On the NSF and Broader Impacts

As a follow up to the Fellowships 101 post, I’d like to share some advice specifically pertaining to the NSF. Just to be clear, I’m referring to the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). Mainly, I want to emphasize the importance of the “Broader Impacts” criterion.

I have encountered a number of extremely intelligent graduate students who applied, but did not receive an NSF award (or at least not on the first time around). In every case, the reviewers praised the Intellectual Merit aspects of the application, but cited a failure to fulfill the Broader Impacts criterion.

If you’d like to win an NSF fellowship, do yourself a favor: demonstrate in every way possible how and why you have and will continue to fulfill the Broader Impacts criterion.

To that end, here are some suggestions:

1) Read and study this list of Broader Impact Representative Activities

2) Think of one or two ways you’ve exemplified each item listed under the Broader Impacts criterion (e.g. encourage diversity, broaden opportunities, and enable participation of all citizens in science/research, benefit society, etc.). Include abundant examples, especially in your previous research and personal statements.

3) In your previous research statement, emphasize the significance of your research, as well as how it benefits society. Where applicable, be sure to mention that your work has been published and/or presented to an audience.

4) Investigate volunteer/tutoring/teaching/mentoring opportunities within and around the Stanford community*. Consider joining and/or participating in an organization or activity. If you don’t have time, mention an organization or two with which you’d like to become involved in the near future. Reviewers appreciate a continued interest in outreach and community service.

*Check back for upcoming posts on science outreach opportunities.

One final comment. Make a case for why you are perfectly positioned to carry out your proposed plan of research. In other words, be very clear that you have the appropriate background training, access to the best mentors and laboratory equipment, and that you are passionate about your work. Leave the reviewers thinking "It would be a mistake NOT to fund this candidate."

Best of luck writing about what an amazing, dedicated, well-rounded scientist you are!