Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I direct program policy questions?
For any program policy questions, please contact GRF Operations Center at info@nsfgrfp.org or call (866) NSF-GRFP (866-673-4737) (toll-free from U.S. and Canada) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
Where do I direct FastLane technical questions? If you have FastLane technical questions or problems, please contact the FastLane Help Desk at 1-800-673-6188 or via email at fastlane@nsf.gov.
1. How many fellowships will be awarded?
NSF will award approximately 900 fellowships in March 2004.
2. Is this a competitive program?
It is a highly competitive program that is merit-based and not need-based. Explanation of the merit review criteria can be found in the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp), under the section "Evaluation of Applications."
3. Do I need to attend school full-time if awarded a fellowship?
Yes, the fellowship is intended only for students enrolled in full-time programs leading to graduate degrees in disciplines supported by NSF.
4. What goes along with the status of Honorable Mention?
Honorable Mention recipients may apply to use the resources at a Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure facility. NSF publishes lists of awardees and honorable mention recipients that are frequently used by universities to recruit graduate students.
5. Can I use the fellowship to study abroad?
Yes, the fellowship may be used to study at any appropriate international institution of higher education offering advanced degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering.
6. I plan on attending an international institution. Will NSF pay them directly for my tuition?
Yes, but NSF does not send funds directly to international institutions but makes stipend payments directly to the Fellow. The Fellow pays all tuition and assessed nonrefundable fees, with reimbursement by NSF, up to a maximum of $10,500 per fellowship year.
7. Can I defer the fellowship a year and accept another one?
A Fellow may reserve any two years over the five-year period of the fellowship to use an alternative means of support or to engage in activities other than graduate study. No individual will be eligible for more than three years of NSF Graduate Research Fellowship support.
8. When can I expect to hear if I am awarded a fellowship?
Applicants will be notified in late March 2004.
9. What is your fax number?
The fax number for GRF Operations Center is (202) 265-8504. Application materials will not be accepted by fax.
The mailing address for GRF Operations Center is: GRF Operations Center, c/o ASEE, 1818 N Street, N.W. Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036.
11. How can I obtain copies of the rating sheets after the competition?
After the results of the competition have been announced and all applicants notified, submit a request for rating sheets to GRF Operations Center at the address below or by email at info@nsfgrfp.org.
GRF Operations Center
c/o ASEE
1818 N Street, N.W. Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Include your date of birth or a Social Security number and mailing address in the request.
12. I have a copy of the application from last year. May I submit it?
No. All applicants are required to use NSF’s FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) process available on the Internet with a supported World Wide Web browser. All applicants must submit an application electronically using this secure process.
To access the NSF FastLane GRFP process, click on the Graduate Research Fellowships link on the FastLane Home Page: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/. Carefully review all information since some detailed instructions that may not be included in this publication.
For questions concerning the FastLane GRFP process, contact the FastLane support staff at fastlane@nsf.gov or telephone the FastLane Help Desk at 1-800-673‑6188.
13. I read in the Guidelines that submission by FastLane is required. Does that mean that I can't print it, fill it out and send it in?
Yes. This is what it means. All applicants are required to apply via FastLane. FastLane is NSF's Internet/Web-based system for electronic applications.
14. May I fax copies of application materials to GRF Operations Center?
No, applications are not accepted by fax or electronic mail. All applicants are required to use NSF’s FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) process.
Women who apply in fields listed under "Engineering" or "Computer and Information Science and Engineering" in the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp) will be considered for the Women in Engineering and Computer and Information Science (WECS) awards. There is not a separate application for these awards.
16. I applied for the fellowship last year. Can I just send in copies of last year's information?
No, only the current competition application available via FastLane may be used. Forms from a previous year or from another program will not be accepted. Transcripts from the previous year's competition may be reactivated. The Undergraduate GPA Form may be reactivated so long as it reflected a completed undergraduate degree at the time of submission in the previous competition. Reference Report Forms and all other materials provided in a previous application are not transferable.
17. If I applied to the competition last year, which materials can be reactivated from my applicant file and how do I go about doing so?
Only transcripts and/or Undergraduate GPA Forms may be reactivated from the previous year's competition. To reactivate transcripts and/or Undergraduate GPA Forms from the 2003 fellowship competition, send an email to info@nsfgrfp.org by November 6, 2003. Be sure to submit transcripts for any coursework completed since the submission of your 2003 application.
