Thread by @JordanBHarrod

A thread on applying for the NSF GRFP, as a current fellow:

Like most people, I had a lot of questions when I applied both times. In this thread, I’m going to try to answer those questions based on my experiences, in the hopes that y’all find it helpful.

Also, if anyone wants to see my application materials, reply or DM me! I’m happy to send them.

1) Should I apply as a senior?

Personally, I think you should! Assuming you have the necessary application materials (LORs, essays, transcripts), the worst thing that can happen is that you get useful reviewer feedback. Best case: you get the fellowship!

1) cont.

While all reviewer feedback is not equal (or helpful), having something to base your second application on when you apply in grad school is better than nothing. I found it helpful to be familiar with the process when I applied for the second time.

2) How do you pick a project for the research proposal?

Two things to keep in mind: 1. You don’t have to do whatever you propose, and 2. It has to be a reasonable PhD project - something that can be done in 4-6 years.

I pitched an extension of an existing project in a lab at Stanford the first time (spoiler: didn’t get into Stanford), and an application of a method developed by my current lab for the second time (except I hadn’t joined or rotated in the lab yet and had no mentoring).

3) How do you write the personal statement?

Lots and lots and lots of drafts. At least, that was what it took for me. I spent about 2/3 of the space on research background and plans, and the rest on future plans/public outreach.

The solicitation includes some main points to hit, so I’d make your initial draft based on those and then send it out to as many professors/current fellows as you can get your hands on for feedback!

4) What if I don’t want to become a professor? Don’t they prefer that?

That’s fine. I don’t want to be a professor either! Having said that, you never 100% know what you’ll end up doing post-PhD, so I’d say what you feel comfortable with.

5) Do all of my letters of rec need to be from professors?

I don’t think so? I had four letters and one was from my industry manager (and another was from a professor that I never did research with) and it didn’t seem to be an issue.

The only thing I’d say regarding non-academic letter writers is to make sure they understand what the application reviews are looking for in a letter (which is on the website)!

Okay, that’s what comes to mind for now. I’ll add to this thread with any other questions that come to mind (and replies to your questions, if you have them!).

Feel free to ask me whatever about applying!