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Personal Statement
As you are completing your online application, you will be asked
to upload a personal statement in a PC Word or PDF format. The personal
statement is an important component of the application, and tells
us who you are, why you want to pursue this research, and what impact
you expect this experience to have on your future career. You do
not need to have any prior research experience to apply to this
program. However, if you have had prior research experience, you
should discuss your research background and describe how it may
have influenced your education. You are encouraged to share what
you have accomplished so far in the fields of science or engineering,
including relevant coursework that you have completed. The personal
statement should elaborate on the Chem-SURF research projects that
you have selected, why they were chosen, your experience relevant
to the projects, and how the projects will help you meet your long-term
education and career goals. You may include any other relevant experience
that you feel has helped prepare you for this program. The appropriate
length for your personal statement is approximately 2-3 pages, double-spaced.
Choosing Your Research Projects
Carefully read through each of the research projects and select
those that are of the greatest interest to you. The
Research Projects section of this site provides details
about each of the projects, including an overview of the facilities
you will be working in and the faculty mentor overseeing the project.
You are also encouraged to seek out related publications and read
faculty suggested pages to gain more information about the project’s
background and goals. You will be asked to select and rank 5 projects
that you want to be involved with during the Chem-SURF program.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for your application.
As you are completing your online application, you will be asked
to list information for the two individuals who will be submitting
letters of recommendation on your behalf, including their titles
and e-mail addresses. After submitting your application, an e-mail
will be sent to your recommenders, asking them to complete an online
recommendation form. Your recommenders will have the option of uploading
a PC Word or PDF format of the letter of recommendation or mailing
the letter directly to the Chem-SURF Program. If your recommenders
prefer to mail your letters of recommendation, rather than submitting
them online, they should mail the letters directly to the
Chem-SURF Program address. These letters must be submitted
by the Supplemental Document Deadline
for your application to be complete. No positions will be offered
to an applicant unless all supporting documents are received. After
submitting your application, you may revise or change your recommenders.
Each time you register or change a recommender, an e-mail will be
generated to that individual that provides instructions on how to
submit a letter on your behalf.
Letters of recommendation are an important part of the selection
process. They should be written by someone who has closely interacted
with you and can effectively comment on your academic performance,
research abilities, relevant skills, ability to collaborate with
a team, and preparation for this program. Recommenders will also
be asked to comment on the support and research opportunities that
will be available to you after the conclusion of the Chem-SURF program
to help you further pursue your research and career goals. Letters
of recommendation should ideally come from professors who have worked
with you as a research supervisor, academic advisor, or course instructor.
You should choose your recommenders at least one month prior to
submitting your application so that you can discuss the program
in detail and give them time to prepare information on your behalf.
Submitting Your Transcripts
After submitting your online application, you will be
required to provide official copies of your transcripts. Request
a transcript from your home school’s registrar, as well as any other
colleges or universities you have attended. Your most current transcript
should include courses and grades taken during the prior year’s
fall term. You should request your transcript at least two weeks
in advance to allow sufficient time for processing and mailing.
Your transcript must be received no later than the
Supplemental Document Deadline. No positions will be offered
to an applicant unless all supporting documents are received. Your
registrar should mail your transcript directly to the
Chem-SURF Program address.
Verification of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
After submitting your online application, you will be required to
provide proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. You
may provide a copy of your U.S. birth certificate, naturalization
certificate, or a copy of your green card. Proof of U.S. citizenship
or permanent residency must be received by the
Supplemental Document Deadline. No positions will be offered
to an applicant unless all supporting documents are received. Your
verification of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency should be
mailed directly to the Chem-SURF Program address.
Proof
of Health Insurance
After submitting your online application, you will be required to
provide proof of valid health insurance. Your insurance must be
valid for the entire duration of the Chem-SURF Program. Please provide
a copy of your current insurance card. This must be received by
the Supplemental Document Deadline.
No positions will be offered to an applicant unless all supporting
documents are received. Proof of health insurance should be mailed
directly to the Chem-SURF Program address.
Application Deadlines
Please note that there are two key deadlines for you to be aware of. The Application Deadline is the date by which your application and personal statement must be submitted online. The Supplemental Document Deadline is the date by which all supporting documents (letters of recommendation, transcripts and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency, and proof of health insurance) must be received. Because supplemental documents may be submitted in hard copy, it is important that you allow enough time for mailing.
Application Deadline: Monday, Feburary 16, 2009
Application (to be submitted online)
Personal Statement (to be submitted online)
Supplemental Document Deadline: Monday, February 23, 2009
Two letters of recommendation (to be submitted online or mailed by recommenders)
Current, official transcript, including grades from prior year’s fall term (to be mailed)
Official transcripts from any prior colleges or universities (to be mailed)
Proof of U.S citizenship or permanent residency (to be mailed)
Proof of health insurance (to be mailed)
Mailing Address for Chem-SURF Program:
Dr. Fillmore Freeman
Chem-SURF Program
Department of Chemistry
1113 Natural Sciences II
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-2025
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