Now that you’ve got the main pieces down, revise your document to maximize its impact. For NSF GRFP applications, you’ll need to have explicit sections for Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit. If there’s no research statement, you should briefly summarize the projects you want to work on, and how those fit in with your experiences. When the commercial software was insufficient for my gamma spectroscopy project, I … This has given me the confidence and software skills to attack open-ended research problems.”. This cements your identity into the minds of the reviewer. As long as you stay within the specifications set by your target program, you have the freedom to structure your personal statement as you wish. To get started or receive feedback on your fellowship personal statement, make an appointment with one of us. I won the physics department’s Laser Focus prize. To decide which experiences to share, ask yourself these two questions: 1. Spend some time reflecting on your experiences and values. You are more than a research project. NSE students and postdocs: Want to talk with us about your project? Will you be able to engage in public outreach and education more easily with a secure source of funding? Will you leverage the fellowship to explore new and impactful ideas without established funding? Depending on the application, you may or may not have a specific research statement. I took apart and repaired two electromagnetic steering filters inside of a particle accelerator. Usually, they are academics from your broad area of science (e.g., nuclear engineering) but not from your specific area (e.g., thermal hydraulics). While senior undergrads can write generally about their future goals, second-year graduate students should write about specific progress towards career goals. As for the backgrounds of the actual reviewers, the evaluating committee may vary from non-technical readers to specialists in your scientific niche. Usually, they are academics from your broad area of science (e.g., nuclear engineering) but not from your specific area (e.g., thermal hydraulics). Whenever possible, try to quantify the experience. If you discovered a passion for fusion energy in your senior year and all your previous experience was optimized for an industry job, show that excitement to the committee. I won the physics department’s prize for the top student in my cohort of 20 students. If you only have one summer research internship because you spent your summers mentoring under-served high school students, use that to demonstrate your commitment to service and diversity. In addition to a few paragraphs (2–3) at the beginning of your statement, you can weave your motivation and goals throughout your document to create a cohesive story. specific outcomes such as awards, discoveries, and publications. CommKit Content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License 3.0 unless otherwise noted. Personal statement from a successful NSF GRFP application. In particular, note the use of section headers to break up the statement. The tone and specificity of your application should reflect your level. Selection criteria can vary from year to year. Be sure to follow the most up-to-date guidelines provided by your target fellowship program, especially if you are referencing older examples. Whenever possible, try to quantify the experience. Your strategic goal is to demonstrate that you understand what they are about, and that your qualifications, values, and interests are a match for them. Broader Impacts and Intellectual Merit for NSF applications) as well as any tips they might offer on their websites. Depending on the application, you may or may not have a specific research statement. Most applications are rejected if they look generic or the applicant appears uninformed about the target program.

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