Application Level
GRFP applicants are asked to select the level that most appropriately describes the stage of academic study at the time of the GRFP application deadline. All enrollment in graduate or professional degree-granting programs must be considered and included in the selection of the appropriate application level.
Level 1. You have not previously enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program, but plan to start graduate study next fall. Includes undergraduates in the final year of a bachelor’s degree program and individuals who previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
Level 2. First year graduate student currently enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program, who has never applied to GRFP before as a graduate student or returning graduate student, or a student currently enrolled in a joint bachelor’s-master’s degree program (must have completed three academic years in program).
Level 3. Currently enrolled, second year graduate student who has completed no more than one academic year of graduate study while enrolled in any graduate degree-granting program. Applicant does not have a graduate degree and has never applied to GRFP before as a graduate student or returning graduate student. This level also includes joint BS/MS holders, currently in the first year of a PhD program, who enrolled in a PhD in the term immediately following the completion of their joint degree.
Level 4. Returning graduate student who is not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, and may have more than one academic year in a graduate-degree granting program and/or a master’s or professional degree, followed by an interruption of at least two years just prior to the GRFP application deadline. Note: address the reasons for the interruption and why you should be considered to be in the early stages of your graduate education in the Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement.