Writing a Fellowship Application

<< previous · Tutorial for Training and Career Awards, Fellowships, and Supplements · next >>

The NIH Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will peer review your application. Reviewers give F32 applications a streamlined review.

For an overview of the peer review process and to learn about review criteria so you can create a strong application, read Part 8. Assignment and Review of the NIH Grant Cycle: Application to Renewal.

Your application should include:

• Three outstanding reference letters that are submitted on time. A two-line letter with no specifics about your strengths won't suffice.
• For F31s and F32s, you'll need an exceptional academic record, i.e., great grades at a top undergraduate or graduate school. Address any academic problems directly or in the letters of recommendation.
• A description of your proposed training environment.
• Your plan for receiving training in the conduct of ethical research.
• For predoctoral applicants, include your transcript and GRE or other relevant test score.

Keep in mind that you must comply with NIH’s public access policy, which includes citing papers from NIH-funded research in your application. See our Public Access of Publications SOP for more information.

Reference publications in the Research Training Plan under C. Preliminary Studies and in Section B of the Applicant/Fellow Biographical Sketch.

Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 (Use this ZIP code for the U.S. Postal Service, including express mail.)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (Use this ZIP code for commercial carriers such as FedEx and UPS.)

Address Peer Review Criteria

Target your application to key review criteria by focusing on your:

• Program -- Emphasize your program's commitment to research training and career development, quality and availability of facilities and resources, and research support.
• Sponsor -- Reviewers assess your sponsor's caliber as a researcher, research training record, commitment to mentoring responsibilities, and understanding of your research needs and ability to meet them. They'll also consider whether your sponsor's expertise matches your research interests. Explain why you chose your sponsor and highlight his or her research and teaching accomplishments. Don't overpromote; your sponsor's achievements, like yours, should speak for themselves, but make sure reviewers don't overlook them. A good curriculum vitae (CV) will speak for itself.
• Relevant knowledge -- Highlight coursework and professional work directly related to your research topic.
• Proposed Research Plan

For further information, read F31 and F33 review guidelines published by CSR.

Additional Resources

• NRSA Individual Fellowship Application Form PHS 416-1

<< previous · Tutorial for Training and Career Awards, Fellowships, and Supplements · next >>