18. Can supplemental materials such as publications or theses be submitted for inclusion with my fellowship application?
Reprints, manuscripts, videotapes, slides, photographs, or other extraneous materials are not an acceptable part of the applicant's file. However, applicants are encouraged to bring relevant authored materials to the reviewer’s attention by citing them in the Previous Research Experience Form.
1. Can I submit my application material after the deadline?
No. The Information Form, Application Form, Proposed Plan of Research Form, and Previous Research Experience Form must be submitted via FastLane by 5:00 p.m. in the applicant's local time zone according to the following schedule (dependent on proposed field of study):
November 4, 2003: Life Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
November 5, 2003: Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, Geosciences
November 6, 2003: Social Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering,
Psychology, Chemistry
See the NSF-Supported Fields of Specialization for additional information.
Official academic transcripts and Undergraduate GPA Forms should be submitted by or as nearly after November 6, 2003 as possible, and Reference Report Forms should be submitted by or as nearly after December 3, 2003 as possible. Significant delays might prohibit these materials being made available to the reviewers.
Applications submitted without the Proposed Plan of Research will not be accepted for the competition.
2. Is there any advantage to submitting early, before the deadline?
No, but you are encouraged to submit your application in advance of the deadline to avoid being inconvenienced by the heavy volume of traffic on FastLane which is expected as the deadline approaches. We suggest that you upload your essays as soon as they are complete, rather than waiting to upload just before submission. This may eliminate delays at the time of submission. Also, do not wait until submission to check for error and warning messages. Periodically click on the "Check" button and resolve errors as you go.
1. Can you explain the Merit Review Criteria?
In evaluating applications, reviewers are asked to address two questions that are the basis of NSF's merit review criteria: 1) What is the intellectual merit of the applicant? and, 2) What are the broader impacts of supporting the applicant's graduate study? Both intellectual merit and the broader impacts of support are important to the evaluation of applications. Competitive applicants shall address both merit review criteria in their application materials.
For the purposes of this fellowship competition, the intellectual merit of the applicant will be taken to mean providing evidence that the applicant has highly meritorious scholarly characteristics and credentials and possesses the ability to effectively plan and conduct research, to work as a member of a team as well as independently, and to clearly interpret and communicate research findings. The broader impacts of supporting the applicant's graduate study will be taken to mean evidence that the applicant has demonstrated strong experience in and potential to pursue activities which will: 1) effectively integrate research and education at all levels, infuse learning with the excitement of discovery, and assure that the findings and methods of research are communicated in a broad context and to a large audience; 2) encourage diversity, broaden opportunities, and enable the participation of all citizens-women and men, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities-in science and research; 3) enhance scientific and technical understanding; and 4) benefit society. The following website, www.nsf.gov/pubs/2002/nsf022/bicexamples.pdf, gives examples of how the broader impacts criterion can be satisfied. Although this site is intended for grant writers, some examples might be instructive for fellowship applicants.
In responding to the broader impacts criterion, the applicant should consider past experiences in volunteer activities, mentoring or teaching other students or young people, leadership activities, and other examples the applicant deems appropriate. Each individual will have different experiences that relate to these criteria, and the above are provided as examples only.
2. Where am I expected to address the Merit Review Criteria?
Question 15 of the Application Form and the Proposed Plan of Research Form provide specific opportunities to respond to the Merit Review Criteria. However, you should look for other appropriate opportunities to provide such information, including Question 14 of the Application Form, the Previous Research Experience Form, as well other entries in the Application Form that relate to your achievements.
3. Are my references expected to address the Merit Review Criteria?
Yes. The reviewers will be looking in the Reference Report Forms for this.
4. What factors go into the decision of who will receive a fellowship?
Evaluation of applications is based on all available information. In considering applications, reviewers are asked to address two questions that are the basis of NSF's merit review criteria: (1) what is the intellectual merit of the applicant? and (2) what are the broader impacts of supporting the individual's graduate study? A sample rating sheet that is used by the panelists to review applications is available at www.nsfgrfp.org/2004RatingSheet.pdf.
NSF staff will further review the review panels’ recommendations for fellowships. Awards will be made by the NSF on the basis of merit in accordance with Section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. NSF selects among applications of substantially equal merit (as determined by the merit review process) by using other criteria such as geographical region, discipline, or other factors determined to be consistent with policy and legislative intent.
