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

The research focus areas are based on the six critical areas of research, identified by the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. On the application form, you may identify up to three areas that align with your research interest.

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. Am I guaranteed a research position in one of my top choices? 

Availability for each area depends entirely on the Faculty’s summer availability, which will be determined in May or early June. Consequently, some of the research labs may not be offered at the start of the program. In those cases, students admitted to the program will be matched with a different lab closely related to their research interest.

3. What are the program deliverables?

Participants are expected to conduct graduate-level research in groups of 2-4 undergraduates under the guidance of an UCLA faculty member. Each group is expected to produce a 15-page research paper and final presentation. Please note that this is a full-time residential program, meaning that participants will have to live in the dorms for the duration of the program. Additional deliverables include required meetings, workshops, and social events. A pre- and post-program survey is also required from all participants.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is is March 28, 2025 at 11:59 PT. Late applications won’t be accepted..  

8. When is the letter of recommendation due?

The letter of recommendation must be submitted a week after the application submission deadline on April 4, 2025.

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

Applicants will be informed of their admission status via email in May 2025. 

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 22, 2025 and August 16, 2025 (domestic flights only).

14. If I bring my own car, will the program cover the cost of parking?

No. Students who wish to bring a car will be responsible for covering the full cost of parking for
the duration of the program. There are no exceptions.

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

No. Participants are expected to live at the UCLA dorms full-time for the duration of the program.

16. Will I have roommates?

Yes, participants will be housed in double rooms.

17. 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/ 

18. 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