UCDC Application Word Document Version
HOW TO APPLY
Student Data Use the Confidential Student Data Form. Information requested on this form is needed for program administration and reports, and to communicate efficiently with you. Be assured that any personal data you might provide will be used in accordance with the policies governing student confidentiality.
A. Personal Essay Your personal statement should be typewritten on white, 8 1/2 x 11 paper and must not exceed two, one-sided pages, whether single or double-spaced. YOUR ESSAY IS VERY IMPORTANT. It will be evaluated on content, style, and general mastery of the English language (i.e., grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary). Your essay will also be evaluated as a writing sample when you submit it with your resume to prospective intern employers. Therefore, do not write about one particular agency, as you may want to use the essay for several possible internships. The essay should reflect your own personal interests and abilities. Please address the following in your essay:
- Your overall personal goals and reasons for wanting an internship in Washington, DC, clearly indicating how these relate to your academic background and possible career goals.
- The type of internship you will seek, listing one or two policy issues (i.e., possible research topics) of major importance in that field.
- Your perspective on the issue(s) you identified above. This is where you should identify questions that you might want to investigate for your research paper.
- Comments on your ability to work independently, citing examples if appropriate.
B. Résumé Provide a typewritten copy, not to exceed two, single-sided pages, of your extracurricular activities, honors, or awards, and work experiences (paid and volunteer positions). Please be sure to include all personal contact information, including your name, mailing and email address and phone number.
C. Transcripts Order unofficial transcripts of your UCSB work will off the web. Transfer students who have attended UCSB for less than six quarters, must submit transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended.
D. Recommendations Two letters are required.
- One recommendation must be from a college-level instructor, preferably a UCSB instructor, who can assess your academic work and provide comments on whether your previous course work has prepared you adequately for the academic rigors of the UCSB Washington program. Although letters from TA's are acceptable, applicants should make an effort to discuss their plans with a faculty member who will write a letter on their behalf.
- The other recommendation should be from a current or past supervisor who can objectively write about your skills and characteristics as appropriate to a work environment, including volunteer positions.
There is a specific request form for these letters. Fill in the personal information and deadline date before giving the form to your letter writers. It is your responsibility to ensure that recommendations are submitted by the deadline date. FAXED AND E-MAILED COPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Admission to the UCSB Washington Program is competitive. The program has only a limited number of openings each quarter and they will be offered to the best of the qualified applicants. The written application is evaluated for communication skills, academic accomplishments, work experience, extracurricular activities and, most importantly, evidence of: (1) seriousness of purpose; (2) clarity of purpose; (3) appropriate academic preparation for the proposed internship and research project; and, (4) ability to work independently and effectively in a highly demanding environment. After initial screening, those students rated most favorably on their written materials will be invited for a personal interview. The interview will help to reinforce the evaluation of your written application or to clear up ambiguous items.
Notice of admission to the UCSB Washington Program is by letter, sent approximately 10-14 days after interviews have been completed. A preliminary notification may be given by e-mail, but applicants are advised to wait for their written notice. Under no circumstances will results be given over the telephone. Admitted students will receive an "admissions packet from the Washington Center and will then have about 10 days to make a final decision on whether to accept or decline the offer to participate. The packet contains important information and instructions for finalizing participation in the program. Please be sure you have provided us with the correct email and postal address to send correspondence regarding admissions decisions.
Students who participate in the UCSB Washington Program must maintain full-time status at UCSB by enrolling in the required UCSB/DC courses--INT 199DC (4 units) and INT 192DC (8 units). Enrollment codes are listed under Interdisciplinary Studies in the Schedule of Classes, and students enroll through Gaucho GOLD in the usual manner. An enrollment approval code will also be required. Enrollment approval codes will be given out by the UCDC Peer Advisors at 2110 North Hall or in the URCA Office, North Hall 2105. Codes must be picked up in person, they are NOT distributed via e-mail or telephone.
Elective courses offered at the UCDC Center will have on-site enrollment. In
other words, students enroll for those courses when they arrive at the Washington
Center. Students are encouraged to take one or more of these stimulating classes,
which are offered by faculty from various UC campuses. The Center courses vary
according to the faculty in residence. A list of courses available during the
quarter participation will be included in the admissions packet. UCDC units
count towards the total units required for graduation. It is the student's
responsibility to consult with the departmental Undergraduate Advisor to determine
whether these units will be applicable towards the requirements for the major.
PLEASE do not staple or bind any part of your application. Use
a large paper clip, or an envelope (9X12), to keep your materials together.
| Submission Checklist |
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| Student Data Form |
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| Personal Essay |
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| Résumé |
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| Transcripts |
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| Recommendation Letters (In sealed envelope if given to you, if not, refer
to submission instructions) |
WHEN AND WHERE TO SUBMIT
All applications materials are due by 4 p.m. on the stated deadline.
Personally-delivered materials:
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) office
2105 North Hall
Letters or other materials mailed from off-campus should be addressed as follows:
URCA/UCDC Program
College of Letters and Science
University of California
Santa Barbara CA 93106-2085
On-campus mail should simply be addressed:
UCDC Program
College of Letters and Science
Mail code 2085.
Facsimile (Fax) and e-mail copies are not accepted
Please contact the UCDC staff at (805) 893-3090, or by e-mail to ucdc@ltsc.ucsb.edu if you have any questions regarding this policy.