Graduate Writing Center
Upcoming Events
Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (General) (Aug. 6)
Wed 8/6 • 4:30PM - 6PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will discuss strategies for applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This highly competitive fellowship provides three years of fellowship funding to successful applicants. The workshop will focus on the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria for NSF grants, the structure of the research proposal and personal statement, suggestions for writing style, and tips for Fastlane submission.
Mindful Writing Retreat Sessions (3rd of 3)
Fri 8/8 • 1:30PM - 4PM PDT RSVP
The mindful writing retreat will integrate simple techniques from mindfulness to support the writing process and cultivate an approach to writing that fosters balance, self-care, and well-being. Please bring a current writing project because much of the retreat time will be allocated for writing. All sessions will be conducted remotely via Zoom.
Writing the Personal Statement (August 13th)
Wed 8/13 • 5:30PM - 6:30PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will cover strategies for writing personal statements for fellowship applications, residencies, and PhD programs. Among other topics, we will discuss organization, introductions and conclusions, and use of examples. Students from all schools and departments are welcome to attend. The workshop will be offered twice.
Writing the Personal Statement (August 14th)
Thu 8/14 • 5:30PM - 6:30PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will cover strategies for writing personal statements for fellowship applications, residencies, and PhD programs. Among other topics, we will discuss organization, introductions and conclusions, and use of examples. Students from all schools and departments are welcome to attend. The workshop will be offered twice.
Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (Engineering and Physical Science Focus)
Thu 8/21 • 4:30PM - 6PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will discuss strategies for applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship with a physical science focus. This highly competitive fellowship provides three years of fellowship funding to successful applicants. The workshop will focus on the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria for NSF grants, the structure of the research proposal and personal statement, suggestions for writing style, and tips for Fastlane submission.
Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (Life and Bio Science Focus)
Tue 8/26 • 4:30PM - 6PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will discuss strategies for applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship with a life science focus. This highly competitive fellowship provides three years of fellowship funding to successful applicants. The workshop will focus on the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria for NSF grants, the structure of the research proposal and personal statement, suggestions for writing style, and tips for Fastlane submission.
Navigating Graduate School: Academic Success Strategies for First-Generation College Students
Wed 8/27 • 4PM - 5:15PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will provide useful strategies for navigating graduate school successfully. We will focus on tips and tricks that will help you succeed, as well as elucidate aspects of the "hidden curriculum," or things you're expected to know but not explicitly taught. We will cover a broad spectrum of topics such as managing writing requirements, using organizational tools to stay on track, communicating effectively with mentors to meet your needs, and networking at conferences to build professional relationships. (We are defining a first-generation college student as a student whose parent[s] or guardian[s] did not complete a four-year degree in the United States.)
Telling Your New American Story: Applying to the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Wed 9/3 • 4PM - 5PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will provide guidance on preparing a competitive application for the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans (https://www.pdsoros.org/), which provides up to $90K in support for graduate students from migrant backgrounds. Specifically, this workshop will focus on writing strategies for telling your New American story in a compelling, creative, and empowering way. We will brainstorm and begin drafting application components during the session. Although the application is not due until October 2025, we recommend getting started on your application essays well in advance, to allow for multiple drafts and revision.
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Fri 9/5 • 1PM - 2:30PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in humanities, social sciences, and related fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. We will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Writing Successful Grant and Fellowship Applications (STEM Focus)
Tue 9/9 • 4:30PM - 6PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will first briefly review funding opportunities for graduate students in STEM fields. The workshop will then focus on strategies for writing effective applications for grants and fellowships to support graduate study and research, especially for students seeking doctorates and research MAs. The workshop will also cover tips for organizing the application process.
Applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (General) (Sept. 10)
Wed 9/10 • 4:30PM - 6PM PDT RSVP
This workshop will discuss strategies for applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. This highly competitive fellowship provides three years of fellowship funding to successful applicants. The workshop will focus on the intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria for NSF grants, the structure of the research proposal and personal statement, suggestions for writing style, and tips for Fastlane submission.