How to apply:

 

The 2026-27 application has closed. Use the information below to prep for your personal essay and research statement for next year! 

The online application consists of:

  • Demographic information
  • Unofficial transcript: Unofficial transcripts can be accessed on MyNMU. Use Control/P to print or save as a PDF.
  • Personal essay
    • Personal essay prompt: In 1000 words or less, tell us about your background, achievements, research interests, and long-term and short-term career and academic goals. Please also explain why you are applying for this research fellowship and how this project relates to your long-term career and/or academic goals.
  • Research/Artist Statement
    • Research/artist statement template and prompt: Applying for the Undergraduate Research Fellowship means that you have contacted an NMU faculty or staff member who is willing to participate as your mentor(s) for the full duration of this fellowship. We recommend you work on this statement with the mentor(s) you identified. Before submitting your statement, the statement should have been reviewed by the mentor(s) overseeing your fellowship. Using the template, please upload a research statement that outlines your project title, project description, objectives, methodology, research mentor(s), budget, and timeline. Not including all required sections will result in an incomplete application. Treat writing this research statement as a research proposal and/or a proposal for a mentored investigation or creative inquiry.

We also require a faculty letter of support. 

This support letter should be written and submitted by the faculty overseeing your research project outlined in your statement. You are responsible for making sure the faculty support letter gets submitted to freshmanfellows@nmu.edu by the application deadline. Once we receive the faculty support letter, we will send you an email to confirm your completed application.

The selection of researchers will be guided by a rubric, and students will be selected by members of NMU's Research Advisory Council.