How to Apply to the East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI) via NSF FastLane

These instructions have two parts: Part 1 for PIs (Applicants) and Part 2 for Writers of Letters of Reference.

Applicants are advised that Technical questions about how to apply in Fastlane should be directed to the Fastlane Helpdesk 800-673-6188; fastlane@nsf.gov; while Programmatic questions about how to apply should be directed to the EAPSI Helpdesk 866-501-2922 eapsi@asee.org

PART 1: Instructions for PIs

It is advised to have your Project Description (five page limit), References Cited, Biographical Sketch (two page limit), Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts, Official Statement of Current Enrollment, and Communication with Potential Host Researchers (optional) each ready as a word processing or PDF file for uploading to FastLane. PLEASE REMOVE SECURITY SETTINGS ON ADOBE FILES UPLOADED INTO FASTLANE.

• Access the FastLane web site: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/.
• Click on Postdoctoral Fellowships and Other Programs.
• Click the GO button next to I am an Applicant.
• Click the GO button next to East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes.
• Click the GO button next to How to Apply. Print out the instructions.
• Click the Back arrow on your Browser three times to return to the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships and Other Programs screen.

Step 1: Individual Registration

• Click the GO button next to Individual Registration.
• After reading the statement 'RULES OF BEHAVIOR', check the box and click the Accept button.
• On the New Individual Registration Request screen, type in your personal information. All fields preceded with an asterisk are required.
• Click the Submit button.
• After confirming information, click the Approve button.
• Click the Continue button to complete registration.

Step 2: Log In

• On the Postdoctoral Fellowships and Other Programs screen, click the GO button next to PI/Co-PI Login Page.
• Type your Last Name, NSF ID (How do I find my NSF ID? If you need to retrieve your NSF ID, simply use the "NSF ID lookup" link located on FastLane login page) and Password and then click the Login button.
• The first time you login, you will be asked to change your password. Write it down and keep in a safe place.
• On the What Do You Want to Work On? screen, click on Proposal Functions.
• On the Proposal Functions screen, click on Proposal Preparation.
• On the Principal Investigator (PI) Information screen, scroll down and check your information. To update, click the Edit PI Information button and update. When complete, click the Save Changes button.

Step 3: Create a Proposal

• On the Principal Investigator (PI) Information screen, click the Prepare Proposal button.
• On the Create New Proposal screen, click the Create Blank Proposal button.

The Form Preparation screen appears showing the Temporary Proposal Number at the top of the screen. Should you need assistance, provide this number to the FastLane Help Desk (800-673-6188; fastlane@nsf.gov).

Note: The proposal’s Project Summary, Table of Contents, and Budget will be automatically generated by FastLane.

You must start first with the Cover Sheet.

Cover Sheet

• Click the GO button next to Cover Sheet.
• Confirm that your family name and given name are both listed for both the Awardee Organization and Performing/Research Organization. The Inst. Code should begin with a “P”.
• Click the GO button next to Program Announcement.
• Scroll down to and highlight East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes.
• Click on Select. The next screen will show both the Program Announcement and the NSF Unit Consideration: 1. OISE - GLOBAL SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS.
• Click the Go Back button at bottom of the page.
• Click the GO button next to Remainder of the Cover Sheet.
• Select OK button when you see "The Remainder of the Cover Sheet has been automatically filled in and saved". The Form Preparation screen will appear.

Project Description, References Cited, and Biographical Sketch

Repeat the procedure described in this section to upload files for Project Description, References Cited, and Biographical Sketch.

• Click the Go button next to Project Description, References Cited, or Biographical Sketches.
• Click the Go button next to your name [for Biographical Sketches].
• Enter information or click the Transfer File button to upload a file.
  NOTE: As part of your Project Description, be sure to include the title of your research. As part of your Biographical Sketch, be sure to include the name and location of the last high school attended.
• Click the Browse button and find your word processing file. Double click on it so it fills the box next to the Browse button.
• Click the Upload File button. The program will convert your word processing file into a PDF file.
• Click the Proofread PDF button.
• View the file then click on the X in the upper right corner.
• Click the Accept button if the file is OK or the Cancel button to begin the process again.
• Click the Go Back button.

Supplementary Docs.

This application allows more than one document to be uploaded. Repeat the procedure described in this section to upload the following documents:

1. Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
2. Official Statement of current enrollment
3. Communication with Potential Host Researchers (Optional)

• Click the GO button next to Supplementary Docs.
• Enter text for the Supplementary Documents or click the Transfer File button to upload a file.
• Click the Browse button and find your file. Double click on it so it fills the box next to the Browse button.
• Click the Upload File button. The program will convert your file into a PDF file.
• Click the Proofread PDF button.
• View the file then click the X in the upper right corner.
• Click the Accept button if the file is OK or the Cancel button to begin the process again.
• Click the Go Back button.

Add/Delete Letter of Reference Writers

• Click the GO button next to Add/Delete Letter of Reference Writers.
• Click the Add Reference button.
• Type in the information about the writer and assign a unique password to each reference.
• Click the Add Reference button to save the reference information.

