By: Paulina Krzyszczyk
It is fellowship application season!
The very first question you may have is, why apply? Well, being awarded a fellowship is a prestigious distinction, which can fund your Ph.D. studies for several years! It doesn't look half bad as a line on your CV, either. Furthermore, the process forces you to plan your thesis project as well as reflect on your progression as a scientist and set future goals. The application process, whether you are successful or not, is a truly valuable experience. Although not an expert by any means, I have applied to a few fellowships myself and have acquired several tips along the way. Here are some that may be helpful to you as you begin your fellowship application journey!
- First, find a fellowship that you are eligible for!
MAKE CERTAIN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE before you begin. Note that most government-sponsored fellowships require you to be a U.S. citizen. There are typically two periods during the Ph.D. timeline that most fellowships are limited to: 1) Early Stage and 2) All But Dissertation (ABD). Some examples of early stage awards are the NSF GRFP and the DOD SMART award. A mid-career predoctoral award that most graduate students in the biomedical sciences are eligible for is the NIH F31. There are also awards that promote diversity in science (Ford, Gilliam) and those that are disease specific (cancer, spinal cord). An ABD fellowship that is offered for Rutgers, New Brunswick students finishing their thesis is the Bevier Fellowship. For more information about these and other awards, please visit Gradfund either in person or online.
- Start planning....now!
I'm talking to you, procrastinators! First thing’s first: READ AND UNDERSTAND THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS. Know what is expected of you so that you can estimate how much time you need to devote to this. You need to develop a well-orchestrated plan to construct a strong application, and this will take time! Use a calendar to set goals and try to have a final draft several days before the deadline in order to allow for some buffer time to calmly deal with those administrative errors that always seem to pop up.
- Request items, documents and help from others as soon as possible
Applying to a fellowship is a team effort. Not only do you have to rely on yourself to be productive, but you also have to rely on others, which you inherently have less control over. So, ask early. Give others plenty of time to write your reference letters, proofread your drafts, and acquire documents that you need. Meet with your advisor early on to tell him or her about your application plans and to make sure that you are both on the same page regarding your proposed research project. Also note that some fellowships, like the F31, require your institution to submit the proposal on your behalf, so reach out to the grants office as soon as possible to notify them of your plans and to acquire more details about the process. Each department at Rutgers has a dedicated grant specialist, so make sure you reach out to the correct one. In general, reach out to anyone who can help you put together a strong application, including fellow graduate students who have applied to the same or similar fellowships, university grants specialists and your committee members.
- Make the library your second home
Or your cubicle. Or the coffee shop down the street. Wherever you work best that is free of distractions. Accept the fact that you are going to have to put in hours of hard work to put together a successful fellowship application. Gear up, burrow down, and work hard. You can do it!
- Take mental breaks
Make sure to take breaks here and there to refresh your mind. Don't forget--we are only human. Another advantage to starting early is that you can afford these breaks without being stressed about a time crunch. I like to go for a walk, get a snack, or chat with friends. Find what works for you!
- When it is completed and sent off, make sure to celebrate!
Applying to a fellowship is no easy feat! It is truly a marathon. It takes months of hard work and preparation, which can seriously drain you and lead to burn out if not careful. In the words of Tom and Donna from Parks & Rec, “Treat Yo Self!” Take a spa day, or have a fun night out in the city. You deserve it!
One last thought to reflect on: Why should I spend all this time applying if I'm not even going to win the fellowship?
First of all, you never know until you try! Nevertheless, applying to a fellowship comes with several fringe benefits. Sure, they may not be as tangible as a $30,000 stipend, but they are there nonetheless. These include: developing a detailed research plan that will prepare you for your proposal and defense, gaining experience with and an understanding of the grant writing process, and even being forced to reflect on your successes and skills as a scientist. Yes--learning how to brag about yourself in a professional tone is a valuable skill to hone before the job application and interview processes. Use this as practice!
Also, do not get discouraged if you do not get the fellowship the first time around. Many fellowships allow you to apply multiple times and the feedback that you receive after the first attempt will help you drastically improve your following submissions. The more you apply, the more your chances improve!
So, those are all of the tips I have learned throughout my fellowship application experiences. I encourage you to add your own advice or questions in the comments section. Good luck and happy writing!