Application Information

SRI is a rigorous program that REQUIRES students to ATTEND:

1) Counseling sessions (2 per semester)

2) STEM workshops (1-2 per semester)

 3) Academic Support Programming (Supplemental Instruction, Tutoring, Lecture Series, etc)​

 4) Peer mentoring with UCLA (1 meeting per month)

 5) UCLA CCCP Saturday Academies (3 per year)

 6) 1 Program Orientation (August)

SRI Scholars are also REQUIRED to REGISTER for:

1) 1 STEM Course (minimum) every semester at SMC: Math (non-business), Computer Science, Earth Science, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Sustainable Technologies, Engineering)

 2) Enroll in AT LEAST 12 units each semester.

 3) STEM Career Courses (Counseling 12) and Job Strategies Course (TBA)

 4) Introduction to Research Course (TBA)

 5) Research Methods Course (TBA)

 STEM Areas of Interest

 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields of study encompass a wide array of majors and careers. Here are examples of some general STEM majors and programs:  

 General Science Areas of Interest

Biology (Micro, Molecular, Botany, Zoology)
Pre-Medicine Biology (Anatomy, Physiology)
Neuroscience (Psychology Research)
Chemistry
Physics
Geology
Physical Geography
Astronomy
Physical Anthropology
Environmental Studies/Science
Solar Energy/Photovoltaic Installation

 ​Technology Majors or Areas of Interest

Computer Programming
Computer Science
Database Application Developer
Web Programmer
Computer Information Systems

Engineering Majors or Areas of Interest

Biological Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical/Civil/Electrical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Computer Engineering

 Mathematics and Statistics Majors

Mathematics Applied/Computational
Mathematics Teaching
Statistics

The following programs are part of the Health Sciences Department and require a separate application process. Due to the rigor of the SRI Program, students applying to these programs should NOT attempt both.

1)    Medical Laboratory Technician

2)      Associates Degree in Nursing

3)      Respiratory Therapy

Applicant Criteria

 In order to meet the SRI requirements, we ask that students plan to remain enrolled at Santa Monica College full time (12 units) for a minimum of 2 years. Additionally the committee is looking for:

·         Successful completion of Math 20 or eligibility for a higher level Math course.

·         Fewer than 30 completed transferable college units (or 2 full years of SMC enrollment)

·         Minimum 2.8 GPA

·         Full Time Students (12 units) enrolled in minimum of 1 STEM course every semester

·         Commitment fully to participate in program services

 Application Instructions

 The SRI Program has a limited number of spots open every year; therefore, we run a competitive application process based on the criteria above. In order to begin the application process, please make sure that you complete the following steps:

New Students:

 Complete the SMC registration process prior to attempting the online application. All applicants must have an SMC ID and email account to access the application form.

 Steps To Enroll

·         Apply

·         Orientation

·         Assessment

·         Counseling

·         Enroll

Admissions​

Current SMC Students:

Log in to the online application using your current SMC email account and fill out each required field.

Prior to opening the application link:

1)    Know your transfer GPA (CC Students) or High School GPA (New SMC Students). We will ask for transcripts from EVERY institution attended to verify your GPA upon acceptance.

2)    Calculate your GPA in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) courses: http://www.back2college.com/gpa.htm

3)    Prepare clear and concise paragraph responses to the following questions (175 word maximum per response). Your responses will play a significant role in scoring your application, so please craft them carefully.

A.    Why do you want to pursue a major in STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)?

B.    What challenges have you had to overcome thus far to pursue your educational goals? What potential challenges do you foresee with meeting your educational goals in the future?

C.   How will the SMC/UCLA Science and Research Initiative help overcome your challenges and reach your academic and career goals?

 D.   Finally, If you DO NOT meet the SRI program criteria but believe the SRI selection committee should consider your application anyway, please tell us why.

Frequently Asked Questions:

 Q1) What if I have over 30 completed transfer units?

A: The SRI program expects applicants maintain enrollment at SMC for at least 2 consecutive years. We understand that many students are in excess of 30 units.  We ask that applicants simply provide a brief explanation for excess units and confirm that you will be enrolled at SMC for at least 2 years when answering the “DO NOT meet program criteria” question.

 Q2) What if my GPA is not a 2.8 or I am not Math 20 eligible?

A: SRI runs a competitive application process and although one measure will not determine program eligibility, not meeting the GPA or Math requirement will lower your overall score. If you believe you are strong candidate for the program despite GPA/Math level, then please provide an explanation and supportive evidence when answering the “DO NOT meet program criteria” question.

 Q3) Are events on the UCLA campus mandatory for SRI Scholars?

A: Yes, it is important that SRI participants attend Saturday Academies at UCLA. Attendance at these types of events will be factored in to eligibility decisions for Summer Bridge and Research Opportunities provided by the SRI program.

 Q4) What if I do not see my area of interest or major listed on this page or the application?

A: The list provided is not a fixed list. In the application you will be able to add an area using the “other” option. If you find that none of these areas interest you-then the SRI program may not be the right program for you.

 Q5) What if I don’t know my major?

A: Feel free to check multiple areas of interest using our list. We will not hold you to those majors; however, we want to provide programming that addresses the needs and interests of our participants. The SRI program will also expose students to new areas of STEM-so don’t feel the need to limit yourself to what you already know.

Science and Research Initiative Application Link

First Priority Application Deadline: Thursday May 2nd 2013- 4pm

 Second Priority Application Deadline: Thursday June 13th 2013- 4pm

• Incomplete applications will not be accepted. You should write out your responses to our short answer questions BEFORE opening the application link. 
  
• You WILL NOT be able to save and return to your application once you begin, so please allow yourself enough time to complete the form.
  
• Duplicate applications: If you fill out the form more than once, only the most recent application will be reviewed.
  

Please review the instructions and criteria carefully before completing your application online. Click on the link below to access the online application: