Are you an ambitious undergraduate student eager to dive into cutting-edge research and explore the world of graduate studies in engineering? The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) at Stanford Engineering is your gateway to a transformative experience. This fully funded, eight-week residential program brings together 30-35 talented students from diverse backgrounds to immerse themselves in groundbreaking research, mentorship, and graduate school preparation.
Whether you’re aiming for a PhD in engineering or seeking to expand your horizons in STEM, SURF offers unparalleled opportunities to grow academically and professionally. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this prestigious fellowship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
Why Choose the SURF Program? A Life-Changing Opportunity
The SURF program is more than just a summer internship—it’s a comprehensive platform designed to demystify graduate school admissions and prepare you for a successful research career. Here’s what makes it stand out:
1. Fully Funded Experience
$5,500 Stipend: Upon completing the program, fellows receive a generous stipend to support their academic and personal needs.
Housing and Meals: Participants are provided with on-campus housing and a meal plan, ensuring a comfortable stay during the program.
Travel Stipend: To ease the financial burden of traveling to Stanford, fellows also receive a travel stipend.
2. Immersive Research Opportunities
As a SURF fellow, you’ll work alongside leading researchers and faculty members at Stanford Engineering, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects. This exposure not only enhances your technical skills but also deepens your understanding of what it means to conduct research at the graduate level.
3. Graduate School Preparation
The program goes beyond research by offering a robust graduate school preparation curriculum. Highlights include:
- Coding workshops and technical training.
- Industry visits and networking opportunities in the Bay Area.
- Excursions and community-building activities.
- Participation in a research symposium to showcase your findings.
- Mentorship from experienced faculty and peers.
4. Building a Diverse Community
SURF is committed to fostering diversity in engineering and science. By bringing together students from varied backgrounds, the program creates a supportive cohort that promotes innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.
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Who Can Apply? Understanding Eligibility Criteria
The SURF program is open to a wide range of applicants, with specific requirements to ensure a diverse and qualified pool of candidates. Here’s who can apply:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Academic Standing: You must be a full-time undergraduate student in good standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Exceptions may be made for students with exceptional circumstances or a demonstrated upward trend in grades.
- Citizenship and Residency :
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, undocumented students, DACAmented students, asylum seekers, and refugees are eligible.
- International students enrolled full-time in U.S. colleges or universities must meet first-generation and/or low socioeconomic status criteria as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
- First-generation and/or low-income international students studying outside the U.S. are also eligible.
- Research Interest: Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a PhD in an engineering field. If your goal is an MD, JD, MBA, or other non-research-focused degree, this program may not be the right fit.
- Availability: Fellows must be fully available to live on Stanford’s campus from June 21 to August 16. Participation in summer courses, internships, or employment is not allowed during the program.
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How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to the SURF program requires careful planning and attention to detail. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success:
Step 1: Review Application Dates
- Application Period: November 1, 2024 – February 1, 2025 (11:59 PM PST).
- First Round Decisions: Mid-February.
- Final Decisions: First week of March.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials
Your application should highlight your academic achievements, research potential, and personal journey. Required materials include:
- Resume or CV: Maximum 3 pages.
- Unofficial Academic Transcript: No official transcript is required at this stage.
- Statement of Purpose: A 1-2 page essay detailing your academic and career goals, current research interests, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who can speak to your academic potential and research readiness.
- Optional Personal History Statement: Strongly encouraged, this 1-2 page essay allows you to share unique experiences, values, or challenges that have shaped your academic journey.
Step 3: Submit Through the Correct Portal
Leadership Alliance SR-EIP: For U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Stanford SURF SlideRoom: For undocumented students, DACAmented students, asylum seekers, refugees, and first-generation/low-income international applicants.
Step 4: Double-Check Your Submission
Ensure all materials, including letters of recommendation, are submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For more information please check the official source.
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