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Can I apply to the SURF Program via fax or mail? How do I submit an application using the Online Application System? What application materials must I provide? What type of transcripts must I provide and how should they be submitted? My school does not use a 4.0 GPA scale. Do I need to convert my average? What file format is required for documents I upload? What if I do not have the tools to create PDF files? What other formatting issues should I be aware of? Will I be able to start my online application and return to it later to complete the submission? How do I proceed if I forgot my password? Can I make changes to my application once it has been submitted? How many letters of recommendation are required and what is the process for providing you with these letters? What can my recommenders expect from the OAS? How do I know that the recommenders I listed have been contacted for a recommendation letter? What should I do if a recommender is having trouble uploading his/her letter? How do I know which recommendation letters you have received for my application? How do I know when my application becomes complete? How can I check the status of my application?
Can I apply to the SURF Program via fax or mail?
The Rockefeller University accepts electronic applications for the SURF Program submitted through the Online Application System (OAS). If you are unable to submit your application electronically, please contact us at: Office of Graduate Studies
How do I submit an application using the Online Application System?
To begin the application process, you will need to enter the required information for each section of the application form. Once you have completed the data entry in a particular section, click "Save and Continue". Once all sections of the application form are completed, you will be asked to review your application.
What application materials must I provide?
All documents listed below must be submitted in order to complete your application: 1 -- The completed Online Application Form.
2 -- A personal statement of no more than two single-spaced pages describing the applicant's academic background, scientific interests, research experience (if any) and career goals. Describe how your background and experiences would contribute to the SURF program, including any adversity you had to overcome in your academic pursuits. Applicants should also discuss how they would benefit from the SURF Program. 3 -- An official transcript from each college or university you attended and listed in the Educational Information section of your application. You must scan and upload a copy of each official transcript as part of the online application. 4 -- Two letters of recommendation preferably from professors or mentors who can evaluate the applicant based on performance in a lab course, or in a current or completed research project. (These letters are critical for our selection process).
What type of transcripts must I provide and how should they be submitted?
You must upload a scanned copy of your official transcript from each college or university you attended and listed in the Educational Information section of your application. Transcripts should be uploaded as non-encrypted PDF files. Uploading a transcript with any type of protection or encryption may prevent us from viewing the file, and will delay processing of your application.
My school does not use a 4.0 GPA scale. Do I need to convert my average?
No. If your school does not use a 4.0 GPA scale, you may leave this section of the application blank.
What file format is required for documents I upload?
All uploaded documents must be in PDF format. Make sure that your PDF documents do not contain any encryption or password protection.
What if I do not have the tools to create PDF files?
If you do not have the software to create PDF files you may use our Word to PDF converter provided on the Upload Documents page of the application form. Simply upload the Word file you would like to convert and click "Convert." Once you have downloaded and saved the file locally please review it for accuracy. The file can then be uploaded with your application materials. There is no fee for the conversion service.
What other formatting issues should I be aware of?
Special formatting such as bolding, italics, and underlining will not be accepted in the data entry fields. Also, special symbols including $, % and angle brackets (<,>) will not be accepted. However, both single and double quotation marks may be used.
Will I be able to start my online application and return to it later to complete the submission?
Yes. All of the information you enter and upload will be saved under your user name and password for submission at a later time. Prior to logging off, you must click "Save and Continue" on the page you are currently working on for the information to be saved.
How do I proceed if I forgot my password?
On the log-in page there is a link for applicants who forgot their password. Click this link and follow the instructions for resetting your password.
Can I make changes to my application once it has been submitted?
You cannot make changes to your application once it has been submitted. Prior to submission, you will have an opportunity to review and edit the information you have entered. If there is an urgent matter regarding your submission, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies at surf@rockefeller.edu.
How many letters of recommendation are required and what is the process for providing you with these letters?
You are required to submit names and contact information, including email addresses, for at least two people (maximum of three) who will write a recommendation on your behalf. We will contact your recommenders for recommendation letters, but we suggest that you inform those whose names you will be submitting.
What can my recommenders expect from the OAS?
The recommenders you list on your application form will receive individual e-mail requests that include instructions for uploading a letter in support of your application. We strongly suggest that you notify your recommenders that they will be receiving this e-mail request from The Rockefeller University so it is not filtered as junk mail. Please discuss your application with your recommenders ahead of time as The Rockefeller University will not provide your recommenders with a copy of your application.
How do I know that the recommenders I listed have been contacted for a recommendation letter?
You will receive a confirmation email when each request for a letter of recommendation is sent on your behalf.
What should I do if a recommender is having trouble uploading his/her letter?
If a recommender is having difficulty uploading a letter, please have him/her contact surf@rockefeller.edu. If a recommender cannot locate the link to upload a recommendation, please log in to your account and use the application feature under View Application Status to resend the link to the recommender.
How do I know which recommendation letters you have received for my application?
Once a letter has been received by The Rockefeller University, both you and the recommender will receive an e-mail confirmation. If the required two letters of recommendation have not been received by February 1, 2024, a reminder will be sent to the recommenders we have not heard from and you will be copied. You may also log-in and click View Application Status to see the status of the recommendation letters received for your application (see below).
How do I know when my application becomes complete?
When all materials are received, you will receive an email informing you that your application is complete. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it may take some time to verify and mark each application as complete.
How can I check the status of my application?
You may view your application status at any time after submission by logging in and clicking on View Application Status. You will be able to see the date of application submission and date of completion, as well as the status of the recommendation letters for your application. If there is an urgent matter regarding your application, please contact our Administrator at surf@rockefeller.edu |