Before you Apply
Before submitting your application, identify a faculty mentor and discuss your proposed project with them. These conversations help ensure that you and your mentor have a shared understanding of the project's goals, scope, and timeline. They also give your mentor the information needed to complete the required mentor recommendation.
Application Checklist
Project Proposal (Submitted by the Student)
Your proposal should include:
- Project title
- Abstract
- Project description and purpose
- Methodology
- Timeline
- Summary of relevant coursework and experience
- Project budget (if applicable)
To complete your proposal, download the Project Proposal Sheet (SMCM login required). The document also includes the link to the Google Form where you will upload your completed proposal as a PDF.
Transcript (Submitted by the Student)
Submit an unofficial transcript with your application.
Mentor Recommendation (Submitted by the Faculty Mentor)
Instead of a traditional letter of recommendation, mentors complete the Mentor Recommendation Sheet. This document asks mentors to describe:
- Your academic and research potential
- Their understanding of your proposed project
- Their mentoring plan for the eight-week program, including meeting frequency, mentoring approach, and project milestones
- Their commitment to providing one-on-one mentorship and supporting the goals of the SURF program