National Science Foundation's
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

About the GRFP

This nationally fellowship provides three years of financial support for beginning graduate study leading to a research-based degree in biological sciences, computer sciences, chemistry, engineering, geosciences, information science, social sciences, life sciences, mathematics, psychology, physics & astronomy, or STEM Education. The $30,000-per-year fellowships are intended for seniors who will begin graduate study the following fall, or grad students in the early stages of a master's program. Awards include a cost-of-education allowance. About 2000 fellowships are offered. Must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident alien. Learn more at NSF GRFP.org

How to Apply

1. Read the official GRFP solicitation (expected in August 2012)
2. Create an account in FastLane GRFP and complete the online form.
3. Follow the instructions for writing the three short essays.
4. Upload your academic transcript(s.)
5. Arrange for three references to submit their letters directly into Fastlane-GRFP.
6. Upload your final essays and submit your completed application by your disciplinary deadline.

Important! Dr. Robin G. Walker's GRFP essay guides have been moved to a new site. In addition to her GRFP checklist, self-scoring rubric, and essay work sheets, this new site features GRFP advice from Fellows, GRFP advice from reviewers, and innovative strategies for strengthening broader impacts. Her new site will be launched by June 2012.

Social Network: Prospective applicants might consider joining Dr. Walker, GRFP Fellows, faculty mentors, and fellowship advisers on the LinkedIn group, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. It's a great way to discuss ideas and seek general GRFP advice. Remember: the two official sources of information about the GRFP competition are (a) the current National Science Foundation GRFP solicitation and (b) applicant instructions found in Fastlane GRFP.

Applying in the Future?
(Advice for College Juniors & Sophomores)

Future GRFP applicants should: pursue domestic and international research experiences, publish and present research, engage diverse groups in educational outreach, and hone leadership skills. Meet with your mentor to discuss strengthening your broader impacts now. Here are a few suggestions for future GRFP applicants.

For GRFP Awardees Planning to Attend Mizzou
in the Summer or Fall of 2012

As soon as you accept a fellowship, please contact the Graduate School to establish a stipend account. Do this as soon as possible to allow time for internal paperwork. Start with Ruth Erwin in the Graduate School - 210 Jesse Hall. This handout explains how GRFP stipends are paid at Mizzou. Thank you!

GRFP Advice & Resources in Blackboard9™

Current MU students: go to Blackboard9™ for writing resources and winning essay examples by Mizzou's own GRFP Fellows. Login to Blackboard9™. Click on the My Mizzou tab. On the lower right, in Organization Catalog section, click Browse Organization Catalog. On the next screen, type the word grad in the search box. Click Go. Scroll through results for grad_writer or Grad Writer's Resources for Grants, Fellowships & Scholarships. Click the down arrows. Select enroll. The GRFP resources will be in this new BB9™ organization. Please contact Dr. Robin G. Walker if you have questions.