Be sure to first read through the Application Materials and Review Criteria for the award.  These two sections provide basic information on the application that are helpful to applicants.  Below are some additional tips for putting together and submitting your application.

Do you have a great application tip that you do not see here?  Please help us share it with others.

Useful Tips for Applying 

Develop a Concept; Then Clarify Ideas

• Review the program announcement; clarify questions with the GRFP office
• Develop an outline of your purposed graduate research and personal essays

Make Connections

• Set up dates with an adviser or mentor to discuss your proposed research
• Locate someone at your institution who can assist you in preparing the application
  

Find Literature

• Conduct a literature search to learn about past research in your area
• Review literature with mentors, advisors and guides

Draft your Research Essay

• Describe the research problem, methodology, techniques and anticipated findings
• Include any projected problems or limitations, and anticipated conclusions

Review the Other Essay Criteria

• Emphasize the significance of your work and how you will communicate your results to the greater scientific community
• Define your future involvement

Write about Past Research Experience

• Describe what research areas you are passionate about
• Describe the link between your proposed plan of research and previous research experiences

Review, Review, Review

•  Revise your proposed plan of research & application essays multiple times, waiting several days to re-read and rewrite
• Have your mentors, friends, and family read and critique your application essays
• Meet with your mentor or advisor to review your final research plan before you submit it

Check application completeness and receipt of supplemental materials

• Mark absolute deadlines for the application on a calendar
• Verify that parts were received as they were submitted
• Check with reference writers and remind them of the upcoming submission date

Do Not Wait Unit the Last Minute

• If possible, begin uploading essays early.  FastLane tends to slow down as more and more applicants start using the system, especially around deadlines. 
• Track the progress of reference writers and have a back up reference. We recommend listing four references on your application.

 Find GRFP Resource Persons

Applicants often benefit from volunteers who have experience with the GRFP in some way.   A list of these individuals and their contact information is available to applicants.

 Fellow Silvana A. Rosenfeld from Stanford University analyzes llama bone remains from pre-Columbian sites in Cuzco, Peru.  Silvana is exploring the manner in which different animal sacrifice and food consumption settings impacted the sociopolitical organization and integration of the Wari Empire (AD 600-900).