No. Currently this fellowship is only for Scholars in their first, sophomore, and junior summers.
FAQs
CUSP Summer Enhancement Fellowships
Can I apply as a senior?
Can I apply for this as a team project with other people?
No. Currently, each Scholar has to submit a separate application. However, we encourage Scholars to work collaboratively where applicable.
Can I apply to this fellowship if I have not secured an internship/research position by the deadline?
Scholars without secured internships may apply for the internship/research position but will not be considered until the position is official. Please speak with a CUSP Advisor if this applies to you.
Can I get credit on my transcript for my summer internship?
Yes, some internships qualify for official recognition (R-Credit) on your Columbia transcript. Please see your CUSP Advisor for further details.
Can I indicate more than one internship/research position on the fellowship application?
Yes. Please prepare a complete application packet per internship/research position with the exception of the letters of recommendation. Please submit only one set of recommendations. For further information, please see a CUSP Advisor.
Can I use this money anywhere in the world?
Yes. This fellowship can be applied anywhere in the world.
Can my CUSP Advisor write a letter of recommendation for me?
CUSP Advisors cannot write letters for the CUSP Summer Enhancement Fellowship. However, they are happy to write for any other fellowship or internship.
Do we have to research with a Columbia faculty member?
No. While we encourage Scholars to seek and develop relationships with Columbia faculty, we support research endeavors with faculty from other universities as well. If you have chosen a research advisor who is not a professor at an accredited institution, please see a CUSP Advisor before submitting your application.
Does this cover summer school?
This fellowship does not cover traditional summer school (i.e. courses to meet CORE/major/graduation requirements); however, some summer programs will be considered if they contain a strong research, fieldwork, or experiential education component. Please see a CUSP Advisor prior to submitting your application if your project falls in this category.
How do my recommenders submit my reference letters?
Recommenders can submit reference letters directly to the CUSP Office via regular US Mail (please DO NOT use Campus Mail), email to Sophia Sattar (ss4413@columbia.edu), or hand delivery to the CUSP Office.
I am a SEAS student. Do I have to apply to the CUSP-ACEC program?
No. SEAS Scholars are welcome to apply for the internship and/or research grant.
I am applying the CUSP-ACEC Program and I have chosen my top five firms. Do I have to explain why I want to work with each firm?
Yes. For each firm you are interested in, please explain you want to work for the firm, what you intend to learn from this experience and how it aligns with your academic and career interests. This should serve as the answer to the first question on the application form.
I am not a SEAS student. Can I apply to the CUSP-ACEC program?
No. According to CUSP’s partnership agreement with ACEC, all Scholars in the CUSP-ACEC Program will be enrolled as engineering students and will have begun training in said discipline.
If I apply for the fellowship this year, will it hurt my chances of winning next year?
No. Scholars can apply annually for this fellowship until their year of graduation.
If I get a paid internship abroad, does this cover my airfare?
The fellowship will cover airfare and other transportation expenses only if these items are listed on the Budget Request Form.
If I secure a paid internship (low paying), can I apply to supplement my living expenses?
Yes. Please be sure to include all sources of funding that you have secured for this internship.
Is there a limit to the amount granted?
The average grants is around $3,500. Funding is limited due to resources and CUSP will try its best to accomodate each grant awardee's needs.
Who chooses the fellowship winners?
The CUSP Fellows Selection Committee is comprised of the CUSP Administration, Graduate Student Mentors, and members of the CUSP Board of Advisors.
Will there be interviews?
In some cases, finalists will be asked to interview with the committee. Scholars who applied to the CUSP-ACEC Program should be prepared to interview with both the Selection Committee and 1-2 engineering firms.
Contact Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program
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