5. Who are the panelists?
Applications are assigned to review panels of experts in specific disciplinary areas based on the proposed specialized field of study indicated by the applicant. Therefore, psychologists would read applications in Psychology; applications in Engineering would be read by engineers and so forth. If the panel considers the application to be multidisciplinary, a member of another disciplinary panel may be asked to review the application. Applicants should consult with their advisor or inquire within their department as to the appropriate choice of fields.
6. I heard that applications are pre-screened and if your GPA is below a certain average, your application isn't considered. Is this true?
Applications are not pre-screened for merit. NSF does not prescribe to panelists a formula for weighing the various factors available for each application, but, within the NSF’s two merit review criteria, allows individual review panels to identify their own measures of these components with which to evaluate applications. On any panel, however, there is no single factor that would be the deciding measure. Panelists are instructed to review the entire application file, and are discouraged from establishing specific limits or ceilings of components. Discrepancies between panel ratings are discussed and resolved to the satisfaction of the panel.
7. What will the reviewers be looking for in the application?
Evaluation of applicants is based on all available evidence of ability, including academic records, recommendations regarding each applicant's qualifications, and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. No specific weight is assigned to any of the given items in an application used in the review. In considering applications, reviewers are asked to address two questions that are the basis of NSF's merit review criteria: (1) what is the intellectual merit of the applicant? and (2) what are the broader impacts of supporting the individual's graduate study?
A sample rating sheet that is used by the panelists to review applications is available at www.nsfgrfp.org/2004RatingSheet.pdf.
1. What are the software requirements to use FastLane?
Anyone with a computer, Internet access, and a supported web browser can use the FastLane GRFP application at http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/. Supported browsers include Netscape 4.0 or above and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or above. For information about downloading these browsers, access “Using NSF FastLane” at www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a0/about/using.htm and scroll to the “Recommended Client Capabilities” section.
2. Do I have to be at a registered FastLane organization to use FastLane?
No, anyone with a computer, Internet access, and a supported web browser can use the FastLane GRFP application.
3. How can I confirm that my application was submitted?
If the submission of the FastLane application package was successful and if you provided a valid email address as part of the application, you will receive a confirmation email message within moments. If it was not successful, you will not receive a confirmation email message. Throughout the process you can view and print your forms using the View/Print Form option. After you submit your application, you will also see "Submitted via FastLane" at the top of the forms.
4. I lost my password. How can I get it?
5. I thought I was supposed to receive an email confirming my submission immediately upon submitting, but I did not.
When you first enter FastLane GRFP to set up your application, you should have received an email confirming your name and Reference Code. You will also receive a confirmation email message when you successfully submit your GRFP application package. If your submission was not successful, or you did not provide a valid email address, you will not get this confirmation email message. Also, after you submit your application, you will see that these forms have "Submitted via FastLane" printed near the top.
6. There is no "log off" button on the FastLane application page. Do I just exit my browser when I am finished, saving a FastLane draft?
There is no logoff button. To make sure your work is saved, observe any error/omission warnings before you exit the browser.
7. Do I have to convert files to PDF in order to use FastLane?
You do not have to convert files to PDF when using FastLane. You may upload various file types (see list of acceptable file types at: www.fastlane.nsf.gov/a1/A1AcceptableFileExtensions.html).
8. Should I keep on hitting a button if I do not get a quick response?
No, this will not speed things up.
9. When trying to print a FastLane form by pulling it up in Adobe Reader, I get "An Error Occurred While Trying to Use This Document" error message or a blank page and a "Document Done" message. What is wrong?
If you encounter "An Error Occurred While Trying to Use This document" message or a blank page and a "Document Done" message after selecting a form to print or clicking on a “Display Form” button, it may be because you have the Adobe plug-in installed. On occasion the Adobe plug-in does not work for secure web sites such as FastLane. In this case, you will need to delete the plug-in.
To delete the Adobe plug-in within Windows 95, delete all instances of the nppdf32.dll file from your computer. Windows 3.1 users can delete the Adobe plug-in by deleting the nppdf16.dll file located in the Navigator plug-ins folder. Mac users can delete the Adobe plug-in by deleting the PDFViewer file located in the Navigator plug-ins folder.
You will then need to configure Netscape to launch Reader as a helper.
Netscape 4.x
Check the Edit/Preferences/Navigator/Applications for the following: MIME type: application/pdf Application: c:\acrobat3\ACRORD32.exe
Note: the application acrord32.exe should be found by browsing it from the system. The Path "C:\acrobat3\" is common but not necessarily the correct one.
For the Macintosh, the following should be set from Netscape's Options/General Preferences menu item:
Description: Portable
Document Format
Mime Type: application/pdf
Suffixes: pdf
Handled by:
Application: Acrobat Reader 3.0.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x, 5.x
To learn how to configure MSIE to launch Reader please read www.adobe.com/supportservice/custsupport/SOLUTIONS/98fe.htm. If you also have Netscape on your computer, you will need to delete the nppdf32.dll file(s) from your computer.
If you still encounter this problem, please email fastlane@nsf.gov and make sure to include your phone number.
10. How do I print out the forms that I cannot submit via FastLane, such as the Undergraduate GPA Form, Transcript Request Form, and Request for Payment of GRE Subject Test Fee form?
Click on the download links on the Application Package Preparation page, and follow the instructions.
11. I know I can print my FastLane GRF application so it looks exactly like the copy NSF prints out. How do I do this? To do this, download Adobe Acrobat Reader and configure it appropriately. Click on the "Downloading Adobe Reader and Configuring your browser to launch Adobe Reader" link within the "How To Use FastLane" section on the FastLane Home Page (www.fastlane.nsf.gov/) and follow the instructions.
12. I cannot enter data in a FastLane field. What should I do? Put your cursor in that field and space all the way to the right. Backspace all the way to the left (in order to delete spaces) and then type in your data. Note: If a field does not show up at all, it probably means that you are using a Windows 3.1 version of a browser on Windows 95. This problem should go away once you download the Windows 95 version of the browser and use it.
13. I have noticed that certain fields on the Information Form are not accepting my answers (particularly, the gender, ethnicity, and disability questions). I have answered these questions twice, saved it as a draft, and printed it out. The printout registers no response. When I return to the form, the questions remain unanswered.
If you select "I choose not to reply to this question" for the gender, ethnicity and disability questions, there will not be a response printed on the form.
14. May I submit my application in hardcopy?
No. Hard copy applications will not be accepted.
15. There is not enough room to respond to Questions 12 and 13. What should I do?
Limit your responses by choosing only the most significant accomplishments.
1. Who can apply for the program?
Please read carefully the sections under "Eligibility" in the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp). If you have any questions about your eligibility, you may call (866) NSF-GRFP (866-673-4737) (toll-free from U.S. and Canada ) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
2. I am starting graduate school in the spring. Am I eligible to be awarded funds in the spring?
Recipients may begin fellowship tenure in the summer or fall term. Tenure must be completed before the beginning of the 2009 fall term. Normal tenure for a Fellow is 9 to 12 months for each fellowship year; funds for unutilized months are forfeited. No individual will be eligible for more than three years of NSF Graduate Research Fellowship support.
3. I am in the process of becoming a permanent resident alien, but I won't have my green card until after the application deadline. Am I still eligible?
No, permanent resident status must be established by the application deadline of November 6, 2003.
4. I don't see my field on the list provided in the Guidelines. Am I eligible?
NSF-supported fields are listed in the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp). For further clarification of research areas supported by the NSF, see the NSF Guide to Programs at www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?gp.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, you may call GRF Operations Center at (866) NSF-GRFP (866-673-4737) (toll-free from U.S. and Canada) for assistance (between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday).
5. Can you tell me if I am eligible? I don't want to waste my time filling out this application if I am not eligible.
Determination of an individual's eligibility will be made only on the basis of a submitted application. If, after reading the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp), you have any questions, please call GRF Operations Center at (866) NSF-GRFP (866-673-4737) (toll-free from U.S. and Canada) (between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday) or send an email to info@nsfgrfp.org.
6. When will I be notified about my eligibility?
All applications will be reviewed for eligibility using the criteria published in the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp). In some cases, this review continues through the disciplinary panels convened in February. Applicants may therefore be notified about their eligibility after the panel reviews.
Most U.S. institutions of higher education are on either a semester system or a quarter system and count their course credits accordingly. Official transcripts normally include, next to the course grade, the credits per course with cumulative totals at the end. The transcript key should include a statement of the credit system used by the school; the registrar's office for that institution can also provide this information.
2. What is considered to be graduate work?
All course work, research, seminars, and independent study at the graduate level is considered to be graduate work.
3. I have applied to several graduate schools but I haven't been accepted to any yet. What should I put down for my proposed graduate institution?
You do not have to be accepted to an institution before listing it on your application. Select carefully the institution you wish to attend if you were granted a fellowship. Reviewers will consider the appropriateness of the choice relevant to your proposed field of research.
If you decide to change the proposed institution you wish to attend after filing the application, you should notify GRF Operations Center immediately in writing. After an award is made, the NSF Program Office approves institution changes.
Further questions regarding this may be directed to the NSF Program Office at grfp@nsf.gov.
4. After I sent in my application, I had an article published in a scientific journal. I would like to add that in my application. What do I need to do?
Revisions to essays are not permitted after the submission deadline. If you wish to change or supplement data included in the Information Form or Application Form after the submission deadline, contact GRF Operations Center via email at info@nsfgrfp.org or via postal mail at:
GRF Operations Center
c/o ASEE
1818 N Street, N.W. Suite 600,
Washington, DC 20036
Please include your name and reference the form and the question number. Any data changes should be communicated to GRF Operations Center as soon as possible.
5. What should I do if a field is not big enough?
Use abbreviations to condense the requested information.
6. Since applicants can't revise an application after it's been submitted, how do I make changes to my application?
If you wish to change or supplement data included in the Information Form or Application Form after the submission deadline, contact GRF Operations Center via email at info@nsfgrfp.org or via postal mail at:
GRF Operations Center
c/o ASEE
1818 N Street, N.W. Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Please include your name and reference the form and the question number.
7. I’m in a joint BS/MS program. Which option should I choose for Question 16?
Applicants in the final year of joint baccalaureate-master’s degree programs in fall 2003 generally select option “C.”
Applicants who completed joint baccalaureate-master’s degree programs before fall 2003 and have not earned additional graduate credit generally select option “D.”
1. Can I submit more than two pages of text for my Proposed Plan of Research Form?
The entire Proposed Plan of Research essay will be placed in your file and made available to the review panels regardless of length. However, because of the limited time available to read applications, panelists are not expected to read beyond the page limit. It is best to observe the published page limits.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing documents after uploading them into the FastLane application. Check the length and the completeness of the document before submitting your application.
2. Should references or citations be included in the Proposed Plan of Research Form, and if so, do they count as part of the page limit?
References or citations may be included in the Proposed Plan of Research Form and will count toward the two-page limit.
No. For all essay questions, you must upload the essay into your FastLane application following the instructions provided. Remember that applications submitted without the Proposed Plan of Research will not be accepted for the competition. New, corrected, or revised essays will not be accepted after the deadline. (Corrected or revised essays sent via postal mail must be postmarked by November 6, 2003.) Check to ensure that you have uploaded the correct essay before submitting.
1. What should I do if I have not had any direct research experience?
If you have had no direct research experience, describe any activities that you believe have prepared you to undertake research, including working on open-ended problems and developing plans to solve them.
2. Can I submit more than two pages of text for my Previous Research Experience Form?
The entire Previous Research Experience essay will be placed in your file and made available to the review panels regardless of length. However, because of the limited time available to read applications, panelists are not expected to read beyond the page limit. It is best to observe the published page limits.
Applicants are responsible for reviewing documents after uploading them into the FastLane application. Check the length and the completeness of the document before submitting your application.
3. Should references or citations be included in the Previous Research Experience Form, and if so, do they count as part of the page limit?
References or citations may be included in the Previous Research Experience Form and will count toward the two-page limit.
No. For all essay questions, you must upload the essay into your FastLane application following the instructions provided. New, corrected, or revised essays will not be accepted after the deadline. (Corrected or revised essays sent via postal mail must be postmarked by November 6, 2003.) Check to ensure that you have uploaded the correct essay before submitting.
1. My university does not compute GPAs and/or will not fill out the Undergraduate GPA Form. Will this disqualify my application?
Some academic institutions do not compute GPAs or will not share GPAs with other groups. Your application will not be disqualified if a GPA is not submitted for you.
