These short videos walk you through the key steps of a strong NSF GRFP application—covering eligibility, formatting, the Merit Review Criteria, reference letters, and writing your two required statements. Watch Promising Practices: The Basics first, then explore the rest.
Videos on this page
Promising practices: the basics
Three foundational tips before starting your application: check your eligibility, prepare your materials (statements, transcripts, references), and use available NSF resources.
Tips on formatting
How to format your application for readability—using templates and samples, clear headings and spacing, and checking against current instructions before submitting.
Avoiding common mistakes
An in-depth look at common pitfalls—skipping the eligibility check, not reading the notice of funding opportunity, procrastinating on letters and transcripts, and using jargon—with what to do instead.
Avoiding common mistakes: academic transcripts
Transcript requirements and tips: checking the rules, requesting early, and verifying files are correct PDFs that aren't encrypted or password-protected before submitting.
Understanding merit review criteria & NSF GRFP
An overview of the two merit review criteria — intellectual merit and broader impacts — and why both must be addressed in your required statements.
Demonstrating intellectual merit through your NSF GRFP application
Three ways to show your potential to advance knowledge: highlighting your research experience, preparation, and potential throughout your application.
Demonstrating broader impacts through your NSF GRFP application
Three ways to show how your work benefits society: connecting your work to people, giving specific examples, and highlighting your impact.
Important things you should know about reference letters and writers for NSF GRFP
Five tips for managing reference letters: selecting and ranking writers, asking early, sharing your application content, sending reminders, and remembering letters are due before your application.
Letting your experiences shine: quick tips
Foundational tips for clear, consistent applications: be yourself, use proper scientific form, write clearly, and connect your two statements to the Merit Review Criteria.
Letting your experiences shine: personal statement
How to use the Personal, Background, and Future Goals Statement to tell your story—covering motivating experiences, preparation, your role, and career aspirations.
Letting your experiences shine: research statement
How to build the Graduate Research Plan Statement—communicating your research idea, methods, clear objectives, and why your proposed research matters to the field.
A key to a successful application: authenticity
Why authenticity matters—focusing on your unique strengths, experiences, and growth, and writing the application yourself.