Leveraging NSF application essays for Ford Foundation Fellowship application

[AnnzPB]

I am applying for the NSF GRFP and the Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship for 2012. I have drafts done for my NSF essays, and so I'm wondering the extent to which I can leverage these already-written essays for my Ford Foundation application.

Specifically, I have a question about Ford Foundation's Proposed Plan of Graduate Study and Research. For the NSF, I wrote out an actual study plan, complete with intro/background information, proposed methods and participant count, anticipated results, and then a paragraph each on the intellectual merit and broader impact of the proposed study (I'm applying for psychology).

But I am confused about the directions for Ford Foundation's analog to NSF's Proposed Research statement, which is the Proposed Plan of Graduate Study. This is the information that is on their website for that essay:

From the website and application instructions PDF

:

Essay describing proposed plan of graduate study and research and the applicant’s long-range career goals

(maximum 2 pages, double-spaced, avoid technical jargon)

From the "Suggestions from Reviewers" PDF on the fellowship website

:

Proposed Plan of Graduate Study and Research: In general, the more academic experience an applicant has, the more this should be reflected in the proposal.

• Describe clearly your chosen area of study and the research issue that interests you.
  
• Explain why your chosen institution is especially suited to your field of study and to the type of work you plan to undertake.
  
• Explain the relevancy of the courses you plan to take and how they relate to your plan of study.
  
• If possible, describe the research methods and theoretical framework you plan to use.
  
• Relate your proposed research to a larger academic community and society as a whole. Explain why your study will be useful.
  

So here's my question: does Ford want something similar to what NSF wants for this essay--an actual proposed study? Or do they want general information about what you want to do in graduate school, what classes you're going to take, what type of research you're going to conduct, etc?

As you can see from the language on the website, it's a little unclear which of these two directions they want applicants to take. And since I haven't been able to look at any sample Ford Foundation application essays (does anyone know where I could reference those, per chance??), I am at a loss for which direction to take. PLEASE HELP!!!

[smith.nikolai]

Hey!

I have the same problem! Did you find any essays or help? Please email me if so smith.nikolai@gmail.com

Thanks!

[bcn]

I'm relieved to hear I'm not the only one confused. Did you guys find anything?

[Kreshnik Begolli]

HEY!

I have the same question!