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The Art of the Proposal

The research proposal is the most important part of your application. To prepare a competitive proposal, follow the proposal outline and application instructions carefully. Everyone who applies for Undergraduate Research and SURF awards should use the proposal outline as a guide and prepare a response to each section. However, since the nature of research varies among the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, please adapt the outline to your project and field of study.

Proposal Outline

Follow this outline in preparing your project proposal. Whether you major in geography or geology, art history or anthropology, you will find the following outline critical to writing a successful proposal.

Abstract:  a brief summary of your proposed project, not to exceed 200 words.

Project History and Definition:

Approach/Methodology:

Significance/Meaning/Implications:

Personal Outcome:

Location:

My Role/Preparation/Experience:

Timetable:

Previous UROP or IROP Research:

Attachments:

Proposal Format and Style:  The proposal should

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Sample Proposals

We invite you to review samples of successful proposals that students have submitted in the past. As you review these samples, please keep in mind that the content and scope of the proposals vary as widely as the research projects and the majors of the applicants. These samples were written by students applying for SURF grants, which presumes a ten-week, full-time period of research. Samples of funded proposals are also available to read in the Center for Undergraduate Research office (209 Hood House).

If you feel that the projects described by these proposals exceed your expectations for undergraduate research and yourself, don't give up! Stop by the center to discuss how a research project can work for you.

Sample proposals:

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Proposal Writing Resources

Many undergraduates are overwhelmed when they sit down to write the first draft of a research proposal, and for good reason. It's a task most students do not tackle until graduate school. Rest assured. You will have many resources to draw on as you craft your proposal; you need only take advantage of them.

We strongly encourage you to attend a workshop as you prepare your application. See when the next proposal writing workshop takes place: Proposal writing workshops.

Once you've written a draft of your proposal, you can obtain a critical review from your faculty mentor, an adviser at the University Writing Center, or the center staff. For assistance from the UNH Writing Center, stop by Room 7, Hamilton Smith Hall, or call (603) 862-3272. When you visit, bring a copy of the UROP proposal outline along with a draft of your UROP grant proposal.

Please note: the Writing Center is quite busy before midterms and finals, so be sure to call well in advance for an appointment during these time periods.

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Tips for a Successful Proposal

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Proposal Pitfalls

Here is a list of the more common pitfalls that lead to the rejection of an application. Don't let this happen to you!

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"How are project proposals reviewed?

A Faculty Advisory committee reviews all applications. Faculty membesr outside of your discipline will review your application. Thus, it is important to write your proposal so it may be understood by this broader audience. See Criteria for Review of Application.

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