Applying for NSF-GRFP grant, need advice!

[ahimsa000]

Hi all,

 

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I hope it is ok that I have posted this thread in the "Research" folder...

 

I just finished my first year in a Masters in Biotechnology program at Brown University, did alright: 2 As 2 Bs. But my research/lab work is really great, according to my thesis advisor. She is really happy with my work and results, and has been pushing for me to apply for funding towards a PhD in her lab. Today, I discussed this whole thing with a PhD student in my department who just transitioned from Masters to PhD and she received the NSF grant to fund her project! I was very inspired by what she had to say, but now I'm a little freaked out.

 

My undergraduate transcript is TERRIBLE: cumulative GPA was 2.77 and major was biological sciences from UC Irvine. I was thoroughly shocked when I got in to Brown, but I think my work and internship experience was really the only thing that was decent in my application. Anyways, I'm really striving towards this NSF grant, and I have a few ideas for a PhD project proposal! I am really excited to start the project, but I obviously need funding before applying to the program. As an internal applicant, I have to still go through the formalities of applying and interviewing, but I need to score funding first.

 

Now my question is, how am I going to make up for this horrible GPA from my undergrad years? I can provide my work/intern/volunteering experience in this thread, but I'm just very worried I will be rejected like most people who apply for this grant. I know there are other grants/foundations that award students with funding for projects, but I'm sure I still need to prove to them that my determination is not defined by my undergrad grades.

 

If anyone has any advice or guidance on this subject, that would be greatly appreciated. I am also writing to some previous mentors who have probably been through this process themselves. I just wanted to get as much advice as possible. Thanks!

 

SR

[talkcherty2me]

As someone who applied and got honorable mention, it seemed like the essays and recs were overwhelmingly the most important parts of the app. No one really commented on my GPA and someone even commented that it was great that I had taken an upper level math class not normally taken by people from my major (I got a B-).

Edit: I also found a few websites with past successful application essays. I would use those to help you write yours.

Edited June 11, 2015 by talkcherty2me

[dstock]

There is a huge NSF GRFP thread in "The Bank" forum on this site you can check out.

[gellert]

There is a huge NSF GRFP thread in "The Bank" forum on this site you can check out.

 

Heck, maybe it's even early enough to start a new one for 2016, OP.  

 

Fwiw, I got the NSF and no one mentioned my GPA.  To be fair, my GPA was pretty good, but I did have some oddities on my transcript due to medical withdrawals.  Your research experience/LORs/statements = a million times more important.

[juilletmercredi]

I was an NSF fellow too, from 2010-2013.

 

I think once you're in graduate school your undergraduate transcript is less important, particularly if you are a couple of years out from undergrad. Some reviewers may comment and some may not; I can't remember whether I got any comments on mine (pretty mediocre at 3.42). More important, of course, are your essays - particularly that research proposal - and letters of recommendation from your advisers. One of your recommenders could even address it, saying that the undergrad GPA is not reflective of your superb work now as a graduate student.

 

The thing is...it costs you nothing to apply, other than the time to put together the application. Writing the essays is a good exercise anyway because it helps you formulate your ideas and lots of other fellowships have a similar process. So just go ahead and apply. Don't shut yourself out - let someone else tell you no rather than you telling yourself no before you've gotten a chance to try.

 

Since you're in biotechnology you might also be interested in a National Research Service Award fellowship from the National Institutes of Health (commonly called an F31).

[My_Brain_Hertz]

On this similar topic, I was wondering if anyone can help me with where to find the essay topics, and other information about the application itself. I have been searching all morning to find more information as to how to apply. I am also wondering if anyone has seen whether or not the fastlane application process is simply closed for now and will reopen closer to the deadline. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thanks

[Pitangus]

On this similar topic, I was wondering if anyone can help me with where to find the essay topics, and other information about the application itself. I have been searching all morning to find more information as to how to apply. I am also wondering if anyone has seen whether or not the fastlane application process is simply closed for now and will reopen closer to the deadline. 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Thanks

 

Have you not read the program website? It's all there.  https://www.nsfgrfp.org/

[geographyrocks]

You say you are working on your Masters?  Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe you qualify for the GRFP.

 

"The "no more than twelve months" limit applies to your entire education career, not just your current program. If you have completed less than twelve months of your Ph.D. but have previously completed a Master's degree, you would not be eligible for the GRFP, unless you meet the criteria for an extenuating circumstance as described in Section IV of the Program Solicitation."

 

https://www.nsfgrfp.org/applicants/eligibility

[GeoDUDE!]

If you are entering your 2nd year of graduate school (masters or PhD) you can apply that year.