NSF GRFP Resources and Advice

My General Advice, noting that I applied in 2019 for the 2020 cycle:

Start early, get your letter writers in order, and check your formatting!!! Even if this goes unawarded, it's a feat all on it's own to write a proposal like this. Good luck! You can do this!

The best advice that I have for writing your research proposal: it does not necessarily have to be on what you're going to be doing for grad school. I am still working on black holes, but not the project I wrote about. Write on something you are somewhat familiar with and something that you can have an advisor give direct feedback on. Also, and this is MAJOR, the reviewers reading your application will not likely be experts in your subfield. They will know basic science concepts, of course, but they will not be familiar with the details. Write for them. My astro professor reviewed engineering applications, for example. Be confident, no passive language ("I could" vs "I will", you WILL do those things!!!!). Don't be afraid to add an image or two to showcase your point.

In the personal statement, address any weaknesses that your application may have (mine was my grades). For the broader impacts, really think about impactful outreach both in and OUT of academic settings and really emphasize how feasible they would be for you. In years past, many students got dinged for no papers. Address the projects you've worked on, skills you gained, and paper potential, if you can.

Links to websites that helped me (updated 5/15/2024):

My GRFP documents:

Personal Statement

Research Statement

Reviewer Feedback