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• Completed application form. Usually: basic information about the individual, the school/department/advisor, project title, project abstract, summary of budget/amount requested, where the applicant can be contacted, names and addresses of references, previous grants/awards, other sources of support for current project or the student.

• 1-10 page essay describing the research project. Usually includes a list of topics that the applicant should address, for example: "Submit a 2 page, single spaced project description. Include the name of the investigator, the project title, the project location and duration, literature cited, proposed budget, and the total amount requested." Typical of funding for dissertations or shorter research projects. May be one long essay or several short ones.

• Or, a brief essay describing the student's career goals and course of study. Typical of support for entering students or those still taking classes (pre-master's thesis/pre-dissertation). Sometimes both a personal statement and an essay outlining the plan of study.

• 2-3 letters of recommendation, in signed, sealed envelopes. Sometimes sent directly to the agency by the references, sometimes included in the application packet.

• Curriculum vitae, resume. Usually only the student's, but sometimes also the student's advisor, or committee members, or others involved in the study.

• List of publications. Usually just the student's, but sometimes same as above.

• Official transcripts, GRE scores, language test scores.

• An itemized budget and justification.

• Occasionally, a nomination from the department or school.

• When appropriate: letter of invitation from a host institution; government permission from countries where research is controlled or sensitive; human subjects review documentation (or similar documentation for research involving live animals, controlled substances, toxic materials etc.)

• Multiple copies of the application materials. The average range is 5-8 copies (usually not including the letters of recommendation or transcripts/scores).

• Self-addressed, stamped postcard.

• A few have a non-refundable application fee ($20-$30 average).