NSF Previous Research Essay

[AlexM451]

In the essay prompt, the NSF asks us to include posters, presentations, publications etc..., but we also list this info in the education section of the application itself. This seems kind of redundant to me, and it would be nice to have extra space on the essay. What are you guys doing about it?

[Eigen]

Here's how I look at it:

The CV portion of the education section will get much less attention than any of the three essays.

The essays are a way to highlight your most important works.

Papers and presentations are the culminations of your research, therefore it's only natural to use citations of them at the bottom as support of your research- it shows not only that you did it, but it was reasonable and accepted into the community via publication.

I certainly am not putting all my publications and presentations, just the ones that are the most indicative/prestigious, about 3 of each.

[AlexM451]

Good point, thanks!

[Sassafras]

Does anyone know if the papers/presentations at the end of the previous research exp essay be formatted in 10 pt font like references/lit cited or does it need to be in 12 pt font?

Here's how I look at it:

The CV portion of the education section will get much less attention than any of the three essays.

The essays are a way to highlight your most important works.

Papers and presentations are the culminations of your research, therefore it's only natural to use citations of them at the bottom as support of your research- it shows not only that you did it, but it was reasonable and accepted into the community via publication.

I certainly am not putting all my publications and presentations, just the ones that are the most indicative/prestigious, about 3 of each.

[t_ruth]

The way I read it 10 point font is appropriate for publications & presentations (thank goodness).

[Eigen]

The way I read it 10 point font is appropriate for publications & presentations (thank goodness).

I'm working under the same assumption.