Selection Criteria

In addition to the eligibility guidelines, the UAF review committee will use the following criteria in application decisions:

  • Applications will be evaluated on merit. Specific merit-based criteria are listed below.
  • Preference will be given to juniors over sophomores in order to provide access to opportunities prior to graduation, with the exception of the HHMI program, which funds first-years through the Cascade Mentoring Program.
Note: Other criteria may be taken into account by the committee based on the level of available funding or specific restrictions that apply to individual funds or programs.

 

Merit-based criteria include:

  • The project must be feasible. 
  • The project should be described clearly and concisely. (Exception: HHMI-Cascade Program applicants cannot always describe their project but they can describe their interest, preferences and goals)
  • The student should explain how she is prepared for the project she is proposing.
  • The student should have a faculty recommendation that demonstrates support for the project, the student’s preparation, and the feasibility of the project. 
  • The student should have a successful academic record and qualifications to carry the project to a successful conclusion.
  • The student's goals should be clearly outlined and the project should directly support her achievement of her goals. 
  • The project should be a learning opportunity. 
  • The project should be important in terms of its relevance to the student's personal, professional or academic goals, and to the mission of the host organization or the goals of the broader community.  The student should make this relationship clear. 
  • The student should have adequate resources to support her project. (Exception: HHMI program)
  • Internship and research projects consisting of at least 240 work hours are preferred. Projects consisting of fewer than 160 work hours may be at a disadvantage in the application review process.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to:

  • Read the Essay Guidelines for internships or research projects.
  • Attend a UAF information and application preparation workshop,
  • Review your project proposal with your faculty recommender or advisor.
  • Review your project essay with a SAW peer advisor
  • Enroll in the new 2 credit spring internship/research course COLL210 “Ready for the World: Curriculum to Career” to increase your preparation for your opportunity and integrate your summer project within your academic pathway and career goals