River for NSF GRFP applicants
Free tools for every part of your NSF GRFP application
Check your topic, draft both statements from your own CV and notes, ask for strong letters, and get a reviewer’s read before you submit. Every tool writes a real document you keep.
Every free tool, template and guide
Where are you in your application?
Check and plan
Whether your topic is eligible, which field to pick, and every date counted back from your deadline.
Research proposal
The two-page Graduate Research Plan Statement from your idea or a paper, and winning examples of both essays by field.
Personal statement
Three pages built from your CV, with Broader Impacts drawn from what you have actually done.
Letters
Ask the right writers, and give them what they need to write a specific letter by the deadline.
Review and submit
A reviewer’s read of your draft, a format check before you upload, and a rubric for friends.
After results
What your band and ratings mean, whether you can apply again, and what to change first.
Why applicants use River
Built around your application, not a chat window
Built from your own work
Every tool starts from your CV, your notes or your draft. Facts you did not give become marked blanks, never invented results, citations or awards.
This year’s rules, checked
Headings, page limits, fonts and dates follow the current NSF solicitation, which changed a lot in 2025 and again in 2026.
Your voice stays yours
You certify both statements are your own original work. River marks every sentence it wrote, so you know exactly what to rewrite.
Both statements tell one story
Your statements, letters and notes sit in one private workspace, so the research plan, personal statement and letter briefs agree.
Questions GRFP applicants ask
Common questions
What is the NSF GRFP?
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program funds graduate students doing research in science, engineering, mathematics and the social sciences with three years of support: a $37,000 yearly stipend plus $16,000 a year to their school. College seniors, graduates who have never enrolled in a graduate program, and first-year graduate students who are U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents can apply (who can apply).
Can I use AI for my NSF GRFP application?
NSF has no GRFP rule against it, but you certify both statements are your own original work. NSF’s notice on generative AI says applicants are responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of anything AI helped with (NSF). Use AI to review, plan and check, write the substance yourself, and never submit a fact you cannot back up.
Can second-year graduate students apply?
No. The solicitation says "Second-year graduate students are not eligible to apply." Graduate students can apply once, in the first year of their first graduate program. Seniors and bachelor’s holders who have never enrolled in a graduate program can apply as many times as they like before they start (NSF 26-526).
How many letters of recommendation does the GRFP need?
List three to five writers; letters are due October 16, 2026, before every application deadline (all dates). The letter request tool writes the request and a brief for each writer.
Will I get reviewer comments this year?
NSF has not said. For the 2026 competition, every applicant got a band rank and ratings for Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, and "No written reviewer comments were collected" (NSF). The mock review gives you written comments on your draft before you submit.
When are GRFP results announced?
In early April, so early April 2027 for this cycle (key dates).
Is River free for GRFP applicants?
Yes, you can start free. The Free plan includes some AI usage each month and needs no credit card, and the templates also download as Word files with no account. When you reach the limit, usage pauses until it refreshes or you upgrade. Paid plans start at $14 a month on the pricing page.
Start with the draft you already have
Drop your statements for a reviewer’s read, or start from your CV. Start free, no card needed.
Review my application