How to apply

This page provides a general overview about how to apply for undergraduate research and Scholars programs. Specific guidelines and application instructions are available on the program webpages.

Application elements

Applications for SURFD undergraduate research and Scholars programs (except for MMUF) are submitted via the SRF app which is accessible on DartHub.

Application elements required for all programs:

  • Title
  • Abstract

Additional application elements required by some but not all programs:

  • Proposal
  • Budget

See application instructions for individual programs for more information:

Project title

Titles should convey the topic of the research and conform to the following:

  • No longer than 85 characters (not including spaces).
  • If the title has two parts, separate them with a colon, not a dash or other character.
  • Do not include symbols or special characters (e.g Greek letters).
  • Do not include your name or names of programs or type of funding request (that is, do NOT include terms like leave term grant, Scholars program, etc.)

Abstract

The purpose of an abstract is convey the essential aspects of your project. Abstracts must be a single paragraph of 100-250 words, written in your own words (NOT cut and pasted from your advisor's research abstract), and comprehensible to a general audience.

Abstracts should NOT include:

  • The title of your project
  • The name of your faculty mentor (or their lab/research group)
  • The year and/or term of your project (e.g. summer 2026)
  • The name of the program to which you are applying (e.g. URAD, Stamps Scholars)
  • Bullet points, numbering or lists
  • References or citations

Proposal

Check the application guidelines for each program to determine whether a written proposal is required. Be sure to carefully review the specific guidelines for the program to which you are applying.

General guidelines for all proposals:

  • Parameters: double-spaced, 1-inch margin, standard font size (11 or 12 point).
  • File format: submit your proposal via the online application form as a PDF.  Be sure your file has the .pdf extension.
  • File name: name your documents with your last name, your first name, dash, and what the document is (e.g. smithjoan-proposal.pdf)
  • Additional notes:
    • Be sure to proofread and spellcheck your proposal.
    • If you use the track changes feature when writing or getting feedback on your proposal, be sure to accept or reject the changes and then turn off reviewing and comments (and re-save the document) before submitting. Close the document and reopen it to be sure that all tracking and comments have actually been removed.

Budget

Check the application guidelines for each program to determine whether a budget is required. Be sure to carefully review the specific guidelines for the program to which you are applying.

Elements of a budget:

  • Itemized budget: list of expenses (each item and its associated cost)
    • Review the list of eligible expenses for each program, as well as resources for estimating costs.
    • If you are not certain of an exact cost, provide your best estimate using the resources on estimating expenses.
  • Budget justification: overall explanation for the budget request as well as an clear and compelling justification for each item in the budget.