SURFs up!

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
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<p>...really, I just wanted to say that.</p>

<p>Anyway, yesterday the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) were announced. For those who don't know, SURF is how most Caltech undergrads initially get involved with research - a 10 week program during the summer where students join research groups to (hopefully) accomplish some significant project. Successful SURF projects often lead to long-term, senior-thesis type research. </p>

<p>~350 students received SURFs this year, which means that roughly 50% of eligable students (non-seniors) will be doing research over the summer at Caltech (or JPL). Generally about 70 percent of students who apply for SURFs are accepted (i.e. get funding). Some students who don't receive a SURF still do research, but they have to work out the logistics with the research group.</p>

<p>I thought I'd post this as an indication of research opportunities at Caltech!</p>

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<p>are SURFS available for newly admits (us) or would we have to apply during the first year?</p>

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<p>That's a good question actually. Um, I believe generally no (except for maybe Axlines?). I really have no idea though. I certainly don't recall any opportunity, but I wasn't an Axline or anything.</p>

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<p>Part of the Axline Scholarship is that you get to attend SURF as a pre-freshman.</p>

<p>I've been really slow about deciding what to do over the summer, so I have yet to send a response to my Axline SURF award. Ooops ... is it too late now?</p>

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<p>No. You have about a month to decide.</p>