How to Apply

Application Instructions

MSTP-SURF is a competitive program with a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is reviewed, please follow these steps.

Confirm you are eligible to apply to the MSTP-SURF
Complete the entire application form. Note: Please review the following personal essay questions before submitting your application.
1. Why are you interested in the MSTP-SURF program?
2. What challenges/obstacles have you had to overcome in your life and academic career so far?
3. Please list all your research experiences and provide 3-5 sentences for each, describing the overall scientific question being investigated and the specific techniques (whether wet lab or computational) you were trained in during the project.
Upload a single PDF file of your University/College Transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
Upload a single PDF file of your Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your academic background and research experience that demonstrates why you are a strong candidate for the summer program
Request two (2) letters of recommendation to be sent separately by your recommenders to surfmstp@health.ucsd.edu. The email subject line should read: "APPLICANT LAST NAME_APPLICANT FIRST NAME _SURF 2025_LOR."

If you have questions about the 2025 SURF program, please contact us at surfmstp@health.ucsd.edu or visit our FAQ page.

All application materials, including recommendation letters, must be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2025.

UC San Diego SURF Program
9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0661
La Jolla, CA 92093-0661

Email: surfmstp@health.ucsd.edu