UC Scholars and Genentech Programs

The UC Scholars Program and the Genentech Scholars Program are sister programs that share many features. One application is used for both programs (there is not a separate application for each program). Applicants can indicate whether they are interested in being considered for the UC Scholars Program, the Genentech Scholars Program, or both.

UC Scholars is generously supported by the Division of Student Affairs and the Undergraduate Research Hub. Genentech Scholars is generously supported by the Genentech Foundation and the Undergraduate Research Hub.   

Both programs

• Mentored research experience: Conduct ~30 hours/week of research mentored by a UC San Diego faculty member
• 199 credit: Four units of 199 credit (paid for by the program)
• Professional development: A series of workshops on topics such as, but not limited to, research ethics and presenting your research.
• GRE: GRE training
• Co-Curricular Record: Recognition of some research-activities on your co-curricular record.
• Conference travel funding: By participating in the UC Scholars/Genentech Scholars Programs, you qualify to apply for URH's conference travel funding.
• Conference presentation and networking experience at the Summer Research Conference

UC Scholars

• Length: 8 weeks
• Scholarship/stipend: $3,000
  
• Housing: On-campus housing or an allowance of $2,000 to be used towards off-campus living expenses.

Genentech

• Length: 10 weeks
• Scholarship/stipend: $3,500
• Housing: On-campus housing or an allowance of $2,500 to be used towards off-campus living expenses.

Requirements

• Prior to the start of the program, find a faculty research mentor.
  • If you have done research prior to participating in this program (not required), you can continue working with a faculty research mentor you are currently working with or have worked with in the past. You can also choose to find a new faculty research mentor for this program.
  • For tips on how to find a faculty mentor, visit our How to Find a Research Mentor page.
  • The program coordinators are also available to help you find a mentor.
• Devote at least 30 hours a week to a research project that is supervised by a faculty mentor
  • Students may join a project a faculty member has already developed, continue working on a project you have been a part of (as part of a team or as an invidiual), or may develop a new individual project based on their research interests.
• Attend both the Summer Research Program orientation and UC Scholars/Genentech orientation
• Attend program meetings and seminars
• Submit a research abstract and paper
• Present summer research at the Summer Research Conference
• Comply with the
  • UC San Diego Code of Conduct
  • Safety rules and regulations of research groups where they work
  • GRE preparation course rules
  • Mentoring procedures set forth by the UC Scholars and Genentech Scholars faculty and staff

Exclusions

Students cannot do the following while in the program:

• work
• take classes
• participate in any other summer research program
• go on vacation

• Full-time UC San Diego undergraduate students
  • Participants may not graduate before the end of the program.
• Majors
  • The UC Scholars Program is open to students from any major.
  • The Genentech Scholars Program is for students interested in pursuing a career in life sciences or biotechnology.
• Any citizenship status
• At least 90 units before the program begins (by the end of spring quarter)
• A UC San Diego GPA of at least 2.7
• A serious interest in pursuing a research career

Preference will be given to students who have not participated previously in the Summer Research Program (SRP).

Students who are members of traditionally underrepresented groups, students who are first-generation students, students with disabilities, and women in STEM fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

There are 4 items required to apply to the UC Scholars/Genentech Scholars Programs:

1. Applications

• General Application and Undergraduate Application (When you finish the general application, you will be automatically directed to complete the undergraduate application).
• UC Scholars/Genentech Scholars Application (After you finish the previous two applications, you will given the opportunity to choose to complete the UC Scholars/Genentech Scholars application.)
  • One application is used for both programs (there is not a separate application for each program).
  • Applicants can indicate whether they are interested in being considered for the UC Scholars Program, the Genentech Scholars Program, or both.

2. Short answers (as part of the UC Scholars/Genentech Scholars Applications)

• Research experience: Have you had any previous research experience? If yes, please describe it briefly and give us your role in the project. If no, please write “no” and this lack of experience will not count against you. (100 words or fewer)
• Interest in major: When did you become interested in your general field of interest? Tell us about how it led you to choose this major and what you like most about your major. What about it makes you passionate or excites you? (200 words or fewer)
• Summer research: In general, why do you want to be in a summer research program? Additionally, what about this/these specific program(s) do you find especially appealing? (200 words or fewer)
• Past academic achievement or background (Choose 1):
  
  • Why do you want to do research? Please include any information that might aid the selection committee in evaluating your interest in and potential for doing research. (200 words or fewer)
  • In a few sentences, briefly describe your future goals, including your future degree(s) and career path. It is fine if you are still undecided; please give us a few of the career paths you are considering. (50 words or fewer)

3. Letter of recommendation

• Don't wait! We strongly advise that you contact your letter writer as soon as possible to ask whether they will write a letter on your behalf. 
• Who can write a letter of recommendation: Letters from faculty (professors) are preferred. Letters from supervisors in research-focused industry or organizations are also acceptable. Applicants who have transferred to UC San Diego this year sometimes obtain a letter from a professor at their former institution. Your letter of recommendation does not need to be from your intended mentor.
• Submitting the letter of recommendation: Applicants will provide the name and email address within the UC Scholars/Genentech Scholars application of one person from whom they are requesting a letter of recommendation. Once an applicant saves the information about their letter-writer within the application, an email is automatically sent to that person asking them to login and upload the letter.

4. Copies of transcripts

• A copy of your unofficial UC San Diego transcript - (How to download your transcript)
  
  • If you completed coursework prior to attending UC San Diego (e.g., transfer credits), they will appear on your UC San Diego transcript. You do not need to upload transfer transcripts.