2. I accidentally opened the Undergraduate GPA Form and transcripts from my university so they are no longer in a sealed envelope. Can I still submit these to the competition or should I request new ones?
Applicants should submit Undergraduate GPA Form and Official Academic Transcripts to GRF Operations Center in sealed envelopes, if possible. If you accidentally opened the envelopes but the forms have not been altered in any way, you may submit them.
3. My transcript has my GPA recorded on it. Why do I have to still have the Undergraduate GPA Form filled out by the Registrar?
Applicants are asked to submit an official transcript from the undergraduate institution as well as an Undergraduate GPA Form. This form requires the Registrar's endorsement to confirm the cumulative undergraduate GPA and grading scale used by the applicant's baccalaureate institution. While requesting submission of the Undergraduate GPA Form and an official transcript may seem redundant, both documents are essential to the application review process.
The official transcript provides detailed information of the coursework completed, which is valuable to panelists reviewing the applications. The Undergraduate GPA Form provides an accurate cumulative GPA and grading scale, which are also used in review of the application. Without the Undergraduate GPA Form, misinterpretation of the GPA may result, since hundreds of different institutional transcripts are received and processed in a very short period of time.
1. My university mailed my transcripts directly to your office instead of to me. Is that okay?
Yes, transcripts may be sent directly to GRF Operations Center by the university.
2. Should I send a transcript of my grades when I complete my courses this fall?
As part of the applications process, you should submit complete official transcripts of your academic records, graduate and undergraduate, excluding Fall 2003, by November 6, 2003. As soon as they become available, you should submit transcripts or grade reports for Fall 2003 grades to the following address:
GRF Operations Center
c/o ASEE
1818 N Street, N.W. Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
3. Most institutions have a 5+-day transcript request turnaround time, but the due date on the Transcript Request Form is November 6. Will my application be invalid if my transcripts aren’t returned by November 6?
Ideally, the request for transcripts would have been made with enough time for the institution to return transcripts to the applicant. However, in the event that transcripts cannot be returned to you by November 6, the university/institution should send them directly to GRF Operations Center as soon as possible.
4. I attended a foreign institution and it will be very difficult to get a transcript. Do I have to send one in for courses taken at foreign institutions?
It is to the applicant's advantage to submit an official academic transcript from all institutions attended. Transcripts must be in English. Applicants will not be disqualified, however, if they are unable to submit official academic transcripts from international institutions.
5. I attended a university overseas for one semester. It is very difficult to obtain a transcript. It probably won't get here in time for deadline. Do I still have to get a transcript from the international university?
Applicants are expected to submit official academic transcripts for any coursework completed. Applicants will not be disqualified, however, if they are unable to submit official academic transcripts from international institutions.
6. I accidentally opened the Undergraduate GPA Form and transcripts from my university so they are no longer in a sealed envelope. Can I still submit these to the competition or should I request new ones?
Applicants should submit Undergraduate GPA Form and Official Academic Transcripts to GRF Operations Center in sealed envelopes, if possible. If you accidentally opened the envelopes but the forms have not been altered in any way, you may submit them.
Active applicants will be able to check the status of their application materials online beginning in December 2003. Instructions for accessing the Applicant Status Web Page will be sent to all applicants in early December.
1. Will NSF automatically report my GRE scores to the reviewers?
If you want the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, to report your GRE scores to GRF Operations Center for the fellowship competition, answer "yes" to Question 13 (GRE General Test) and Question 14 (GRE Subject Test) on the Information Form. If you answer "no" or leave the questions blank, no GRE scores will be included in your applicant file.
2. Will NSF pay for an applicant's GRE tests?
NSF will pay the Subject Test fee only for applicants who register for the December 13, 2003 paper-based GRE Subject Test, provided that (1) NSF fellowship application is the primary purpose, and (2) the GRE Registration Form for the December test has been received at the Educational Testing Service (ETS) no later than November 7, 2003. Otherwise, applicants will be responsible for all GRE fees. NSF will not pay for the GRE General Test.
3. I took the GRE General Test about 8 years ago and have a copy of my scores. Do I have to take the GRE again?
Only GRE scores from tests taken between October 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003 will be accepted for the 2004 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship competition. If you have not taken the General Test since October 1, 1998, you should make arrangements to take it before December 31, 2003.
