National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program (NSF GRFP)

Here is a list of application materials, including personal and research statements for a variety of research topics in the geosciences from 2008 to 2019.

Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose Advice

Check out this list of Do’s and Don’ts for your personal statements or statements of purpose (includes some example statements).

This resource is recommended by the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Application Timeline

Here’s a step-by-step guide from the Geological Society of America on how to get through the graduate school application cycle.

Tips for CVs and Resumes

A guide to creating a resume, CV, or cover letter from Oregon State University.

A CV vs. Resume guide from the University of California, Irvine.

How to create a resume from the University of California, San Diego.

Guides to creating a resume or a CV from the University of Kansas.

Guides to creating a resume or a CV from the University of Minnesota.

Sample resumes and CVs from the University of Washington.

Template and example resumes from the University of Texas at Austin.

Tips for Contacting and Deciding on Prospective Advisors

Científico Latino’s guide to contacting prospective supervisors

Carnegie Mellon University’s blog post on topics to discuss with a prospective PhD advisor.

“What to Look For” in a PhD Advisor from Columbia