SRIP & Mentorship Application Instructions

Apply

The deadline to apply for the Summer Research & Innovation Program is Monday, November 4, 2024 at 11:59 PM (midnight).
Applications for Summer 2025 open Thursday, October 24, 2024!

Application Overview

Decision about which opportunities you will apply
- Choose up to 4 opportunities (strongly recommend 4)
- Rank according to your preference
Resume (1 page maximum and PDF format)
- The same resume must be submitted for all 4 opportunity applications
Common Essays (2 essays, 500 word limit)
- The same common essay response must be submitted into all 4 opportunity applications
Opportunity-Specific Essays (500 words, or otherwise specified)
- Written by the instructor leading each opportunity

Application Tips

Draft essays in a Google Doc to (1) have an organized way to keep track of application progress and (2) ensure that you don't lose progress if the application doesn't save.
- When essays are finalized, copy into your application
- Easier to share and receive feedback via comments!
Follow the instructions provided for each of the components of the application
Start early and give yourself time to complete
Seek feedback from others, read aloud to hear what you are writing
Be informed about the program you're applying to and authentic to yourself

AI Guidelines for all application materials: Applicants for SRIP/Mentorship are not allowed to use any artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, text generators, paraphrasers, summarizers, or solvers, to complete any part of the required application. Any attempt to use these tools will be considered academic misconduct and the application will not be considered. Students are expected to complete all work independently and without the assistance of AI-generated content. If you have any questions about what constitutes acceptable use of AI tools, please consult with the Directors of Mentorship and Research (mentorshipandresearch@ncssm.edu).

Application Instructions

The application will open on Thursday, October 24th
The Survey Monkey link will take you to a page with the 20+ applications from SRIP and Mentorship
Choose up to 4 program applications to complete and submit
Draft, edit, and finalize your essays in a separate Google Doc and paste into the application
- Start the application, save it if you need to come back to finish it
Finish and submit the application by the deadline on Monday, November 4th
Receive the confirmation that your application has been submitted

Resources for Application Questions

Survey Monkey Application Platform Questions (Technical)
- Research, Innovation, and Mentorship Application Walkthrough
- ITS Help Ticket

Program, essays/resume questions, etc.
- Durham-hosted: Dr. Shoemaker (shoemaker@ncssm.edu)
- Morganton-hosted: Christiane Burkins (christiane.burkins@ncssm.edu)
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Support Sessions with Directors
- - Dr. Shoemaker, Durham-hosted SRIP/Mentorship

This Same Zoom link for all sessions (via drop-in)

Tues. Oct. 8 4-5pm

Thurs. Oct. 10 3:00-4:30pm

Fri. Oct. 18 7-8am, 12-1pm, 4-5pm

Wed. Oct. 23 7-8am

Mon. Oct. 28 4-5pm

Tues. Oct. 29 3:30-4:30pm

Fri. Nov. 1 12-1pm, 4-5pm

Mon. Nov. 4 7-8am, 4-5pm

- - Ms. Burkins, Morganton-hosted SRIP/Mentorship

For Director Meetings: Click HERE

For Application Support: Click HERE to make an appointment

Resume Guidelines (1 page maximum, PDF format)

Purpose of resume IS...
- To assist faculty to quickly see the skills and experiences you want to emphasize, instead of adding more essay responses
- To challenge you to describe your skills and abilities, and not simply list clubs, awards, or accomplishments.
Purpose of resume is NOT...
- To judge previous research/job experience; Most students have limited to no research experience; if you do have experience, like other extracurriculars or academics, it should be listed.
- To judge style or design. Plain and boring is good

Resume Support & Resources

Resume Workshop: Showcase Your Skills (Slideshow link)
- NOTE: The recording is from last year and may include reference to the final format or other minor items that have been updated this year.

Resume Instructions

Resume Instructions for the Application for SRIP/Mentorship (Class of 2026)

Essay Guidelines

Common Essay Guidelines (2 essays)

What are the Common Essays?
- COMMON ESSAY #1: Explain your reasons (the primary reason) for wanting to participate in the overall SRIP/Mentorship Program for 2025.
- COMMON ESSAY #2: Create a numbered list with the title of any additional opportunities that you would be interested in participating in if you could rank more than 4 opportunities. List in order of your preference and list the full name of the opportunity. If you are not interested in any additional opportunities, you must type the phrase “None”. NOTE: This Common Essay #2 response will only be utilized if you are not accepted to an opportunity. If “None” is listed, your application will not be considered for any additional SRIP/Mentorship opportunities outside of those you applied for.

For reference, here is the List of NCSSM SRIP/Mentorship Opportunities for 2025

Who will read these essays?
- All reviewers for all opportunities

Common Support & Resources

Application Essay Writing (Application Essay Writing Recording)
- NOTE: The recording is from last year and may include reference to essay questions that have been updated or are not included this year.

Opportunity-specific Essays (500 words, or otherwise specified)

What are the Specific Essays?
- Essays written specific by the instructor leading the opportunity
- How you can express your interest in a particular program
Who will read these essays?
- Only reviewers for that specific opportunity
- M&R directors (Sarah Shoemaker and Christiane Burkins)
Tips
- Learn as much as possible about the opportunity you are applying for
- For SRIP: Reach out to the NCSSM instructor directly with questions
- For Mentorship: Contact the Mentorship instructors or Directors

Specific Essays Support & Resources

Application Essay Writing (Application Essay Writing Recording)
- NOTE: The recording is from last year and may include reference to essay questions that have been updated or are not included this year.

Opportunities Catalog for Durham-hosted SRIP/Mentorship Programs (Class of 2026)

Durham Opportunity Catalog

NCSSM-MOR Mentorship & SRIP Catalog 25-26.pdf

Morganton Opportunity Catalog

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