4. I took the GRE more than five years ago. Can these scores be evaluated in the competition?
If you have not taken the tests since October 1, 1998, you should make arrangements to take them before December 31, 2003 (General Test) or December 13, 2003 (Subject Test). Only GRE scores from tests taken between October 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003 will be accepted for the 2004 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship competition.
5. If an applicant has multiple GRE test scores, are all scores reviewed or only the most current or the best scores?
For applicants who request reporting, all General and Subject Test scores in the Educational Testing Service (ETS) database from tests administered since October 1, 1998 (and prior to the fellowship application test date cutoff of December 31, 2003) will be reported to GRF Operations Center for review panel use.
6. I would like for NSF to pay for the administration of the Subject Test on December 13, 2003, but I do not have the Request for Payment of GRE Subject Test Fee form. What should I do?
The form is located at www.nsf.gov/grfp, or request one from GRF Operations Center via email at info@nsfgrfp.org or call (866) NSF-GRFP (866-673-4737) (toll-free from U.S. and Canada) (between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday).
7. Are the GRE tests required for this program?
All NSF Graduate Research Fellowship applicants are recommended to have scores from the GRE General Test and should also take the Subject Test in their proposed field of graduate study if one is available.
8. There is no GRE Subject Test that applies to my major. What should I do?
No action is necessary if there is not a GRE Subject Test in your proposed field of graduate study.
9. Do I need to have my GRE scores sent to your program?
Applicants should not request score reports from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for their fellowship application and should not submit scores directly to GRF Operations Center.
10. I don't plan on taking the GRE General and Subject Tests because my graduate institution does not require them. Do I have to take them for this fellowship?
While scores from the GRE General and Subject Tests are highly recommended, they are not a requirement for application to this program, nor are they the only or deciding factor in the review process. Evaluation of applicants will be based on all available evidence of ability, including academic records, recommendations regarding each applicant's qualifications, and GRE scores.
If your completed application is submitted by 5:00 p.m. local time by the November deadline and meets the eligibility requirements of this program as set forth in the FY 2004 Program Guidelines (www.nsf.gov/grfp), your application will be reviewed without GRE scores, despite the fact that it might be at a disadvantage compared to other applications that included GRE scores. Registration materials and information for the GRE are available from four-year colleges or universities, or from the Educational Testing Service:
Educational Testing Service
P. O. Box 6000
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6000
Telephone (609) 771-7670
Fax (609) 771-7906
Internet http://www.gre.org/
If you are unable or choose not to take the test, you might wish to submit a letter of explanation to be placed in your file.
11. I didn't do well on my GRE Subject Test because of illness in the family. Will low scores eliminate me from competition?
There are no minimum score requirements to compete in this competition. Evaluation of applicants is based on all available evidence of ability, including academic records, recommendations regarding each applicant's qualifications, and GRE scores. No specific weight is assigned to any of the given items in an application used in the review.
12. What code do I use for having my scores sent to the fellowship program?
There is no code for requesting score reporting from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for this program. All scores from GRE tests administered between October 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003 in the ETS database will be reported directly to GRF Operations Center, providing that you request reporting and that the name, date of birth, and Social Security number on the NSF Information Form matches with your registration record at ETS. You do not need to request score reporting from ETS for this program.
13. Why is NSF not listed as an official score recipient on the GRE registration material?
There is no code for requesting score reporting from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for this program. All scores from GRE tests administered between October 1, 1998 and December 31, 2003 in the ETS database will be reported directly to GRF Operations Center, providing that you request reporting and that the name, date of birth, and Social Security number on the NSF Information Form matches with your registration record at ETS. You do not need to request score reporting from ETS for this program.
14. What do I do if ETS/GRE has my name wrong in their system?
Contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to correct the data in their system, and also report this information in Questions 13 and 14 of the Information Form. We will work with ETS to match the records in their system with your application.
15. I already registered and paid for the GRE Subject Test. How can I get reimbursed?
If you registered online for the Subject Test, you may request a refund to your credit card by sending the Request for Payment of GRE Subject Test Fee Form, along with a brief cover letter, directly to the attention of:
Educational Testing Service – GRE
Attention: Myrna Durand
1425 Lower Ferry Road, Room Q720
Ewing, NJ 08628
16. What is the minimum GRE score needed for this program?
There are no minimum score requirements to compete in this program. Evaluation of applicants is based on all available evidence of ability, including academic records, recommendations regarding each applicant's qualifications, and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. No specific weight is assigned to any of the given items in an application used in the review.