The next screen will ask if you want to send this person an e-mail with the Temporary Proposal Number and the Password.

• Click either the Yes or No button.

If you select No, contact each Reference Writer directly and provide him/her with the Temporary Proposal Number and the Password.

It is recommended that you cut/paste and send each Reference Writer Part 2 of this manual- "Instructions for Writers of Letters of Reference"

• Use the Go Back button to return to the Form Preparation screen.

You can check the status of letters of reference by clicking on the GO button next to Status: Letters of Reference on the Form Preparation screen.

Note: Do not submit your proposal until the two required letters of reference are submitted.

Application Form

Fill out the application form completely with your personal information and information about potential hosts.

Click the GO button next to Application Form.

Fill in the form.

• Do not list a host unless you are willing to accept placement there.
• If you are not selected for your first host preference you may be selected for an alternate.

Fill out the application form with your personal information and information about potential hosts. If you have information about host institutions but not about specific researchers, you may type 'unknown' for host researcher's name.

• Click the GO button next to Application Form.
• Fill in the form.
• Click the OK button to save.

Step 4: Submit the Completed Proposal - Do not submit your proposal until you are certain that the two required letters of reference are submitted.

Print out all the forms to review the proposal.

• Click the Print button under Navigation on the right side of the Form Preparation screen or on the Proposal Actions screen.
• View and print the entire proposal by clicking the GO button next to Print Entire Proposal.
• When satisfied that all documents are within the page limits and print out well, return to the Proposal Actions screen using the Go Back button.
• Highlight your application in the upper box.
• Click the Submit button.
• The screen shows the question, Are you sure you wish to proceed with submission? Click the Continue button.

If some parts of the proposal have not been saved, they will be listed along with a Go Back button. Otherwise, the screen will state, All required forms are saved, you can submit proposal.

• Scroll down and read the information under Certification for Authorized Organizational Representative or Individual Applicant.
• Keep scrolling down and reading until the Sign and Submit button appears. Click the Sign and Submit button.
• The next screen will show your official NSF proposal number. KEEP this number for reference in all future correspondence with NSF about your application.

Note: If you do not see the Submit button on the Proposal Actions screen, click the Allow SRO Access button. Click the GO button next to Allow SRO to view, edit, and submit proposal and follow instructions below.

• Return to the FastLane homepage. Click on Research Administration (in the upper left corner of the screen).
• On the login screen, type your last name, NSF ID and password. Click the Login button.
• Click the GO button next to Submit Proposal to NSF.
• Highlight your application in the upper box. Click the Submit button.
• Scroll down the screen and review the Cover Sheet information.
• Continue scrolling down until you see the question, Submit to NSF?
• Click the Yes button.
• The next screen will show your official NSF proposal number. Use this number for all correspondence with NSF about your application.

PART 2: Instructions for Writers of Letters of Reference

For information about the East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI), please see www.nsf.gov/eapsi.

Please submit your reference as soon as possible so that the student can submit their application before the deadline.

It is advised to have the text of your reference ready as a word processing file for uploading to NSF’s FastLane system.  If you need to contact FastLane please see www.fastlane.nsf.gov/contacts/contact_fl.jsp.

• Access the FastLane website: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/.
• Click on Postdoctoral Fellowships and Other Programs.
• Click the Go button next to I am a Letter of Reference Writer.
• Type your Last Name, the Temporary Proposal Number, and your Password. Click on the Create/Submit Letter of Reference button.
• The first time you login, you will be asked to change your password.
• Type the new password in both boxes. Click the Save button.

Step 1: Rating

• Click on Step 1: Go button.
• The screen for Step 1: Rating appears.
• Complete all sections.
• Click the Save button.

Screen appears stating the Rating has been saved.

A table shows
Step 1: Rating - Green saved
Step 2: Letter - Red not uploaded
Step 3: Reference - Red Not Submitted.

Step 2: The Letter

• Click the Step 2: Go button.

The upload screen for the Step 2: Letter appears.

• Click the Browse button.
• Find the word processing file for your letter and double click on it so it fills the box next to the Browse button.
• Click the Upload button.
• After the file has been uploaded, Proofread.
• Click the Accept button.

Screen appears stating that the Letter has been Uploaded.

A table shows
Step 1: Rating - Green Saved
Step 2: Letter - Green Saved
Step 3: Reference - Red Not Submitted.

• Click the OK button to continue.

Step 3: The Reference

• Click the Step 3: Go button.
• Type name into signature box.
• Click the Submit button.

Screen appears stating Reference has been submitted.

A table shows
Step 1: Rating - Green Submitted
Step 2: Letter - Green Submitted
Step 3: Reference - Green Submitted.

• Click the OK button to continue.
• Return to Reference.

Reference Status box will show Green submitted for all three steps.

Step 4: Exit Application

Leave application by clicking the Go Back button in the lower left corner of the screen.

Last Modified: September 18, 2008( Suresh Pendyala)