FAQ's
Below is a list of questions frequently asked by students who are interested in applying to UROP. If you are a prospective student and want more information check out our programs or contact John Vasquez, Assistant Director of UROP and the Coordinator for Admissions & Recruitment.
Questions regarding Research
Q: What is research?
A: Research, especially undergraduate research, can take many forms. UROP students can be found in museums, archives, and neighboring communities, as well as in scientific laboratories. As a UROP student you might be reading historical texts, developing and administering a survey, analyzing data, shooting film footage in Detroit, building and testing equipment, or even running experiments to extract DNA.
Most students are working alongside faculty and research scientists on ongoing or new research projects. As you gain skills and spend time on a project you may have the opportunity to conduct an independent piece to a project. Many UROP students use this first research experience to develop an independent research project or an honors thesis topic to pursue their own research question. Some even go on to co-author research papers!
Q: I am a first year student, should I really be getting involved in research?
A: It is important to think hard about why you might want to get involved in a research project and also to understand how the research setting might differ from a traditional classroom learning environment. While clearly being involved in research is helpful to your future plans to go to graduate and/or professional school, research is a commitment. You need to be interested in the project you choose as well as in the research process. Here are a few questions to ask yourself about UROP:
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What role will research play in my future plans?
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How might research skills help me with future academic and career plans?
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Can research help me explore a field that interest me?
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How might a research project make my coursework more relevant?
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Am I excited and intellectually curious about a lot of different things?
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Would I like the opportunity to get to know faculty and graduate students in a non-classroom setting?
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Can I work independently as well as in a team?
Q: What do faculty look for in a student researcher?
A: Most UROP faculty want energetic, enthusiastic individuals who are excited and intellectually curious. They also seek students who ask good questions, have a good work ethic, can be self-directed and self-motivated, and are mature. In some cases, special skills are required for a project; but in many cases, the faculty will help you learn these skills and train you to do research related tasks. They can not train you to be excited and interested in their work or patient when the tasks are tedious.
Questions regarding filling out the UROP application
Q: What program do I apply for?
A: You should apply to the program that best fits your eligibility status. Priority is given to students seeking a first time research experience. Visit our programs page for specific requirements for each program.
Questions regarding admission status
Q: How will I know if I’m admitted?
A: All applicants will receive notification about their admissions status via e-mail which will be sent to their UMICH Account.
Q: What do I do once I’m admitted?
A: All admitted students to the program MUST complete the electronic UROP Acceptance Form by the deadline indicated in the Admissions notification email. Failure to notify UROP about your plans to participate in the program may jeopardize your placement. UROP reserves the right to relinquish your unclaimed spot to a waitlisted student.
Q: What happens if I’m Waitlisted?
A: Depending on the amount of research projects available and students who accept their UROP spot, we do accept some students off the waitlist; however, this process may be lengthy and we cannot predict when. Waitlisted students are advised to be prepared to accept an offer of admissions after the start of Fall term.
Q: What happens if I turn in my application late?
Applications received after the priority deadline listed for each program will be given careful consideration. Admissions will be made on a rolling basis as space permits.
Q: Do you admit students to UROP in the Spring?
UROP does not admit new students and/or offer research placements for students wishing to earn academic credit or work study wages during the Spring and Summer terms.
Q: Can I just enroll for one Term? If I can’t do it during the Fall Term, can I just do Winter? What about just the Fall?
Students are expected to commit to a full academic year’s participation in UROP to receive the most benefit from the program. A limited number of students are admitted for participation in Winter term. Priority is given to students who were accepted or waitlisted for Fall term. Interested students should stop by the UROP office in October and early November for complete admissions information.
More FAQ's PDF (PDF)
