SURGE FAQs
I am not an underrepresented minority, am I still eligible for the SURGE Program?
The SURGE Program is open to students from all ethnic backgrounds. Applications are especially encouraged from students who are Black/African Americans, Latinx/Chicanx Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islander Americans.
Are international students eligible for the SURGE Program?
At this moment, we are not accepting international students, unless you are a permanent resident (with a Green Card).
Can high school students, community college students, college graduates, or graduate students participate in SURGE?
Students must be current matriculating undergraduates enrolled in a U.S. two or four-year college or university to participate in SURGE. Preference is given to sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors, or Community College students in their second or last year. Exchange students are not eligible to participate. Students who have been accepted into graduate programs are not eligible.
How are program placements made?
The online application allows you to select departments in which you are most interested. Applicants will also have the chance to select their top three projects proposed by potential mentors. Placements with specific faculty are not guaranteed.
What summer projects are available?
See our list of potential projects. However, not all summer projects are listed or have been finalized.
How long will the program run?
Program dates are June 20 to August 12, 2022. These dates are not flexible and students must participate for the entire 8 weeks.
How many students will participate in the SURGE Program?
There is no set number of participants. However, in the past, we have had cohorts ranging from 11 to 16 participants.
Are students without previous research experience eligible?
Yes. We are especially seeking students who do not have prior research experience and who come from undergraduate institutions with limited research opportunities.
What does fully funded mean?
SURGE will cover the cost of transportation to/from Stanford, housing, and meals. In addition, SURGE scholars will receive a stipend.
When will application decisions be made?
The selection process begins in February and final decisions will be made by mid-March.
What should the letters of recommendation include?
In the application portal, you will be asked to provide the names and emails of two people you would like to write a letter of recommendation. They can be a faculty mentor, a course professor, or a professional mentor/manager. A strong letter of recommendation will include some examples or details to describe: a) Motivation and commitment, b) Learning mindset and general curiosity, c) Research or professional skills. Comments on the student's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion are a plus, but not expected.
We recommend contacting your recommenders with enough time, explaining that you are interested in applying to a paid internship program (if possible, share a short description) and why you think this would be a good opportunity for you. If possible share your resume or some updates that can help your recommender to write a strong letter.
SURGE Application FAQs
I've submitted my application and now I want to make edits to my application?
You cannot edit a completed submission. SlideRoom states that applicants cannot change materials after they are submitted and you cannot see materials until they are submitted.
However, we can Unsubmit a submitted application before the deadline. Please send an email request to streamsurge@stanford.edu for authorization.
I am no longer interested in applying. How do I delete my application?
You are able to delete your application on your dashboard page which appears after you log-in to your Slideroom account.
In which format can I upload my files?
Please upload your CV/resume and transcripts in a PDF format. We will not review any files in other formats.
How do I upload an official transcript?
You are required to upload an unofficial transcript. Upon acceptance, official college transcripts may be required and can be sent by mail. We do not require high school transcripts.
How do I translate my GPA scale?
If you're looking for college admissions assistance with comparing your GPA, here is a common method for translating grades from one scale to another. However, consider that we do holistic admissions and a high GPA does not mean higher chances to get admitted. We are looking at students as a whole:
- A+ = 4.0 = 97-100
- A = 4.0 = 94-100
- A– = 3.7 = 90-93
- B+ = 3.3 = 87-89
- B = 3.0 = 84-86
- B– = 2.7 = 80-83
- C+ = 2.3 = 77-79
- C = 2.0 = 74-76
- C– = 1.7 = 70-73
- D+ = 1.3 = 67-69
- D = 1.0 = 64-66
- D– = 0.7 = 60-63
- F = 0.0 = 0-59
How do I convert my school's 4.3 GPA system to the 4.0 GPA scale?
If you're looking to convert a 4.3 GPA scale to a 4.0 GPA scale, here's some information that might be useful. According to a 4.3 grade scale, the following numbers translate to the following letters:
- A+ = 4.3 GPA
- A = 4 GPA
- A- = 3.7 GPA
- B+ = 3.3 GPA
- B = 3 GPA
- B- = 2.7 GPA
- C+ = 2.3 GPA
- C = 2 GPA
- C- = 1.7 GPA
- D+ = 1.3 GPA
- D = 1 GPA
- D- = 0.7 GPA
- F = 0 GPA
I have heard about SURGE through the Leadership Alliance. How do I apply?
If you would like to apply to SURGE through the Leadership Alliance, you must complete both the LA and SURGE applications. LA application
If you have any questions that are not listed above, please email us.