William T. Grant Scholars FinalistExternal Review Form
(RevisedJune 2014)
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Reviewer Guidance
Theapplicant has been selected as one of about ten finalists, who will be interviewed by the Selection Committee. Four to six finalists will be chosen as Scholars.
Please keep in mind that this application is for a career development award, not a traditional research grant. All finalists’ proposals have strong points, but reviewers should include critical comments to help applicants strengthen their work. Provide detailed and constructive feedback, particularly for item #3, which addresses scientific significance and rigor. Your review (except the last page) will be shared with the applicant.
Conflict of Interest
If upon reading the proposal you perceive a conflict of interest, please let us know right away. If you have any connections with the applicant but believe that you can be objective, continue with the review, but describe your relationship below.
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APPLICANT
1. Does the applicant demonstrate promise for becoming an influential researcher?
Consider whether the applicant’s ability to conduct and communicate creative, sophisticated research is demonstrated through prior training and publications. The quality of publications is more important than the quantity.
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2. Will the applicant significantly expand his or her expertise in new ways through this award?
This award differs from traditional research grants in that it is an investment in career development. Consider 1) if the applicant identifies ways the award will expand his or herexpertise (e.g., in a different discipline, method, content area), and 2) if the research plan convincingly explains how the applicant would develop the new knowledge or skills.
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RESEARCH PLAN
3. Is the research area consistent with the Foundation’s Current Research Interests?
For the past decade, understanding and improving the social settings of young people has been a major focus of the Foundation. In 2014, we announced a new focus on reducing inequality, which will replace the social settings initiative. For the 2014–2015 transition year, we will accept Scholars applications on all three topics: (1) reducing inequality, (2) understanding the use of research evidence, and (3) understanding social settings
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4. Is the research plan scientifically rigorous and feasible?
Consider whether the research plan:
- addresses questions important to policy and/or practice related to youth’s settings;
- reflects a mastery of related theory and empirical findings;
- advances prior and concurrent research efforts;
- reflects high standards of evidence and rigorous methods, commensurate with the proposal’s goals. Comment on the research design, sampling, measurement, and data analysis plans;
- demonstrates consideration of the gender, ethnic, and cultural appropriateness of concepts, methods, and measures;
- is feasible; and
- is cohesive, wherein multiple studies (if proposed) are well-integrated.
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MENTORING PLAN
5. Mentor(s)
a)Applicants propose one to two mentors for the first two years of the award. Is each mentor appropriate and committed to aiding the applicant’s development?
Consider whether each mentor has appropriate expertise in the applicant’s stretch areas, demonstrates a commitment to mentoring the applicant, and has a strong track record of mentorship.
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b)Will the award add significant value to the mentoring relationship(s)?
Do the applicant and mentor already have a strong relationship? If so, would the award add significant value beyond what would occur otherwise?
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6. Mentoring Plan
a)Will the mentoring plan contribute significantly to the applicant’s development? Consider whether each mentor’s letter and the applicant’s description of the plan:
- demonstrate that they have agreed upon sensible goals for their mentoring relationship; and
- include appropriate mentoring activities, interactions, and sufficient time to meet the mentoring goals.
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b)Does the applicant provide a sound rationale for his or her mentoring needs in the third to fifth years of the award? Has the applicant identified appropriate mentoring areas given his or her current expertise and what he or she needs to learn to conduct the proposed work?
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William T. Grant Foundation
William T. Grant Scholars FinalistExternal Review Form
(Shared with Selection Committee and Staff Only)
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Summative Comments (Shared with Selection Committee and Staff Only)
Add comprehensive comments for the Selection Committee. You do not need to repeat comments from the form that will be shared with the applicant. The Committee will read both forms.
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Overall Recommendation
Briefly explain whether you think this applicant should be selected for the William T. Grant Scholars Award.
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