UROC Scholar Application
The UROC Scholar application requires you to create an account with Lacai, an online database used for all UROC research programs. If you have submitted any previous UROC application, you may already have an account and must only fill out the survey associated with your program of interest.
In addition to basic applicant information, the application also requires a few elements (described below) that will help the UROC Scholar Review Committee evaluate your application.
UROC Scholar Faculty Mentors provide guidance and mentorship as Scholars progress through their research experiences and the graduate school preparation process. Competitive applicants take the initiative to meet with any potential UROC Scholar Faculty Mentors to discuss research interests, intention of applying to the UROC Scholar program, and evaluate mentee-mentor relationship fit.
The chosen recommender should address your motivation and dedication, academic preparation and performance, scholarly aptitude, and potential as a graduate student and leader. It is ideal for the recommender letter or survey to be submitted by the application deadline; please submit your application early so that your recommender is sent the appropriate recommendation survey by the program contact. Note: Recommenders have the option of submitting a letter instead of the survey. If you have already identified a CSUMB faculty who has agreed to be your UROC Scholar Faculty Mentor, it is strongly encouraged (but not necessary) that you ask them to be your recommender. Applicants are responsible for informing their recommender of their intent to apply and when their application has been submitted.
- Recommender Survey Questions
- How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
- What is your appraisal of the applicant's scholarly aptitude, motivation, dedication and/or academic performance in their/his/her area of concentration?
- What is your appraisal of the applicant's promise as a graduate student, leader and future scholar?
- Recommender Survey Questions
Your multi-page academic resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should include relevant experience e.g. coursework, examples of leadership, research or internship experiences, and academic performance, honors and awards. For more information about academic resumes or the curriculum vitae, visit MyRaft for relevant workshops and/or the CSUMB Career Center in theTanimura & Antle Library.
Writing Task: You will be asked to answer the prompts below in 250 words or less. As a reminder, the Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) is a free campus learning assistance center where CSUMB students can connect with qualified peer writing assistants to assist with analyzing complex texts as well as consult in all areas of the writing process. You are strongly encouraged to use the CLC Online Writing Support for this and other applications.
- Why do you wish to participate in a research-based graduate program? What specific research topics do you wish to study as an undergraduate and graduate student pursuing a master's or doctoral degree?
- How will participation in the UROC Scholar or UROC McNair Scholar Program help you to achieve your career goals?
- Who have you chosen to be your UROC Scholar Mentor and why?
This application requires you to submit quite a bit about you and your family's financial and demographic status. This information will not be used to make decisions on your acceptance into the program. Rather, it will be used to help UROC figure out how to support your undergraduate research, conference travel, and/or graduate school visits if you are selected as a UROC Scholar. If you are interested in being considered for the prestigious McNair Scholars program, you must submit one of the documents listed below. Note: UROC supports all students regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Those applicants may provide alternative documents in lieu of the FAFSA SAR. If you need clarification or have any questions about this or any aspect of this application, feel free to contact UROC or 831-582-4241
You can upload any of the three following documents as proof of your income:
- Option 1: IRS form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ (Preferred). If you are a dependent student, submit your parent's form. If you are independent, submit your own. Submit your most recent form. For example, if you are applying in Fall 2021, you should submit the 1040 from 2020. This document is preferred over either of the other options.
- Option 2: SAR from FAFSA.gov. The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a report generated when you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be easily downloaded from the FAFSA website. Please upload the form from the previous academic year. For example, if you are applying in Fall 2021, please submit your 2020-2021 Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Option 3: A signed statement documenting your family size and income. If you cannot obtain either a 1040 or your SAR, independent applicants can upload a document that states their income, number of dependents, and is signed by the applicant. Dependent applicants can upload a document that states their income, family size, and is signed by both their parents.