NOTE: This program is no longer active.
This site is for archival purposes only.
How to Apply . . .
Deadline for receipt of all application materials (including recommendation forms) is:
July 18, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. MST
- An online application form
- An online recommendation form from the mentor. This form also asks the mentor to upload a recommendation letter (signed and in official letterhead)
- The name and contact information of an undergraduate student whom you are interested in mentoring
- A resume (uploaded as pdf in the application form)
- A 500-word personal statement (uploaded as pdf in the application form)
- Be sure to indicate:
- Why you are interested in mentoring an undergraduate student
- How your participation in this program fits into your future professional and career plans
- Your commitment to participate in all SMARTS graduate school workshops, meetings and other activities
- Be sure to indicate:
- A most current unofficial transcript (uploaded as pdf in the application form)
Upon submitting the application form:
- The faculty mentor is automatically notified via email and receives the link to the recommendation form
- The recommended undergraduate student is automatically notified via email and receives the link to the undergraduate application form
The application process is handled online and the package consists of:
- An online application form
- One recommendation form completed by a professor who knows the student well (preferably in the Sciences). This form also asks the professor to upload a recommendation letter (signed and in official letterhead)
- The recommendation of a graduate student interested in mentoring you. (The graduate student must include your name in her/his application form)
- A resume (uploaded as pdf in the application form)
- A 500-word personal statement (uploaded as pdf in the application form)
- Be sure to indicate:
- Motivation to participate in the program
- Career interest
- Interest in pursuing an advanced degree
- Willingness to participate in the SMARTS program workshops, meetings and other activities
- Be sure to indicate:
- A most current unofficial transcript (uploaded as pdf in the application form)
Upon submitting the application form:
- The faculty mentor is automatically notified via email that a team of a graduate and an undergraduate student applied to be mentored by him/her through the SMARTS program
- The faculty recommender receives the link to the recommendation form via email
- The graduate student is automatically notified via email that the undergraduate student has applied to the SMARTS program
The SMARTS Committee has formulated guidelines for recommendations:
Graduate Students: The faculty mentor must complete a recommendation form and upload a recommendation letter.
Undergraduate Students: Any professor who knows the student well (preferably in the Sciences) may submit an online recommendation form and upload a recommendation letter.
*Letters of recommendation must be on University letterhead and signed.
Questions to be Addressed in Letters of Recommendation
We suggest that to the best of their knowledge the following questions be addressed by professors in their recommendation letters:- How long have you known the applicant and under what circumstances?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the applicant? Describe any unique skills or personal characteristics that you think will allow him/her to succeed as a STEM (graduate or undergraduate) student.
- How well does the applicant get along with faculty and peers? Describe his/her people skills and level of maturity.
- How does the applicant handle disappointing or stressful situations?
- If possible, please indicate reasons why you feel that the applicant should or should not become a SMARTS Scholar.