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
Proposal Writing Resources
Tips for a Successful Proposal
Proposal Pitfalls
Sample Proposals
Proposal Review

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:

general problem, theme, or issue to be addressed
historical or theoretical context
most relevant previous research, artistry or work on this topic by other scholars, researchers, or artists
project’s specific question, hypothesis, or objective

Approach/Methodology:

methods, procedures, theories, or lines of thinking and/or creating you will use to address your research topic and why
materials and sources you will need to study in order to pursue your project
how you will analyze, interpret, and/or evaluate your findings (i.e., the material you study, the data you collect, or your creative experience)
how and why your mode of analysis will enable you to accomplish your objectives and/or answer your research question(s)
foreseeable challenges, obstacles, or difficulties – and how you are prepared to address them

Significance/Meaning/Implications:

contribution of your project to the problem and your field
wider implications of your research or artistry (e.g., social, cultural, intellectual, creative, practical, theoretical)
if this project is a portion of a more comprehensive research project that you are undertaking, include an explanation of how it fits into the whole

Personal Outcome:

contribution of the project to your educational goals, including how this project will enhance your understanding of your particular field
contribution of the project to your long-term career goals
tangible product(s) of your project (e.g., report, paper, thesis, presentation, production, exhibition, film, etc.)

Location:

principal location of project work
other research or artistic sites and source locations to which you will travel
if you will travel to an off-campus research site, describe specific resources and/or contacts at the site that will be instrumental to the project and to accomplishing your objectives
if you need prior approval to gain access to your research site and its sources, describe how and when you will obtain written permission

My Role/Preparation/Experience:

your preparation and qualifications to undertake the project (e.g., coursework, jobs, extracurricular experiences; other research, training, or performance experience)
your plans (if any) for further preparing yourself before undertaking the project
if a group project, the role of each student on the project
role of your faculty mentor and others (graduate students/technicians/collaborators)

Timetable:

time allotted to each portion of your project (e.g., week by week, or stage by stage), with as much detail as possible
brief explanation of research activities and timetable for your entire project, if the UROP-funded portion is part of a larger project (e.g., senior thesis)

Previous UROP or IROP Research:

brief summary of previous UROP- or IROP-funded research
brief progress report, if you are currently doing UROP- or IROP-funded project

Attachments:

illustrations, diagrams, or video/audio recordings as necessary
one- to two-page bibliography of primary and secondary sources that you will use toward this project (e.g., books, journal articles, films, interviews, media sources, master classes); be sure all sources that you consulted in preparing the proposal are cited in the proposal text and listed in the bibliography
surveys, questionnaires, and interview questions, if these are part of your research

Proposal Format and Style: The proposal should

include a title page
be typed and double spaced, with numbered pages
be no more than five- to seven- pages long (this length excludes the title page,abstract and attachments)
follow the Proposal Outline carefully, using clear subheadings (above) for each section
include definitions of words specific to your field or research, if faculty members outside your field are not likely to be familiar with them. Note: In general, you should keep in mind that faculty review committee members are not likely to be from your specific field, so you should write your proposal accordingly.

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:

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.

Tips for a Successful Proposal

Maintain contact: Consult with your faculty mentor as you prepare your proposal.
Get feedback: Ask your faculty mentor to critique the proposal once you have written it.
Plan ahead: Procrastination generally does not lend itself to a competitive proposal. Allow time for revision.
Cover the basics: Prepare a typed, double-spaced, manuscript with numbered pages. (Proposals should be five to seven pages long.)
Be complete. Include:

a title page
any necessary illustrations or diagrams
a bibliography and/or references to works or articles cited
samples of surveys, questionnaires, or interview questions, as appropriate

Be accessible. Include definitions of words specific to your field of research, with which faculty members outside your field are not likely to be familiar.
Proofread carefully. Correct errors of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Nothing damages your credibility like careless mistakes.

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!

Lack of focus: the proposal does not clearly state the specific research objective or question.
Lack of specificity: the project is vague or ill defined.
Too much project: The project is too large to be managed by an undergraduate in the time allotted.
Lack of accountability: The expenses listed on the budget form are not justified or itemized.
Where's the beef? The proposal only describes the technical tasks a student will perform.
Lack of planning: The timetable is too brief and does not establish the important milestones in the project.
Editing required: The proposal is too long and repetitious.
No groundwork: The proposal does not adequately describe theories and previous research that are important to the project.
Lack of prerequisite experience: The student does not demonstrate adequate preparation for the proposed research, e.g., coursework, research skills, training, or general knowledge.
No connection: The proposal does not reflect a close, collaborative relationship between the student and the faculty mentor.

"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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