Is it too much to apply for NSF GRFP, NDSEG, and DOE SCGF all together?

[ScienceGiraffe]

I am going to be a first year graduate student in the coming fall. The 3 fellowships mentioned in the title require more or less similar contents in their perspective application. I understand that each essays will probably need to be edited to target each fellowship.

 

say...for a hardworking individual who will start on the application materials now, is it too much to apply for all 3 in the same year? anyone did this before?

 

Thanks!

[theoretician]

I did this for this year and just waiting to hear back for the results. Most of the essays were pretty short and not difficult to write at all with the exception of the research proposal for the NSF GRF. That definitely required the most thought and time but if you start now you will be more than fine. I started all 3 applications in September while balancing a Fulbright application, 14 grad school applications, and studying for the general GRE and subject GRE. Good luck with the application process.

[theoretician]

Just to correct my post, I didn't realize you want to apply for the DOE SCGF. I had applied for the DOE CSGF as I do computational and theoretical research. Also, the SCGF did not receive funding this year and did not have an application.

Edited March 12, 2013 by theoretician

[vertices]

Applying to all of them in the same year is a good plan. Not only does it mean more chances, but it's a great way to leverage your work. You're correct that there are common themes and requirements, so meeting them across multiple applications while all of it is still fresh in your mind can lead to stronger applications across the board. I did several and I only regret not applying to more.

[lilien]

In my grad program, we spend the first year in rotations and classes. Before the start of the second year, we are expected to join a lab. I found it difficult to prepare a great application package with all of my first year responsibilities and halfway through the NSF application, I just stopped. I put all the materials away and waited for the next round. In your second year, you have a better idea of your project and will likely have a stronger research proposal (and more to say on your personal statement). Since the 3 essays you write for the NSF should be cohesive, it was the best decision I could've made for myself at the time. I was fortunate to have been awarded the NSF and I feel strongly that I wouldn't have been selected the previous year. 

 

After I prepared the NSF application, I more easily applied for the NDSEG the same year (haven't heard back yet). The NDSEG application is more straightforward with less mental obstacles on the application, but no less competitive. I see no reason you shouldn't apply for both in this sense. Didn't apply for the DOE.

 

My advice is if you have a strong enough application, swing wide and go for them all! Ask someone to review your materials (grades, GRE scores, research activities) before you start the application process. Good luck!