Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) 2008

Research in Industrial Projects for Students FAQ

Q: Who should consider applying to RIPS?

A: RIPS is a program for students who are enrolled in or have just completed an undergraduate (bachelors) degree. Students with a strong background in mathematics and who are interested in seeing how mathematics is used in the real world are encouraged to apply. Competition is strong for the limited slots available and participant selection is based on academic standing. International students are eligible to apply for RIPS-LA.

Q: What does RIPS have to offer a student at my level of preparation?

A: Most summer REU research experiences focus on an academic problem where students work closely with an academic mentor. RIPS is unique in that students learn how to apply their mathematics knowledge to a real-world industrial problem. Each project is assigned to a team of four students. For many RIPS students, this is their first experience working in a team environment. In addition, RIPS provides students an opportunity to explore careers in mathematics, science and technology. They learn about the company that is sponsoring their project through interaction with their industrial mentor, as well as about the sponsors of other projects through final presentations and through discussions with other RIPS students. Finally, RIPS students learn report-writing and public presentation skills that will be invaluable to them should they chose to continue with an academic or professional career in an industrial setting. These skills, combined with real-world research experience, give students an edge that makes them more competitive in today’s career marketplace.

Q: What support do participants receive?

A: Travel (airfare or mileage reimbursement) to IPAM is covered, subject to certain rules and limits. Housing in the dorms is included. Most meals are covered as well. In addition, participants receive a stipend of $2600.

Q: What is it is like to participate in RIPS?

A: RIPS students form close professional and personal relationships and live, work and socialize together over the summer. Each student has an office and computer and can use meeting rooms in IPAM. IPAM provides technical support as well as daily “tea time” and occasional guest lectures. Students stay in university housing within walking distance of IPAM and will eat most meals on campus.
Los Angeles is a great place to spend a summer. UCLA is located approximately four miles from the Santa Monica beaches and is within close proximity to many popular tourist destinations. In past programs, students have taken surfing lessons, toured Hollywood studios, and taken weekend trips to national parks, for example.

Q: What classes should a student have already completed to be adequately prepared for RIPS?

A: The backgrounds of successful applicants vary quite a bit. Most have taken some upper- division math classes and have some background in computer programming. We will consider the courses you have completed to decide which project is right for you; since students work in teams, if you haven't covered some subject that is relevant to your project, chances are one of the other students have.

Q: I will graduate with my Bachelors Degree this spring; am I eligible to participate in the RIPS program this summer?

A: Yes, we will accept applicants who will complete their bachelor’s degree between December and June of the current academic year.

Q: I am a foreign student studying in the United States; am I eligible to participate?

A: Yes, your application will be considered for RIPS-LA. If you are a full time student at your current institute and plan on returning to that institution full-time after the summer, you will already be on an F-1 visa, in which case you may have to register for “Curricular Practical Training” (CPT) through your home institution.

Q: I am not a US citizen and I attend a foreign university; am I eligible to participate?

A: Yes, your application will be considered for RIPS-LA. You must be the equivalent of an undergraduate student enrolled in a bachelors degree program; if you are not sure if you qualify, please email your resume to rips2008@ipam.ucla.edu in advance of the application due date. If you are chosen to participate, UCLA will sponsor your J-1 visa.

Q: How should I tell my references to submit their letters?

A: We can accept references in a number of ways but the preferable method is to have the referees send their letters in the body of an email or as an email attachment (pdf or Word format). Please give your referees the Referee Instructions. Be sure to tell your referees the name under which you applied, if they do not know you by that name.

Q: Is it necessary to submit transcripts with my application?

A: A transcript or academic record from your undergraduate institution is required, but it can be unofficial. Ideally, you will be able to access a PDF version of your academic record and email it to IPAM.

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