See the Guidelines for Submission of Applications for complete program information and deadlines.

All applicants are expected to use NSF's FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) process:

With Internet access and a supported World Wide Web browser, an applicant can submit an application electronically using this secure process. With information provided by the applicant, references may submit a Reference Report Form via FastLane; reference reports may also be submitted via postal mail. Security is provided to ensure that both applications and Reference Report Forms can be accessed only by authorized persons.

The application must be submitted via FastLane by 5:00 p.m. in the applicant's local time zone.

To access the NSF FastLane GRFP process, click on the Graduate Research Fellowships icon on the FastLane Home Page. You will see instructions on how to use the FastLane GRFP process. Applicants should carefully review all information on the FastLane GRFP process for detailed instructions that may not be included in this publication.

For questions concerning the FastLane GRFP process, please contact the FastLane Graduate Research Fellowship support staff at

*** THIS DATE MAY BE INCORRECT. IT IS BASED ON THE YEAR 2000 INFORMATION. ***

For individuals who do not have access to the Internet and NSF's FastLane system, application forms may be retrieved using the following methods. Note that applications submitted via postal mail must be postmarked, or delivered in person to Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) by November 7, 2003. Applications postmarked or submitted later than November 7, 2003 will not be considered for review.

[We have no information about the 2003 deadline for submissions, but we presume that it would be some time in November. Please check the ORAU site for that information. SAO Summer Intern Program]

a.     NSF Web Site     (http://www.nsf.gov/grfp)

Via the Internet, you can download the application forms as either a PDF printable blank form or a Microsoft Word 97 (or newer version) on-line form. To view the PDF forms you must have the Adobe Viewer installed, which is a free product and can be downloaded at this site. If your browser does not automatically launch the Microsoft Word 97 on-line form, a message will appear to prompt you to save the Word file to a local disk drive.

b.     Information via E-Mail: You can have the Guidelines for Submission of Applications and application forms sent to you via electronic mail. Each application form is available in two versions: a PDF printable blank form and a Microsoft Word 97 (or newer version) on-line form.

Send an electronic mail message to:     getpub@nsf.gov
Leave the subject line blank. In the body of the message enter:

get nsf00128           (for the Guidelines for Submission of Applications)
get fmgfkitp.txt    (for instructions to access the PDF files)
get fmgfkitp.pdf    (for the PDF Application Forms Kit)
get fmgfkitd.txt    (for instructions to access the Word 97 files)
get fmgfkitd.doc    (for the Word 97 Forms Kit)

c.    Printed application forms may be obtained by direct request from:

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
P.O. Box 3010, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-3010

or telephone     (865) 241-4300
or fax     (865) 241-4513
or Internet electronic mail to:     nsfgrfp@orau.gov

Personal Background
Describe any personal or educational experiences or situations that have contributed to your desire to pursue advanced study in science, mathematics, or engineering. Also describe experiences integrating research and education, advancing diversity in science, and contributing to your community, both scholarly and social.

Proposed Plan of Research
In a clear, concise, and original statement, describe any research interests you may pursue while on fellowship tenure. Your statement should demonstrate your understanding of research principles necessary to pursue these interests. 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 (1) a description of two or three research questions that interest you, with an explanation of the relationship to your previous research, if any, and (2) a description of how you think these questions 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.

Previous Research Experience
Describe any scientific research activities in which you have participated, such as experience in undergraduate research participation programs or student-originated studies programs, 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 rationale for your work and your own specific role in the research, including the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team. 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.

The ORAU/NSF Fellowship Operations office can be reached

via electronic mail:     nsfgrfp@orau.gov
or via telephone:       (865) 241-4300.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.