NSF Fellowship. Do I have a shot?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application process for the NSF graduate fellowship, specifically focusing on the importance of "broader impacts" in the application. Participants explore their experiences and perceptions regarding the criteria for the fellowship, including personal contributions to society and research experience.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their lack of broader impacts experience, citing limited extracurricular activities and a demanding work schedule during college.
  • Another participant suggests that the applicant should simply apply regardless of their perceived shortcomings.
  • A different participant questions the emphasis placed on broader impacts, noting that the NSF is legally required to consider them but not necessarily to prioritize them heavily.
  • Another viewpoint suggests a reinterpretation of broader impacts, arguing that it should relate more to the societal implications of the proposed research rather than personal volunteer experiences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of broader impacts or their significance in the NSF fellowship application process. Participants present differing views on the necessity and nature of broader impacts.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the NSF's criteria and the interpretation of broader impacts remain unresolved, and there are varying perspectives on what constitutes adequate experience in this area.

asap9993
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Hi all,

I'm going to be a graduate student this fall, and I was thinking about applying for an NSF graduate fellowship. However, after some internet research, I realized that the NSF puts a lot of weight on "broader impacts". To me, this basically means that you have promoted your science in society such as tutoring/mentoring children from the community or being a teacher's assistant.

I have not done anything like this except some tutoring with my college's science club. Also, I don't have any extracurricular activities. During college, I had to work around 40 hours per week to take care of myself. Luckily, I was able to squeeze in some research experience (2 journal publications). Anyway, do you guys think that I have a chance to get an NSF fellowship? All of the successful essays I've seen have lots of extracurriculars with the community. Does anyone here have the same problem?
 
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Do you have a shot if you don't? Just apply.
 
I don't know that the NSF puts a lot of emphasis on broader impacts, but I do know that if there are none, they are not allowed - by statute - to fund a proposal.
 
I don't think you are interpreting broader impacts right . I think it is supposed to be an extension of your personal statement like how is the work you are proposing on doing going to impact society at large. It isn't like undergrad admissions asking if you have volunteered as a missionary in Ghana etc
 

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