Below is a partial list of preparation activities and questions you should ask yourself if you are considering applying for research opportunities.

How do I start looking for research opportunities?

• Go to the University of Michigan home page and type in "undergraduate research opportunities".
• Visit http://www.lsa.umich.edu/urop/ to read about the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
• Attend any workshops available on how to find research opportunities.
• Talk to peers who have had research experiences.

Have I started thinking about faculty I can ask about research opportunities?

• Talk with any of my professors who work in fields I'm interested in.
• Visit the academic department office of the areas that I'm interested in and look on the bulletin boards.
• Review the websites of the departments covering the areas I'm interested in to read the background info for each faculty member in the department in order to learn about what research they do.

Once I find opportunities that interest me, what should I do?

• Know the application deadline dates.
• Review the submission requirements.
• Know who the contact person is for each research opportunity that I am interested in.
• Make contact with the program office if the opportunity is part of a separate program.
• Contact the faculty member directly if I am interested in the specific area of their research.  
  • Inform them of my interest in their area of research.
  • Ask if they ever use undergraduates in their research projects.

What other information should I review regarding the research opportunities I am interested in?

• View the entire website for additional information about any program I am interested in.
• Check the program dates for this research opportunity.
• Determine whether it is a paid research and/or credit research opportunity.
• Find out what the responsibilities will entail.
• Determine if I have to think about housing and/or transportation on my own or is it handled through the program.

If I do not meet the minimum requirements for each research opportunity that I am applying for, what should I do?

• If I do not meet the minimum requirements, consider calling to see if and how exceptions are made.

What do I need to prepare in order to be ready to apply?

• Be prepared to articulate how prior experience and coursework has helped me focus on my area(s) of interest.
• Prepare an up-to-date resume in the required format.
  • Have I listed any science fairs that I participated in?
  • Have I listed any honors received?
  • Have I listed any research activities I participated in?
  • Have I listed any courses or workshops that I attended that may be relevant to a specific research opportunity?

Am I interested in more than one area of research?

• Have a succinct but specific statement of my interest and background for each area.
• Does it include a brief summary of what I want to learn from each research area?
• Does it include a brief statement on how I believe my interest is compatible with the faculty project and how it is in line with my academic goals?
• If the research activity is out of my academic area, explain why I want to do this type of research.
• Have my statements reviewed by someone other than myself prior to submission.

Have I started thinking about faculty I can ask for references to include with any applications I submit?

• Have materials available that will enable the faculty to write a complete and detailed letter of reference.
  • Updated Resume.
  • Copy of faculty research project that I am interested in.
  • Brief statement of my area of interest.
  • Provide a time line for the professor to complete the letter of reference including info about where the letter should be submitted.
  • Make sure I give my professor adequate time to write the letter of support - preferably two weeks.

What are the final steps in the application process?

• Did I complete everything required?
• Did I have someone else review the entire application?
• Did I attach all documents?
• Did I keep a copy for my records?
• Did I send a thank you note to everyone who assisted me?