Frequently asked questions about the URAP application process:

Why do I have to submit paper copy after I have applied on line?

Faculty preferences: at this point in time, many faculty still prefer to review applications in paper copy. We will continue to use paper copy until we feel confident that we can get quick decisions from faculty using on line applications.

Transcripts: although we do not require official transcripts, faculty do wish to see your unofficial transcripts. At this time, there is no fool-proof system for electronically attaching and transmitting your transcripts to faculty.

Expense: Unfortunately we can’t afford the staff time and materials required to print out huge numbers of applications and attach transcripts. (We had close to 1800 multi-page applications in fall 2006!) We must rely on you to print and assemble the application.

So why bother with the on-line part?

Contact data: The biggest advantage of the on-line application is that we have your contact information in our database at the time you apply. That way we can contact you immediately, and remind you of the subsequent steps. We can also assist faculty mentors if applications are misplaced.

In the past, we have spent many days inputting application information so that we could assist faculty and send you follow-up information. Bad handwriting (and a few inevitable input errors) meant that our records were not always as accurate as we would like. Many faculty complained that indecipherable emails made it impossible to contact candidates for interview.

How can I figure out which courses to report taking when filling out the online application?

The URAP application asks you to include your grades from up to eight classes you've taken at UC Berkeley or another college or university. (Please do not use this section to include grades from classes you took at a high school, even if they are "college-level" or AP courses). This is primarily for the use of faculty. Although we require that you submit your unofficial transcript attached to the paper version of your application, providing some advance information about classes you've taken allows faculty to begin reviewing your application immediately on the day after applications close, without waiting for the paper copies to be delivered.

You can consider this section an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the skills and requirements necessary for the project. You need to make a judgment about what seems relevant to a project, based on your reading of the project description. Don't feel obligated to include eight courses--eight is a maximum, not a minimum.

How do I get a transcript to attach to my URAP application?

Students applying to URAP need transcripts for their applications. They do not need to be official transcripts. Unofficial Berkeley transcripts can be printed from BearFacts (bearfacts.berkeley.edu), just be sure that your name displays on the printout. Transfer students attaching transcripts from community college can attach unofficial transcripts, or photocopies of official or unofficial transcripts.

I'm a transfer student. Should I attach unofficial transcripts from my community college as well as my Berkeley transcript?

If you're a transfer student, attaching a copy of your unofficial transcripts from community college can give faculty a better sense of what kind of coursework you've already completed, and what your undergraduate academic performance has been. Although transfer students are not required to attach community college transcripts, it is recommended in order to give a more complete picture of their academic background to professors sponsoring research projects.

I'm a new first year student and haven't completed any coursework yet at Berkeley. Should I attach my high school transcript and AP results?

URAP applicants SHOULD NOT attach high school transcripts, AP results, or similar documentation to their URAP applications. Including your academic strengths and interests in your statement is all that is necessary. If while a high school student, you completed significant coursework at a community college or four-year college, you have the option of including an unofficial transcript of this work if you'd like; however, it is not required.

Students with no transcripts to attach should include a page stating that they are a new student and have not completed any college coursework at Berkeley.

May I attach a resume or other documents to my paper copy?

Yes, but only if your resume contains relevant research experience. Very few applicants to URAP have had previous research experience, but if you have had experience, you should mention it in your resume or statement of interest.

Do I need a letter of recommendation?

No. In fact, we discourage the submission of such letters. Save your credits with your potential recommenders for jobs or grad school applications!

Is there any advantage to applying early?

No, all applications are hand delivered to faculty on the day after the application deadline. If you decide on projects too early, you may miss research opportunities that are posted late. The deadline is ALWAYS the first day of the second week of classes.

Should I contact faculty I am interested in working with?

If you have questions about a project, it is OK to go to faculty office hours at the end of the preceding term, but please do NOT contact faculty about URAP matters during the first weeks of the semester. Remember that faculty sign up for URAP because they want to use the URAP process and prefer not to meet with potential apprentices haphazardly. For most faculty, their priority in the first two weeks of classes is to get their courses running smoothly. Please respect this.

URAP faculty cannot commit positions before they have reviewed all applications for the apprenticeship.

Why am I limited to three faculty applications?

There is not much latitude for “shopping” in URAP. You should choose only projects that you are seriously interested in. Don’t make three applications simply because you are allowed to. Often, students are accepted to more than one apprenticeship. While this may be flattering, it will put you in the position of turning down a position. This can be awkward for you; it’s also awkward for the faculty member who will now have to make another attempt to fill the position. It can delay the start of the research.

Why do I have to write a separate statement of interest for each faculty position?

You need to show each faculty member why you are interested in his or her specific research, and what aptitudes you think you might bring to the research The fact that you have spent some time thinking about the project, and perhaps even doing some preliminary library or internet research, shows the faculty member that you are interested—and prepared to work.

One faculty member has multiple projects. Do I have to make a separate application for each project?

No, you only need to make one application per faculty member, but you should indicate which project you are most interested in. If there is really only one that interests you, say so. If more than one project interests you, let faculty know your preferences.

Revised 6/8/05 SW