17. You have only one set of GRE scores for me, but I have taken the General Test twice. What happened to my other set of scores?
If you have registered for GRE General or Subject Tests on two or more occasions, you may wish to confirm with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that you provided the same information about yourself each time. Occasionally, test takers have more than one record with ETS because of variations in the information they provided upon registration. This could lead to incomplete reporting of scores. ETS can correct this problem by merging the multiple records at your request.
18. Is the GRE confirmation number the same as the registration number?
No. The registration number is provided on the score report for the computer-based General Test and on the admission ticket and the score report for the Subject Test. The confirmation number received prior to taking the computer-based General Test should not be used in place of the registration number.
1. I have been out of school for some time and do not know if I can contact any undergraduate references. What should I do?
It is to the applicant's advantage to submit Reference Report Forms from faculty members who have current knowledge of the applicant's academic work and scholarly development. If this is not possible, as in the case of individuals who have been out of school for some time, letters from other faculty or employers who have experience with the applicant would be appropriate.
2. My institution has letters of reference on file in the Placement Office. Could I get them to send copies of my letters?
Only the NSF Reference Report Form available via FastLane should be used for an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship application. Student reference statements on file at colleges and universities will not be accepted in lieu of the NSF Reference Report Form.
3. I am unable to find four people for references. Will I be disqualified if I only submit two or three?
You are expected to submit four Reference Report Forms. Submitting less than four references will not disqualify you, although you may be at a disadvantage in the competition.
4. May I submit more than four references?
Yes, although panelists are not expected to review more than four Reference Report Forms.
5. May I use a Reference Report Form from last year?
Reference Report Forms submitted for a prior year's application cannot be transferred to a current application. The Reference Report Form has been changed this year and is available only via FastLane, so using blank forms from the previous competition is prohibited.
6. Can my reference attach a letter to the Reference Report Form?
Yes, references may upload comments to the form in FastLane.
7. My reference has already completed a reference letter for me. Can I go ahead and use that letter?
No. Your references must prepare and submit Reference Report Forms via FastLane.
8. I just started graduate school and my professors don't really know me well enough to fill out the Reference Report Form. What should I do?
It is to your advantage to submit Reference Report Forms from faculty members who have the most current knowledge of your academic work and scholarly development. If this is not possible, letters from other faculty who have experience with you would be appropriate.
NSF suggests that at least two of the four references expected should be persons with whom you have worked in your present (or most recent) department, including the thesis adviser if possible. Reviewers will expect to see some Reference Report Forms from your current department, even if you began the program this semester. The Reference Report Forms do not have to be submitted until December, so you have time to develop relationships with faculty members at the new institution.
9. I submitted my application via FastLane. Do my references have to submit their forms by FastLane also?
Your references must prepare and submit Reference Report Forms via FastLane. In order for your references to use FastLane, they must have: Internet access, a Web browser (Netscape 4.0 or above or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 or above), and the URL for the FastLane Home Page (http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/). To enable them to submit a Reference Report on your behalf, you should also assure that they have the application Reference Code that you were assigned when you started your application.
Remember that your references have until December 3, 2003 to submit their Reference Report Forms. You might want to suggest to your references that they avoid attempting to submit their Reference Report Forms until after the GRFP application deadline in November has past to avoid being inconvenienced by the heavy volume of traffic on FastLane which is expected during that period.
10. Can my reference upload her comments into the form, or does she have to type her comments on the form in FastLane?
References must upload their comments into the Reference Report Form on FastLane. Remind your references to View/Print the Reference Report Form before submitting, and to check that the upload was successful and that they uploaded the correct document into the Reference Report Form.
11. How do my references know they have successfully submitted their Reference Report Form?
If the submission of the FastLane Reference Report Form was successful, you and the reference both will receive a confirmation email message within moments. If it was not successful, neither of you will receive a confirmation email message.
12. I need to give my references a Reference Code. How can I get one?
Active applicants will be able to check the status of their application materials online beginning in December 2003. Instructions for accessing the Applicant Status Web Page will be sent to all applicants in early December.