<p>Even though I'm busy this summer with a summer job and everything, I can't help but think about next summer. I think I'd like to do a Caltech SURF, except I think the process will be a bit different for me since I won't be a Caltech student (almost was though). I'll be entering Olin College of Engineering this fall and will most probably major in ECE. My current job involves research in IT. I think I'd like to do something a bit different next summer, quantum computation maybe (I'm pretty sure Caltech has a professor into this, correct me if I'm wrong). I'm not looking for an engineering project necessarily; I would also be very interested in doing some research in astrophysics. </p>
<p>Some questions: what do I need to be on top of now, especially since I'm not a Caltech student? Should I start contacting professors now, or is it too early? Do I even stand a reasonable shot, especially if I'm not a techer? Also, what would the situation with housing be for me? Would I end up spending more money than I make just to get a room? Anything else I should now?</p>
<p>Now may be a little early since professors may not know what their situation will be like a year from now. But winter break tends to be a good time to start looking around, if not earlier.</p>
<p>Well, the site is somewhat useful, but I can't find specific answers to a few things. Well I easily be able to find a mentor, considering the fact that I'm not a Caltech student? I know it says that 70% are accepted for SURFs, but I couldn't find anything about how non-Techers do, or how easily they are able to find mentors in their chosen field. Also, will $600/week be enough to pay for room and board and tax and other expenses? I'm not in it for the money, but I don't want to do a SURF and come out in debt.</p>
<p>The probability of getting a SURF if you're not a techer is highly variable. Basically, if you can find a professor who is willing to either provide at least part of the funds and speak enthusiastically about your candidacy, then the probability is high. Otherwise, it is near zero. The way to get a professor interested in you is to show that you would be valuable to the lab -- presumably by having good grades and at least some research experience in somewhat similar projects. If you have these credentials and contact many professors, speaking intelligently about why you want to work for them, you are likely to get at least one positive response. The hardest projects to get on are in theoretical physics (I know, tough luck given your interests) since there are a lot of takers, and a lot very good Caltech students who have some priority.</p>
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Also, will $600/week be enough to pay for room and board and tax and other expenses? I'm not in it for the money, but I don't want to do a SURF and come out in debt.
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<p>It should be enough. You could also go to web to find out summer Caltech housing cost. Food cost is fairly reasonable at Caltech. My DD2 is doing pre-frosh surf this summer. She seems to be able to save some money. It is like a summer job.</p>
<p>Btw, I lived every summer on $5000 (the SURF stipend before the raise), was pretty unrestrained in my spending, and always had money left over. Unless your tastes are much more expensive than mine, it should never be a problem.</p>