Membership in AWIS is not required, and will not influence award decisions, but you are encouraged to consider joining. See the main AWIS webpage for information (www.awis.org).

The Ruth Satter award is open to women who interrupted their education for three years or more to raise a family. If you wish to be considered for this award, check the space provided on the Summary Form and have your department submit a letter confirming your eligibility.

*A separate predoctoral competition is held for the field of physics. Contact Dr. Gerald Hardie of Western Michigan University for instructions and application forms (gerald.hardie@wmich.edu). This does not apply to college scholarship or Lorentzen award applicants in the field of physics.

2) Application Forms
Application forms are available from this website (click here). Be sure that when you print each form the form page fits on one page. You may be able to use your browser controls to adjust the forms; you also may copy the web page and paste it onto a word processer page. Each form page fits on one page when the margins are set at 0.5 inch for the top and bottom and 1.0 inch for right and left. Be sure that you have printed the correct forms, i.e., those for the predoctoral program.

· You must submit five copies of the application documents. Collate all the documents in the order below, make five double-sided copies, and staple each collated copy. (Do not submit the original documents, which will not be double-sided. See the note below, however, regarding transcripts.)
1) Summary Form
2) Research Plan
3) Resume
4) Graduate Transcript - Ph.D.
5) Graduate Transcript - Masters
6) Undergraduate Transcript - Baccalaureate
7) Other Transcripts (e.g., summer school)

The transcripts may be copies that you make. If so, also submit (not stapled into the collated material) one official original copy of each transcript. When copying the transcripts, do not include the "back" if it is used to describe the grading system -- copy only pages that show coursework and degrees awarded. (Do not worry about the logo that will show on the copies to indicate they are not originals.)

· In addition, you must submit in signed, sealed envelopes,
1) a reference letter (using the AWIS form) from your thesis adviser (five copies are requested on the form)
2) a second reference letter (using the AWIS form) from a professor or research adviser (five copies are requested on the form)
All five copies of each letter should be placed in one signed and sealed envelope.

· In addition, submit one copy of a brief biographical statement. Do not staple the biographical statement to the other application materials.

3) Application Content
All forms must be typed. You may use computer printouts that mimic the forms and you may give yourself more space than that allotted on the Web form. If you make your own forms, be sure to number the pages as relevant (e.g., 1 of 4, 2 of 4, etc.).

· Summary Form: This is self-explanatory. Complete the entire form. Do NOT reference the resume for education.

· Research Plan (no form provided): In no more than five single-spaced pages (including any figures or tables), describe your thesis project. You may add one additional page for references. Figures are included in the count of five pages. Write clearly and concisely; avoid technical jargon. At the top of the first page, insert the title of the project. Part I: State the major problem you are addressing and explain its significance. Provide a brief historical background, including major findings by yourself or by others. Be sure to make clear what you have done versus what others have done. Part II: Describe the rationale for the approach you are taking, your hypotheses, experimental methods, results to date and expected additional data, and conclusions. Provide references only for the most important or unusual past findings or experimental methods. (Generally it is a good idea to ask others to critique the plan before you submit the application. Allow sufficient time for revision.)

· Resume (no form provided): Submit a resume that includes (1) research experiences--note your educational level at the time, institution name, supervisor's name and title, project title, dates; (2) publications--include full citations, with the title of the article; you may include abstracts; annotate to show "in press," "accepted," or "submitted" articles; do not list those that are "in preparation" ; (3) employment--name and location of employer, position held, dates; and (4) honors--include awards, fellowships, scholarships, and other recognition, and (5) a brief statement of research interests and career aspirations. Education is included in the Summary Form and need not be repeated in the Resume.

· References: Two recommendation letters are required, using the Reference Forms provided as part of the application materials. Inform the references of the application deadline and allow them sufficient time. Ask your thesis adviser for a reference and select one other reference who will be able to comment on your ability and promise as a scientist. Generally it is a good idea to give references a copy of your curriculum vitae, detailing your accomplishments. Reference letters should be sent to you in a signed, sealed envelope, for enclosure with the other application material.

· Transcripts: Send academic transcripts for undergraduate and graduate study. As noted above, you may use your own copies of transcripts for the five stapled sets of application documents, but in that case you must also send one official copy of each transcript. If a transcript will show a different last name than the one you use currently, be sure to report the former name on the Summary Form. Be advised that it may take many weeks for an institution to send transcripts. Submit your requests promptly and ask that the transcripts be sent as soon as possible. Inform the Registrar of the application deadline. Transcripts should be sent to you for enclosure with the other application material. (If the Registrar will not provide an official transcript to students, it may be sent directly to the application address below.)

· Biographical Sketch: Provide a brief biographical sketch (approximately 200 words) of your personal and professional life. This sketch will be used for the AWIS Magazine article if you are among the awardees. The sketch will not be sent to reviewers or be used in selecting awardees. Place your full name at the upper right of the page.

· DO NOT include copies of publications.

· Ruth Satter Applicants ONLY: If you are an applicant for the Ruth Satter award, you must also provide a letter from your department to confirm eligibility (i.e., that your education was interrupted for at least three years to raise a family). Submit only the original letter (copies are not needed) and do not collate and staple it with the other application materials.

4) Submission of the Application
· Deadline for receipt by AWIS of the complete application is January 24, 2008. Note that this is the deadline for receipt by AWIS, not a postmark deadline.
· All application materials must be sent in one package, including reference letters (which should be in signed, sealed envelopes) and original transcripts if at all possible.
· If you send the application by express mail or equivalent you must sign the statement that no signature is required for delivery.
· Send the application to AWIS Educational Foundation Predoctoral Award, Barbara Filner, Ph.D., President, 7008 Richard Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817-4838.
· If you wish receipt of your application to be acknowledged, enclose a stamped, self-addressed POSTCARD with the application. Write "application received" on the postcard.
· If you wish to be notified that the awardees have been contacted, enclose a stamped self-addressed postcard.Write "awardees notified" on the postcard.