This post explores a few ways to approach the concept of ‘interdisciplinarity’ while applying for funding in the humanities and social sciences.
Proposal Writing Advice
Proposal Writing Advice
The Personal is Political…and Fundable? Navigating the personal and the academic in funding applications
This post provides some tips for finding the most effective ways to select and present personal narratives within funding applications.
How to Structure an Academic Cover Letter
Most fellowship and grant applications require a research proposal and personal statement; few ask you to write a cover letter. Still, there are some dissertation and postdoctoral fellowship applications where knowing how to write a strong cover letter can come in handy (take the Consortium for Faculty Diversity Dissertation Fellowship, for example). Because these types […]
One Project, Many Frames (and Many Awards!)
Framing your research Most grad students have had at least some practice writing about the major disciplinary contributions of their dissertation. Indeed, a dissertation proposal defense requires in-depth knowledge of how your project speaks to major research conducted in your field. More challenging is figuring out if and how to highlight some of the smaller […]
Do I Have to? Motivation to Apply for External Funding
Applying for grants and fellowships can be daunting on top of the typical graduate student workload. It is easy to convince yourself to delay the application process when faced with coursework, teaching, research, and meetings. Here are several motivating factors to consider if you are contemplating postponing your grant application process: Develop perspective on the […]
Make the Case That Your Project Will Contribute to Your Field
From a funder’s perspective, your passion for your project isn’t enough. Funders want to know that you have designed a project that does more than simply exercise your own intellectual curiosity. Even when it is not explicitly stated among the priorities listed in the program solicitation or guidelines, funders typically want to support a scholar […]
Developing a Relationship with your NSF Program Officer
*This blog is in preparation for GradFund’s upcoming Applying to the NSF workshop The National Science Foundation funds graduate students every year in a wide array of disciplines, from cultural anthropology to biomedical engineering. Awards are available for almost every level of graduate study, whether it be applying for the Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) during […]
Strategies for Revision Series (Part 2)
Have a draft of a research statement or personal narrative for your fellowship application? Feel like it’s in pretty good shape, but not sure how to give it that top-level shine? This post suggests a strategy of revision for seeing each part of your essay in a new light. Unlike my previous post, this one […]
Strategies for Revision Series (Part 1)
Have a draft of a research statement? Sometimes get a sneaking suspicion that it’s not quite hanging together? This post suggests a strategy for revision that’s quick, straightforward, and yet often effective in shedding light on structural problems. I can’t claim credit for the exercise. It was first suggested to me by Emily Bartels, Professor […]
Procrastinating on your Proposal? Recover Your Motivation for Your Project (Post 3)
One thing reviewers look for in an application is your excitement for the project you’re proposing. But sometimes, it’s hard to access your own excitement. Grad school is a long haul, and even the most passionate researcher on the most interesting project will probably find her attention flagging at various points. If giving yourself a […]