NSF Fellowship. Do I have a shot?

  • Thread starter Thread starter asap9993
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the challenges of applying for the NSF graduate fellowship, particularly the emphasis on "broader impacts." The original poster expresses concern about their limited experience in community engagement, having only done some tutoring through a college science club while balancing a demanding work schedule. They question their chances of receiving the fellowship given the successful applicants often showcase extensive extracurricular activities. Responses clarify that while broader impacts are important, they are not solely about community service or volunteering. Instead, they suggest that broader impacts should reflect how the proposed research will benefit society. The consensus encourages applying despite limited extracurricular involvement, emphasizing that the NSF's criteria are broader than just community engagement.
asap9993
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
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 ALOT 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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 

Similar threads

Programs Grants and fellowships, how do they work?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Entering the PhD Arena: from NSF Fellowship to Thesis
Replies
1
Views
2K
Physics How do I make myself a better job candidate?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Programs Electrical Engineering PhD or Applied Physics PhD?
Replies
3
Views
173
Other How Can I Improve My REU Personal Statement?
Replies
3
Views
7K
When and How Did You First Learn to Write a Funding Proposal?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a good shot at CalTech/MIT's graduate program for physics?
Replies
8
Views
5K
Physics Should I graduate one semester early?
Replies
2
Views
2K
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Replies
2
Views
3K
Optical-EME Communications at 532nm
Replies
7
Views
599

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top