Application Tips
Expression of Interest Letter
As part of your online application, you will be asked to upload an Expression of Interest Letter as either a Microsoft® Word® or Adobe® PDF document. This letter is an important part of the application, it tells us who you are, why you want to pursue nonproliferation, and what impact you expect this experience to have on your education and career goals. You are encouraged to share what you have accomplished so far in the fields of science/engineering or international affairs/political science/economics, including relevant coursework that you are taking or have completed. You may include any other relevant experience that you feel has helped prepare you for this fellow program. Suggested length, 1-2 pages, double-spaced.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for your application and must be current to within the last two years. As you are completing your online application, you will be asked to list information for two individuals who will be submitting letters of recommendation on your behalf, including their titles and email addresses. After submitting your application, an email will be sent to your recommenders, asking them to complete an online recommendation form. Your recommenders will be able to cut and paste the text of the letter of recommendation into the form. If your recommenders prefer to mail your letters of recommendation, rather than submitting them online, they should mail the letters directly to the program Recruiting Office (address below). These letters must be submitted or arrive by the application deadline of October 26, 2009 for your application to be complete. No interviews will be offered to an applicant unless all supporting documents are received. After submitting your application, you may revise or change your recommenders but keep in mind the final application deadline. Each time you register or change a recommender, an email will be generated to that individual that provides instructions on how to submit a letter on your behalf.
Letters of recommendation are an important part of the selection process. They should be written by someone who has closely interacted with you and can effectively comment on your academic performance, research abilities, relevant skills, ability to collaborate with a team, and preparation for this program. Letters of recommendation should ideally come from professors or supervisors who have worked with you as a project manager, research supervisor, academic advisor, or course instructor. You should choose your recommenders prior to submitting your application so that you can discuss the program in detail and give them time to prepare information on your behalf. You should also choose recommenders that are easy to get in contact with if the NNSA chooses to contact them.
Submitting Your Transcripts
As part of your online application, you will be required to provide copies of official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work. You will request a transcript from your home school's registrar, as well as any other colleges or universities you have attended. Your most current transcript should include courses and grades taken to date. You should request your transcript at least two weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and mailing. If your registrar's office provides the option of an expedited official transcript, please use it. Your transcript must be received no later than the application deadline of October 26, 2009. No interviews will be offered to an applicant unless all supporting documents are received. Your registrar should mail your transcript directly to the program Recruiting Office (address below).
Application Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2009
The Application Deadline is the date by which your application, personal statement, letters of recommendation and transcripts must be submitted. Because official transcripts are submitted in hard copy, it is important that you allow enough time for processing and mailing.
SF-86 Form for Security Clearances
The SF-86 Form must be complete and uploaded to the application database system no later than November 27, 2009. This form is required for processing requests for U.S. Department of Energy security clearances. It is extensively detailed and will require some time to complete, so begin early.
Verification of U.S. Citizenship and Identification
If chosen for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your U.S. citizenship. Take the time now to get this paperwork in order: Notarized copies of your passport AND driver's license (or other state or federal ID). These notarized copies must be surrendered as part of the interview process. No positions will be offered to an applicant unless these identification documents are received.
Mailing Address for the program Recruiting Office:
Nonproliferation Graduate Fellowship Program Recruiting Office
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
P.O. Box 999, MSIN K6-01
Richland WA 99354
Important note: Some responses will be sent to you in the form of email. Please add the pnl.gov domain to your list of safe senders to prevent the messages being routed to junk mail.