of discipline will be the disciplinary panel that reviews your proposal; even with an interdisciplinary propo

With what you have described, you are fine. My sense is that reviewers do expect those who are starting their second year to be further along than first year grad students.

Yes! You may apply in the first semester of your second year of grad study as long as you have not acquired (earned) more than 12 months of full-time graduate credit hours. I'll refer you to the official solicitation, which is linked from my site. http://grfpessayinsights.missouri.edu/

Anyone applying for the GRFP this year? The instructions have changed SIGNIFICANTLY and deadlines are in early November. I've updated my site: http://grfpessayinsights.missouri.edu

Tell students that the National Science Foundation released the new GRFP solicitation last night. http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2012/nsf12599/nsf12599.htm?WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click

I agree with snowblossom2. The GRFP is a mark of excellence that will enhance your CV for many years to come. Further, it shows that you have the drive to secure external funding for your research. That's a transferable skill that is likely to help you secure a competitive postdoc position and can be reported as NSF funding if you later apply for an Early CAREER Development grant.

It is my understanding that the NSF GRFP program has discontinued that requirement entirely. You will not need GRE scores.

Need tips on writing the three GRFP essays? I have several resources that may be helpful. Go to http://gradschool.missouri.edu/NSF-GRFP - Dr. Robin G. Walker, University of Missouri Graduate School