URAP Guide

Video

I made a video where I talk about the application, my experience, and more.

Essays

Read my essays. I include the statement interest essay as well the other three essays on the specific research projects I applied.

Interview Tips

I found this interview documents with many helpful tips. Check it out here.

Final Presentation

This video includes the talk and poster presented at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

That's it

I hope this guide helps you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Other Cool Things at UIUC

If you're at UIUC, you might be interested in The UIUC Talkshow, The UIUCFreeFood, and other essays I've written about college.

Didn't get accepted into URAP? Don't worry!

Professors are looking for general ability and agency to get stuff done.

To find research opportunities, consider the following:

• Email Professors: Start by sending a well-crafted email to professors. Introduce yourself, explain your research interests, why you care about their research, and how it aligns with your interests. Be genuine. Read their papers! Put in the effort!
• Follow Up: If you don't receive a response, don't give up. Persistence can make a difference. So, email them back at least two or three times.
• Visit Their Office: This should have been the first thing you do. If they don't reply, visit their office. Just show up. "Hey, I'm your name. I study this and I want to do research with you because of this." Have a conversation. If you vibe with them, they might even offer you a research position. The number of times I was offered research was more than like 20 times. I wasn't interested, I was just curious so if you're just curious, people will want to work with you.
• Explore Other Professors: If one professor doesn't respond or doesn't have opportunities, keep trying with other professors who align with your interests. Try again after one semester. After one year, etc.

Before You Begin

Think about the type of research you want to do and what genuinely interests you.

Another Approach: Connect with Grad Students

Alternatively, find a graduate student in your desired research group. They may be willing to teach you and provide opportunities to assist them.

Remember, pursuing what genuinely interests you is essential, regardless of your major.

If you do something you genuinely enjoy, everything else will simply work out.

If You're Unsure

If you're uncertain where to start, be curious! Approach professors randomly and inquire about their life and their projects. You can also utilize things like Curiosity @ Illinois to attend interesting classes, setting the stage for potential opportunities to emerge.

How to Connect with Scientists/Reseachers

When you're trying to friends professors to work with, be genuine in your approach.

How?

Here:

• Take their classes.
• Attend their office hours to discuss your interests, seek advice, and ask about their life (whether you're in their class or not).
• Directly message or email them with a clear and respectful message. It's like asking someone out. To the point! You don't want to get friendzoned by a professor. Or do you?
• Offer to make yourself useful and do what no one else wants to do

Keep This Question in Mind

Always ask yourself, "Why would someone be willing to mentor me?"

A potential mentor is more likely to invest in you if they see high potential and believe that their guidance can yield substantial benefits, possibly resulting in a tenfold return on their investment. So, be someone that people think, "Shit, I'll help them because they'll be succesful in the future. They work so hard, etc." No one wants to be part of a losing team, but everyone wants to be part of a winning team. Make yourself a winner, or at least look or sound like one.

You got this!