National Science Foundation's 2010
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

The GRFP provides three years of financial support for graduate study leading to a research-based master’s or doctoral degree in the sciences, technology, mathematics, and engineering. Interdisciplinary study is possible. The $30,000 fellowships are intended for students who will begin graduate study in 2010 or have just started a graduate degree program. Read the official GRFP announcement to learn more about the eligibility requirements.

How to Proceed with the GRFP Application Process

First, read the funding announcement to determine your eligibility for the 2010 GRFP. Next, register in FastLane to find additional instructions. To apply for the GRFP you will need to write three short essays, complete the online information forms, and submit three reference letters and official transcripts.GRE scores are optional, but recommended. This GRFP checklist will help you manage your time to meet the early November 2009 deadlines.

Link to the 2010 GRFP Funding Announcement and Deadlines

The first task you should undertake is to familiarize yourself with the fellowship instructions. Click on this link to NSF's official GRFP funding announcement, which NSF calls a "program solicitation." It explains the purpose of the program, eligibility requirements, deadlines, scoring criteria and award amounts.

FastLane E-Submission System

This link takes you to NSF's secure site where you can enter the FastLane system for the GRFP. A link to the official User Guide may be found on this same Fastlane page.

Tip Sheet to the Personal Statement (essay)

Includes suggestions for approaching your personal statement, writing strategies and tips for writer's block.

Tip Sheet to the Previous Research Experience Essay

Includes a chart for organizing your previous research experiences. Think broadly about your skills and ability to conduct research, as well as transferrable skills!

Tip Sheet to the Proposed Plan of Research (essay)

Your research plan must be rigorous and scholarly. Make certain that you work closely with your adviser (mentor) on your research plan. Don't forget to address intellectual merit, broader impact, and to include key citations and a statement of originality. If you have not developed a research plan before, this Research Plan Worksheet might be helpful.

Self-scoring Rubric

This unofficial rubric is designed to help you improve your essay drafts. To be highly competitive, proposals must include elements from the third column of the rubric. Suggestion: Ask others to review your drafts and give them a copy of this rubric. Before submitting your essays, make certain that you have followed all of the GRFP's instructions precisely and addressed the official scoring criteria -- Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts.

2010 GRFP Review Process, Scoring Criteria & Award Notification

This handout, copied from the NSF program solicitation, explains the review process, scoring criteria and notification date. Essays will be judged by the official scoring criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Tips: Evaluate how your research proposal aligns with the NSF's mission and investment priorities. How do you teach others about your research? Is your research plan potentially transformative?

NSF FastLane User Guide in Flash

The NSF provides a online User Guide for the FastLane system. Bookmark this page. A section for reference letter writers is included.

GRFP Resources in Blackboard

Current MU students may go to Blackboard for additional GRFP resources, including essay examples by MU GRFP fellows. Login to Blackboard, and go to the My Mizzou tab. In the organization catalog, select the student folder. Look for Writer's Resources for Fellowships, Scholarships, and Grants (ID: Grad_Writer). Click enroll. Please contact Dr. Robin G. Walker if you have questions.

For 2010 GRFP Awardees Planning to Attend MU

Award winners will be notified in March 2010. If you accept a 2010 GRFP award, and you plan to attend MU, you must notify the fiscal person in the MU Graduate School to set up an account. Stop by 210 Jesse Hall or call 573.882.6311 and ask for Ruth Erwin. Please do this as soon as possible after you accept your fellowshihp. Staff members at MU must take several steps to process your fellowship, in order for you to receive your monthly stipend in the fall. This FAQ pageexplains the process at MU. Thank you!