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How to Apply

SURF applications are accepted ONLY from Columbia University and Barnard College Undergraduates

Applications are now closed!

Applications will be accepted until 5pm on February 1st, 2012. Freshman should wait to apply until they have all of their fall 2011 grades. Freshmen who are waiting on grades should be sure to alert the individuals that will be submitting the recommendations so that they have ample time to prepare the recommendation.

By applying to the SURF program, you will also be considered for the Amgen program and if you are matched with a laboratory that studies stem cells (denoted with an asterix on the list of mentors webpage) the NYSTEM summer undergraduate research fellowship in stem cell research.. The application will ask you to briefly describe your laboratory experience, career plans, and why you wish to participate in the program.

  • You should ask two people to write you letters of recommendation addressing your suitability for this fellowship. Specify their names and email addresses on the application form and they will receive instructions via email. All recommendations must be emailed through the application website by February 1st, 2012 at 5pm. Be sure to submit your application with ample time for the people writing your recommendations to email them by February 1st.
  • Please use ONLY your Columbia University email address when you apply (e.g. jds3245@columbia.edu); do not apply using your Barnard email address, or any other email address.
  • You will need to paste your transcript directly from SSOL or eBear into the application form.
  • Acceptance into the SURF program requires that you:
    • Work in the designated lab for 10 weeks following Memorial Day
    • Check your email regularly
    • Not work, volunteer, or study anywhere else
    • Attend weekly meetings
    • Present your research at a weekly meeting
    • Write a research paper summarizing your results
    • Present a poster at the SURF symposium during the spring semester
    • Notify us of any published articles on which your names appears that concern research you performed during SURF (or in the same lab after SURF) even after the SURF program has ended
    • Report any concurrent additional fellowships or funding
    • Have not participated in SURF previously
    • Not have a bachelor's degree

If you apply to SURF, you will automatically be considered for the Amgen Scholars and NYSTEM programs. The Amgen Scholars and NYSTEM Programs are highly competitive research program at Columbia University/Barnard College open to ALL undergraduates in the US/Territories (including Columbia University and Barnard College) with different acceptance criteria, a somewhat different schedule of events, a stipend (for living expenses and food) and housing.

Unfortunately, we receive many more applications than we have SURF fellowships available. If you submit an application but are not accepted into the program, you may submit an application in future years.