Book excerpt: A Practical Guide to Writing a Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Grant, Second Edition, continues to provide F-Series grant applicants and mentors with insider knowledge on the process by which these grants are reviewed, the biases that contribute to the reviews, the extent of information required in an NRSA training grant, and a deeper understanding of the exact purpose of each section of the application. New additions to this edition include coverage of other NIH grants, such as R01, R21, and P20, as well as information on significant modifications to the Biosketch and Letters of Recommendation sections. This book is a solid resource for trainees and their mentors to use as a guide when constructing F30, F31, and F32 grant applications. - Highlights changes since the first edition, including these new components, such as Applicant's Background - Provides a description of the Institutional Environment and Commitment to Training - Covers F30, F31, and F32 grant applications - Presents key suggestions on how to best construct each section of the application