Deadline is early November 2003. The complete Application (pdf) NSF Guidelines for Application (html)
IMPORTANT: Here are two parts of the proposal that I and Amanda Gable can help you with:
Proposed Plan of Research Form (NSF Form 306):
In a clear, concise, and original statement, describe research topics you
may pursue while on fellowship tenure, and include how you became interested
in these topics. Your statement should reflect your own thinking and work,
demonstrate your understanding of research principles necessary to pursue
these interests, and explain the relationship to your previous research,
if any. Present your plan with a clear hypothesis or questions to be asked
by the research. If you have not yet formulated a plan of research, your
statement should include a description of one question that interests you
and an analysis of how you think the question may best be answered. A listing
of courses alone is not sufficient. Research topics discussed in your proposed
plan may be used in determining eligibility. Type single-spaced using 10-point
font size or larger. There is a 2-page limit, including references.
Previous Research Experience Form (NSF Form 1259):
Describe any scientific research activities in which you have participated,
such as experience in undergraduate research programs, or research experience
gained through summer or part-time employment or in work-study programs,
or other research activities, either academic or job-related. Explain the
purpose of the research and your specific role in the research, including
the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team, and
what you learned from your research. In your statement, distinguish between
undergraduate and graduate research experience. If you have had no direct
research experience, describe any activities that you believe have prepared
you to undertake research. At the end of your statement, list any publications
and/or presentations made at national and/or regional professional meetings.
Type single-spaced using 10-point font size or larger. There is a 2-page
limit, including references.
When/If you don't get the award, you should request the reviews
from the panel. This will give you concrete information about
how your application was viewed. But you must request these reviews.
Based on the 2003 results, it appears that your research statements
should be as sophisticated as you can make them. Again, if the process is
not working for you in your senior year, you get a second shot in the
first year of grad school. And the second time round, the whole
process will be easier for you to complete. All the 2003 GT winners were already in grad
school, making good strides towards their thesis research.