Differences between various undergraduate research programs at UF
What’s the difference between the various undergraduate research programs--Science for Life, Beckman Scholars, GATOR, and University Scholars Program?
All the programs provide students with undergraduate research experience with a faculty mentor, but some are specifically designed for early participation in college (e.g., Science for Life, Beckman). Students may apply to more than one of the programs at the same time, but can only participate in one of the programs at one time and accept funds from only one program at a time. It is possible to participate in the different programs in subsequent years.
- University Scholars funds all disciplines across campus (humanities, social sciences, and sciences), and students can work with any faculty member at UF who wishes to participate.
- Science for Life provides an award for projects which are in the life sciences, broadly interpreted, and typically would not include humanities or social sciences.
- Beckman Scholars are funded to work with a selected set of UF faculty mentors.
- GATOR funds projects in a selected set of research groups.
When should I participate in these programs?
- Science for Life and Beckman Scholars awards are mainly made to freshmen/rising sophomores.
- The GATOR program will fund approximately 20 undergraduates (rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors).
- In 2007 the Science for Life program may award a small number of rising juniors, and an even smaller number of rising seniors nominated for the program by the OASIS office.
- Science for Life also has a smaller extramural (off campus) program mostly for rising seniors with research experience
- University Scholars typically awards rising seniors and a smaller number of rising juniors with some research experience, but the program is not limited to any particular year of the undergraduate career.
How many research program awards are there?
- University Scholars Program: 205 funded by provost; extras possibly funded by college
- Science For Life: at least 70 students
- GATORS: 20 students
- Beckman Scholars: 10 (1-3 each year)
Can you apply for more than one program?
Yes, you can apply for more than one of the programs, but you can only participate in one at a time and accept funds from only one program at a time. It is possible to participate in the different programs in subsequent years. Generally speaking, you should match your research experience and interests with the specific program’s goals.
What are the deadlines?
The University Scholars Program and the Science for Life Program both have a deadline of March 1, 2007. The GATOR deadline is March 15, 2007. Be sure to check the other programs for deadlines as they are set.
