SSRP Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Stanford Summer Research Program the same as the Amgen Scholars Program?
Yes; Stanford University is an Amgen Foundation Site. Those interested in becoming an Amgen Scholar must submit an SSRP application. However, students who are admitted to SSRP are not automatically selected as Amgen Scholars.
I'm not an underrepresented minority; am I still eligible for SSRP?
Yes; SSRP is open to students from all ethnic backgrounds. Applications are especially encouraged from students who are Black/African Americans, Latino/Chicano Americans, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
Are international students eligible for the U.S. Amgen Scholars Program or SSRP?
No; SSRP/Amgen participants must be U.S Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Can high school students, community college students, college graduates or graduate students participate in the SSRP?
No; students must be current undergraduates enrolled in a four-year college or university to participate in the SSRP. They must be sophomores, juniors, or non-graduating seniors to apply. They must have at least 3 semesters (or 4 quarters) of completed college coursework by the application deadline. First years who have sophomore standing through AP credits are not eligible to apply.
For high school programs at Stanford University, click here.
I am interested in pursuing an MD. Is this a good program for me?
No; SSRP caters specifically to students aspiring to pursue their PhD in the biosciences. In exceptional cases, those interested in the MD/PhD will also be considered.
Students interested in pursuing an MD degree should apply to the Stanford Summer Health Careers Opportunity Program (SSHCOP).
How are lab placements made?
The on-line application allows you to select departments in which you are most interested. You are welcome to indicate faculty with whom you would like to work in your essays. These research areas and the information you provide in your essays will be used when placing you in a lab, however, placements with specific faculty are not guaranteed.
How long will the program run?
The program is a full nine weeks, running from June 20 - August 22, 2015. The dates are not flexible and students must participate during the entire nine weeks.
How many students will participate in SSRP?
Each year, approximately 30-35 students participate in SSRP.
Are students without previous research experience eligible?
Yes; however, previous research experience is highly encouraged.
SSRP Application FAQs
In which formats can I upload my files?
Please upload your CV/resume and transcripts in Word, PDF, or JPG formats. We will not review any files in other formats.
Do I need to upload an official transcript as part of my application?
No; you are required to upload an unofficial transcript only. Upon acceptance, we will require that you submit your official college transcripts via mail. High school transcripts do not need to be sent.
Can I upload my essays to the application?
No; all essays must be submitted using the text boxes provided on the application. We strongly encourage you to write your statement of purpose in a word processor (i.e., Microsoft Word, etc.) first, then copy/paste your text into the text boxes provided on the application. Please be sure to carefully review your essays once you have entered them in the online application to ensure that all text has copied over properly.
What are the essay length requirements?
Each essay has a maximum character limit of 4000 characters, including spaces.
My recommender did not receive the e-mail with instructions on how to upload their letter of recommendation. What do I do?
Please ask your recommender to check their spam mail folder, as sometimes request e-mails are routed there. If they are still unable to locate the e-mail in their spam folder, please contact Samar Fahmy at samarf@stanford.edu
If you have any questions that are not listed above, please email us at ssrpmail@stanford.edu
