This article is for students. If you are an administrator or faculty member, please see our Resources for Administrators or Resources for Faculty and Staff section.

When you are ready to connect with different faculty members and have added information to your profile, you can begin your application process in two different ways. You have the option to either select “Compose Request” from the Search > Faculty page or select “Compose Request” from Bookmarks. If you have accidentally started a Request, you can delete your Request at the bottom of the page by selecting "Delete Draft". If the faculty member has multiple active projects, select the project(s) that you would like to apply to under the section Projects after selecting "Compose Request".

After selecting “Compose Request”, you will then be instructed to write your interest statement. We provide an example interest statement, as seen below, but you are encouraged to write what best describes you! To further guide you, on the right-hand side, under Writing Guidance, you can access Instructions and Tips through their respective accordion menus.

Your interest statement will then be combined with your profile when you submit your application so remember to be specific about why you would like to do research with this faculty member. When you have completed your interest statement, you can attach supplemental files such as your resume, transcript, or any recommendation letters.

You can drag and drop files from your computer, select "Browse Files" to choose files from your computer, or "Select from your Profile" if you have already uploaded files to your profile. Once you have selected or uploaded a file, you can preview it by selecting the file name. Supported file types include: PDF, DOCX, XLSX, CSV, PPTX, PNG, JPG, TXT, RTF, and ZIP. The maximum file size is 10 MB per file. If you upload the wrong file or would like to change the file name, you can remove the file by selecting the trash can icon on the right-hand side.

At any point in your application, you can leave the platform and your Request will be auto-saved. Your incomplete application can be resumed under Requests > In Progress in your dashboard where you will be able to complete it later on. If the project has an application deadline, make sure that you submit your application beforehand.

Once you have finished your application, you can preview it and then submit it. Congratulations on your completed application!

To see your submitted applications, you can find them under Requests > Submitted. If a faculty member has made a decision, you will see a yellow notification indicator next to Requests, as well as next to Submitted. You can view the decision by selecting “View Decision” under the respective faculty member, as well as message them at any point.  

If you have been accepted to a project, it is important to confirm your decision by selecting "Accept" or "Decline" as this action notifies the faculty member of your decision.