Also I've been editing a ton of NSF GRFP statements this cycle. I could (should) probably write an entire series re some common writing pitfalls I see but for now I want to share just one thing I've noticed recently: language that disempowers you as an applicant
1/n
1/n
❌ "This allowed me to explore xyz"
✅ "I explored xyz"
❌ "I was being trained as"
✅ "I trained in"
❌ "I was able to conduct"
✅ "I conducted"
❌ "I was able to determine"
✅ "I determined"
❌ "The xyz courses available to me"
✅ "I took courses in xyz"
✅ "I explored xyz"
❌ "I was being trained as"
✅ "I trained in"
❌ "I was able to conduct"
✅ "I conducted"
❌ "I was able to determine"
✅ "I determined"
❌ "The xyz courses available to me"
✅ "I took courses in xyz"
Keep it declarative. Simple. Active. Don't undercut your own accomplishments. Don't sell yourself short. Don't narrate as a passive trainee. Own your story as a scientist. As a professional.
This is not bragging. This is not arrogance. It's owning your actions & accomplishments
This is not bragging. This is not arrogance. It's owning your actions & accomplishments
This thread goes out especially to all my #WomenInSTEM #LGBTinSTEM #BlackInSTEM #AcademicMamas #NSFGRFP #AcWri
Show up. Be seen. Make changes.
✊🏾❤️
Show up. Be seen. Make changes.
✊🏾❤️
