1. What kind of research would I be involved in?

There are many possibilities. From the list below, Indicate the top 3 areas you are interested in conducting research.

Go to the Samueli Engineering website to learn more about the research areas at https://samueli.ucla.edu/research/ 

• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
• Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Engineering in Medicine
• Cybersecurity and Future Internet
• Robotics and Cyber-physical Systems
• Sustainable and Resilient Urban Systems

We will try to match the applicant’s interest with available projects as best we can. 

2. How many students are assigned to a research lab for the SURE Program? 

Each research group will be composed of 2 – 4 students

3. Do I need to have prior research experience to participate in the SURE Program?

No. The purpose of the SURE program is to provide an opportunity to students who typically do not have the opportunity to participate in research at the undergraduate level. Applicants do not need to have prior research experience to be accepted into the program.

4. What are the requirements for acceptance into the program?

The applicant must be a student of sophomore or junior level academic standing and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. We ask for a transcript, statement of interest, resume and one recommendation letter from a faculty member or person who can speak to your academic abilities.

Based on this input, faculty mentors select the students who would fit best in their labs.

5. Are international students eligible to participate in SURE?

No. Based on the goals of the program and the requirements of our funding sources, SURE participants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

6. When will you start accepting applications?

The online platform will begin accepting applications in December 2023.

7. When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is March 29, 2024 by 11:59 pm (PDT) (extended from March 22nd)  

8. When is the letter of recommendation due?

The letter of recommendation must be submitted by  April 5, 2024 by 11:59 pm (PDT) (extended from March 29th)

9. When will I be notified of the admission decision?

Applicants will be informed of their admission status via email on or before April 29, 2024. 

10. My recommender is having trouble receiving and/or submitting my letter. What should I do?

Please have the recommender send an email to jmgonzalez@seas.ucla.edu for further instructions.

11. Will this be an opportunity to prepare me for graduate school? 

SURE provides a realistic graduate research experience and also helps students make important contacts for graduate school applications, including letters of recommendations. 

12. Can this work be applied to undergraduate/future graduate studies for credit?

Unfortunately, no. But the research a student performs in SURE may lead to further research at the graduate level in the same area.

13. How will travel be arranged to and from Los Angeles?

Travel costs will be paid for students admitted to the program who do not live in the Los Angeles area.

Round-trip travel arrangements will be made to and from Los Angeles on June 23, 2024 and August 17, 2024.

14. Can I live at home and commute if I am from the Southern California Area?

No. SURE participants will live in the dorms for the duration of the program.

15. Is health insurance provided to students participating in the SURE@UCLA ?

UCLA does not offer a health insurance plan for non-UCLA summer program participants. It is very important for participants to understand that insurance will not be provided during the period of the program. Thus, all participants are required to show proof of insurance that is valid during the period of program. Those without such documentation will be ineligible to participate in SURE@UCLA. There are no exceptions to this policy. 

For those who need insurance, participants may purchase a Visiting Scholar Plan. For more information, please visit https://clients.garnett-powers.com/vs/ucla/ 

16. What is the UCLA COVID-19 vaccination policy for visiting students?

All visiting students attending any in-person programming are required to adhere to UCLA’s COVID-19 vaccination policies. These policies mandate that students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes boosters for eligible populations.

If you have any additional questions, contact Jessica Martin-Gonzalez at jmgonzalez@seas.ucla.edu