For Undergrads

How to apply

Apply to FFUSars
  1. .Read about eligible projects and decide if you are interested in working on one of them.
  2. Contact the person listed as a contact in the listing and set up an interview or conversation so that you can learn what you’ll need for answering the questions in this application. Keep in mind that you will have to have this interview at least a week before the application is due, so that you will have time to write your application. You can always ask the Course 22 Comm Lab for help.
  3. Fill out this application.
  4. Schedule a short (30-minute) in-person conversation with Rachel Shulman no later than December 12. If there is no time on Calendly that works for you, please reach out to Rachel (rshulman@mit.edu) to schedule directly.
Q: Do I need any specific experience to apply to FFUSars?

A: These projects are designed to be accessible to any student who has completed their first year at MIT. 

Q: Can I apply if I'm a freshman or a sophomore?

A: We’re especially interested in recruiting first and second year undergrads, but as long as you’ll be enrolled as an undergrad in Fall 2026,  we’d love to read your application. 

Q: What is the deadline for applying to FFUSars?

A: Friday, December 14, 2025 11:59 PM. Decisions will be posted by December 18, 2025.

Q: Why should I bother being part of FFUSars if I can just as easily do the research as a UROP?

A: Lots of reasons!

  • Read a full description of the program

  • Read what some of our past students have to say

  • You’ll become part of a strong community of undergrads and mentors/researchers, including weekly lunches (summer) and other social events

  • Your mentor will have attended training on how to be a great mentor, something that only a tiny percentage of other UROP mentors at MIT have done

  • You’ll have access to extra funding (currently $2,000) to pay for lab materials and conference travel

  • If you’re eligible, you’ll receive up to $3,000 to defray summer housing costs in Cambridge

Q: If I become a FFUSar, what kind of commitment am I making?

A: You’d be committing to attending 22.001 in the spring (3 units), doing research full-time over the summer and attending the seminar (including a small amount of homework) over the summer, and then attending 22.002 (6 units) in the fall. It is also very likely you’d need to continue working on your paper over IAP.

Q: When does FFUSars start?

A: The first week of classes of the Spring Semester. The day and time of the FFUSars Seminar will be decided based on the availability of the students in the cohort. In the past, class has been held on Fridays 12–1 and on Thursdays 4–5.

Q: What if I am not accepted as a FFUSar, but I still want to do the research?

A: If the spot is still open and the supervisor wants to hire you, you can apply to do the project as a UROP. Reach out to the supervisor for more information.

Q: What if I am not accepted as a FFUSar, but I still want to take the seminar?

A: We’d love to have you! The class will be more meaningful if you’re also doing research in fission or fusion.

Q: When do I do my research?

A: You’ll do the bulk of your research over the summer.

Q: Can I apply for more than one FFUSar position?

A: Please do not apply for more than two positions. You cannot actually do more than one FFUSar project, but you may apply for two.

Q: Is there an option to participate over the summer remotely?

A: No. This is a residential program and we expect you to be on campus over the summer.

Q: What if I can’t afford to stay in Cambridge over the summer?

A: We’re here to support you! Eligible students may receive up to $3,000 to defray housing costs in the summer.

Q: I am not a student at MIT. Can I still apply for FFUSars?

A: Currently, only MIT and Wellesley students are eligible to participate in FFUSars. We hope to have a summer research program in the future for a wider range of students. Contact the MIT Summer Research Program to explore other research opportunities on campus. You might also be interested in the Summer Science Program (not affiliated with MIT). 

Q: Can I participate in FFUSars if I attend Wellesley?

A: Yes! Just as Wellesley students can participate UROPs at MIT, Wellesley students are actively encouraged to apply to FFUSars. 

Q: How will my summer research be funded?

A: FFUSars expects its participants to apply for Direct Funding from the UROP Office, as well as for MITEI UROP Funding. Some students are also funded directly by their lab, and, in rare circumstances, by NSE. 

Q: What should I do if I have a question that isn't answered here?

A: Please email Rachel Shulman at rshulman@mit.edu