How to Apply
Application timeline
March 3, 2008
Application deadline
All materials must be on file.
March 14, 2008
Offer date
Applicants will be notified of their status.
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Complete the online application.
(Deadline has passed; link to form has been removed.)
When you submit your application, we will automatically email your recommenders with a link to our recommendation form. Therefore, before you apply, it is essential that you:
- Find two faculty members who agree to write recommendations for you and submit them through our recommendation webform. (See guidelines below.)
- Get valid email addresses for them. If you give invalid email addresses, we will not be able to send them the link and they will not be able to recommend you.
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Submit your personal statement and resume/CV online.
(Deadline has passed; link to form has been removed.)
- Send an electronic (scanned) version of your transcript to as an email attachment. Unofficial or student copies are acceptable for the application. Participants selected for the program will be asked to provide an official transcript later.
- To check the status of your materials at any time, enter your SRP Application ID below.
Your application materials will be complete when we have your application, personal statement, transcripts, and two recommendations. All items must be received by the deadline.
About the Personal Statement and Faculty Recommendations
Personal/Academic Statement
Your personal statement should be one to two pages in length and should be typed. Your statement should explain why you want to participate in the Summer Research Program, including how this research experience will help you achieve your current and future academic and career goals.
Your statement should clearly address the following topics: the specific field(s) in which you are interested in conducting research, why you are interested in this/these field(s), any relevant research experience you have had in an academic or a work setting, and a brief description of any relevant course you are taking during the present term. Finally, explain what you will contribute to the Summer Research Program, describing the personal qualities which you would bring to the program, and explain how those qualities would benefit both the program and its participants.
Faculty Recommendations
You need two recommendations to complete your Summer Research Program application.
Some guidelines to help you secure the strongest recommendations:
It is preferable to request recommendations from someone who knows your work and can comment specifically on your performance, particularly in the fields of study related to your desired research area. Therefore, recommendations carry more weight if they are from professors or instructors. Advisors and honors or other program directors can comment on your overall achievement, but generally, they cannot evaluate your experience in your field of study. It is not a good idea to submit recommendations from neighbors, church ministers, employers (unless related to your research area) or others who know you outside of an academic or research context.
Early in the application process, visit your recommenders during office hours or schedule an appointment to discuss your Summer Research Program plans and your graduate school goals. Your recommenders can often help you shape your research interests. Give your recommenders a short resume of your experience and areas of interest. Remind them about a project or paper you completed in their class. What grade did you make? Was there something about that project that stands out?
It is important to check the status of your materials to ensure that we receive your recommendations. Both recommendations must be completed by the deadline.
