The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) is one of the most applied-to early graduate study fellowships for students in STEM fields. The 2012 deadlines are 8 pm E.S.T. Nov. 13 through Nov. 19, depending on field of study (for more information, see http://www.nsfgrfp.org).
Unlike most NSF programs, students applying to the NSF GRF program must create their own FastLane (https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/Login.do) accounts and submit their applications independently- there is no need to contact the Rutgers University Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (ORSP) for this award. This is because the NSF GRF is awarded to the fellow (not the university), and can be transported with that student to the graduate program or institution of his or her choice. If you are awarded the NSF GRF as a graduate student in the Graduate School-New Brunswick, your award will be managed by the GS-NB’s business office.
If you are planning to apply but have not yet set up your FastLane account, you should do so as soon as possible! Make sure you submit your application ahead of your deadline, and before the deadline period begins if possible, since the FastLane site often receives abundant traffic during this time. Beginning the submission process early will allow you a chance to talk to the tech support staff at NSF if you run into any glitches with your application submission.
As you finalize your application, see our blog post on The Final Edit, and try to schedule a final application review appointment with GradFund. We will have some review appointments available late next week. Visit the GradFund Facebook page or Twitter feed for more information.
Good luck!