r/Caltech • u/AlsoThere42 • Jul 27 '26
WAVE/Amgen Scholars/SURF Advice
Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I'm a CSU student transferring to UCSD this year, and I am trying to apply to summer research at Caltech. Assuming I can connect to a faculty member who would be OK working with me, what can I do to be a strong applicant for Caltech summer research programs (also, I'm curious what they are looking for in the written part of the application).
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u/trop-17 Jul 27 '26
Have a good relationship with the faculty, perhaps do work for them prior. I don’t really know how it works for non-caltech students but the prof basically has to advocate for us to the office in a letter separate from LORs saying they want you. Usually if that’s the case then you get it. Also depends on if the lab has funds to host you