Research Fellows Program
I am not a member of the UC Berkeley Biology Scholars Program. Can I apply for the Research Fellows Program (RFP)?
No, the RFP program is only open to currently enrolled Biology Scholars Program students at UC Berkeley.
Can I participate in RFP to complete an honors thesis?
As this is largely dependent on department/program rules, please be sure to check if you can receive financial compensation for your honors thesis work with an advisor in that department.
I am already getting paid to do research in the lab—can I still get funded?
Yes, but only if the hours you are working as part of the program are in ADDITION to your paid hours. You cannot be compensated twice for the same effort. However, this funding is intended to provide support for students who would otherwise NOT be able to afford to engage significantly in research. Generally, this means that it is intended to assist students who have no alternative means of support for research. We have access to campus HR data and can verify your appointment, so you must mention all your employment activities.
Can I get research units and participate in this program at the same time?
You cannot get research units for the same research hours you are being paid for through this funding (10 hours a week).
Please discuss this with Dr. Emily King, the BSP Research Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns.
Am I required to report all my employed / paid commitments?
Yes. You are required to report all of your employment. We need to accurately verify that you are employed under the standards of the university policies.
I have an off campus job during the semester. Can I keep my job and receive this funding?
Yes. As long as you are meeting the program requirements, which include working in the lab at least 10 hours a week (full time in the summer), attending required meetings and workshops, and organizing and presenting at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
I'm graduating soon, am I still eligible to participate in the RFP?
Yes, you are still eligible to participate if you graduate at the end of the academic year.
Can I appeal a decision on my application?
No. There is no appeal process. If you are unsatisfied with the program's decision, you may schedule an appointment with the program coordinators to talk about weaknesses or areas in your application that you can improve on.
I missed the deadline. Can I get an extension?
No. All application materials are due by the application deadline.
I don't have a lab yet. Can I apply for RFP?
No. RFP applicants have the responsibility to make arrangements to start in a lab prior to submitting their application.
I work in a lab off site (e.g. UCSF, Molecular Science Institute, CHORI, etc.). Can I apply to the RFP?
Yes. The basic requirement for your research is that it has some biological component. Please check with the program coordinator if you are unsure about whether your lab/research group is suitable. You must also be able to participate in RFP events (workshops, symposium, etc.) held at UC Berkeley as outlined on the website.
Can my letter of recommendation come from someone other than my research supervisor?
No. Your letter must come from your PI or be cowritten/cosigned by your PI and your direct supervisor (graduate student, post-doc, research associate).
If I am selected for RFP, can I also participate in the McNair Scholars or the SURF program?
No, fellows cannot be supported by multiple programs simultaneously.
Pre-Health Internship Program
I am not a member of the UC Berkeley Biology Scholars Program. Can I apply for the Pre-Health Program (PIP)?
No, the PIP program is only open to currently enrolled Biology Scholars Program students at UC Berkeley.
Can I participate in PIP to complete an honors thesis?
As this is largely dependent on department/program rules, please be sure to check if you can receive financial compensation for your honors thesis work with an advisor in that department.
I have an off-campus job during the semester. Can I keep my job and receive this funding?
Yes. As long as you are meeting the program requirements, which include working at your volunteer assignment and attending required meetings and workshops.
Can I get units for my internship and participate in this program at the same time?
You cannot get units for the same hours you are being paid for through this funding (~10 hours a week). Your internship work must be over and beyond the hours you get units for (1 unit=3 hrs), to qualify for PIP. Please discuss this with Dr. Emily King, the BSP Research Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns.
Can I appeal a decision on my application?
No. There is no appeal process. If you are unsatisfied with the program's decision, you may schedule an appointment with the program coordinators to talk about weaknesses or areas in your application that you can improve on.
I don't have a volunteer position yet. Can I apply for PIP?
No. PIP applicants have the responsibility to make arrangements to start in a position prior to submitting their application. Another round of applications will be advertised for upcoming terms.
I missed the deadline. Can I get an extension?
No. All application materials are due by the application deadline.