NSF GRFP "practice" app

[eco_env]

I'm starting my first year of grad school in Sept, and I was thinking of applying to the NSF GRFP this year (so starting work on it this summer). I can probably write a better proposal the next year, after I've done some research, but I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to get some practice and feedback on the application. Has anyone found it helpful to do this? Are people more likley to get the fellowship if they are applying for a second time?

[BlueRose]

I'm starting my first year of grad school in Sept, and I was thinking of applying to the NSF GRFP this year (so starting work on it this summer). I can probably write a better proposal the next year, after I've done some research, but I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to get some practice and feedback on the application. Has anyone found it helpful to do this? Are people more likley to get the fellowship if they are applying for a second time?

Sure, why not try it? Remember that you're getting judged against people in your category (undergrad/first year/second year). You'll write a better proposal once you've had a year of grad school under your belt, but more will be expected of you.

Also, even if you don't get it, you will be able to re-use significant parts of your application (the Personal Statement and Research Experience won't change all that much, even if you scrap the Proposal). So it'll be easier the second time around.

As for whether it actually helps to re-apply...it might. Some people do a bad job of presenting themselves (usually, they blow off Broader Impacts), they get spanked for it in their reviews, then they fix it and get a fellowship the next time around. I've also heard a story from this board of someone who had a poor showing in undergrad, published like crazy in grad school, and eventually got the fellowship, with reviews stating that recent good performance made up for previous mistakes. But among those who have educated themselves on the review process (and don't have a hole to dig themselves out of), there seems to be less correlation than one might hope between reviews from one year and the next.

Besides, you might actually get it. As the Lottery says, you can't win unless you play...

Edit: Also, if your school is like mine, they're going to make you apply as a first year anyway.

Edited May 2, 2011 by BlueRose

[husky]

Of course apply! My best advice is start early (which you are already doing) and ask for help. Get as many people to read your essays as you can - especially professors. Professors can help with the research proposal. Also, if there are any GRFP recipients at your school, get as much advice from them as you can. You'd be surprised how many students wait til the last minute and don't have good applications. Your starting early already raises your chances of winning.

Good luck!!

[IRdreams]

I second the start early advice. I held it off a little bit later than I would have liked. 3 professors did read it before it went out and all worked out well, but I still feel like I could have improved it had a I left time for one more round of editing. I also didn't find out about it until the end of my first year so if it hadn't worked out well I wouldn't have had 2 additional shots which I think is a good thing. I learned alot from the comments and so even if you don't get it, the comments should be helpful for your research and for future grantmanship.

[jendoly]

Even if you haven't done any research yet, if you can come up with a good idea for a research project with your advisor this fall, that's really all you need for a 1st year grad app, I think. A well thought out idea, plan, and literature review. They're not looking for results from you yet, except under maybe the previous research essay, but that will be mostly undergrad stuff anyway.

I didn't have any professors read mine either year I applied. I'm not a good example to follow in that regard =P

[eco_env]

Thanks for the replies. A couple other questions: 1. is a poster presentation at a conference worth much on the application? I'm trying to get a paper published, but in case that doesn't work out... 2. any good resources for applicants (for writing the essays in particular)? answers specific to ecology would be particulalry useful.

[BlueRose]

any good resources for applicants (for writing the essays in particular)? answers specific to ecology would be particulalry useful.

I found it helpful to read sample essays. There's a great collection here from Rachel Smith; most of them are ecology, actually, and many have ratings sheets. If you Google around a bit, you'll find more essays on people's personal websites.

Edited May 5, 2011 by BlueRose

[IRdreams]

I found it helpful to read sample essays. There's a great collection here from Rachel Smith; most of them are ecology, actually, and many have ratings sheets. If you Google around a bit, you'll find more essays on people's personal websites.

That website is brilliant. As to whether to include poster presentations, if you are limited for space in the presentation section I wouldn't. However, if this is the most you have it is worse to leave that section blank and the poster presentation can only look better than the alternative of nothing.

[eco_env]

That website is brilliant. As to whether to include poster presentations, if you are limited for space in the presentation section I wouldn't. However, if this is the most you have it is worse to leave that section blank and the poster presentation can only look better than the alternative of nothing.

What I meant is, should I present my research at a conference? I have't done it yet, and I'm wondering if it's worth the bother and expense (the conference would be a great experience in general, but it's not ideal timing for me, and I'm not sure if my travel costs will be funded).

[BlueRose]

What I meant is, should I present my research at a conference? I have't done it yet, and I'm wondering if it's worth the bother and expense (the conference would be a great experience in general, but it's not ideal timing for me, and I'm not sure if my travel costs will be funded).

I would do it if it's at all possible. Evidence that you have presented your work seems to be key for NSF; those who don't have this lose points in both Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Also, from a less mercenary perspective, conferences are awesome. If cost is an issue, is there any way you could find a local conference? Even having a poster at the department retreat is better than nothing.

[thedelstar]

Thanks for the replies. A couple other questions: 1. is a poster presentation at a conference worth much on the application? I'm trying to get a paper published, but in case that doesn't work out...

Absolutely. Two of my reviewere mentioned that my extensive presentations was evidence that I could communicate my work.

If you have to fund it yourself, and you can afford it it is still worth it. Professional Growth networking etc.

And then just stay for a few more days to explore the city for some personal time!

[Brad Miller]

Professors can help with the research proposal. Also, if there are any GRFP recipients at your school, get as much advice from them as you can.

I'm having trouble deciding where to start with the proposal and what to come up with for the Hypothesis. How much can professors help with the proposal? If I know almost nothing about the research field that I did my undergrad research project in, can they provide you recommendations for what papers to read and tell you what the hot areas are in the research area you are proposing in?

If I was just admitted to grad school, would the GRFP recipients at my upcoming school be willing to help me out considering I only met them once or I haven't even met some of them before?

Edited May 9, 2011 by Brad Miller

[husky]

I was kind of in the same situation. I did undergraduate research in an area completely different from my intended graduate study area. So, I had to first start by just doing intensive reading in the general area of my interest. After reading several papers, I narrowed down a single topic within the broad area. I then wrote a rough draft of a research proposal and asked a professor (in that area) to check over it and make suggestions. They might be willing to suggest papers and current topics, but there is no substitute for doing your own reading.

One more thing you can do is search around online for past GRFP proposals. They are far and few between, but I was able to find a couple when I was writing my proposal. It helped me have an idea of what a good proposal should actually look like.

I really don't know if past winners will help you seeing that you are a new student. But it can't hurt to ask. You may have better luck talking to your department advisor. They may be able to get students to help you. I always get emails from my department asking me to connect with incoming students.

I hope it works out for you.

I'm having trouble deciding where to start with the proposal and what to come up with for the Hypothesis. How much can professors help with the proposal? If I know almost nothing about the research field that I did my undergrad research project in, can they provide you recommendations for what papers to read and tell you what the hot areas are in the research area you are proposing in?

If I was just admitted to grad school, would the GRFP recipients at my upcoming school be willing to help me out considering I only met them once or I haven't even met some of them before?

[IRdreams]

Schools also often keep binders of successful application in their fellowship or career office and these can be a useful guide since online examples are rare, though the ones on the earlier proposed website of high caliber even within a pool of successful applicants.