Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) 2010

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. Programming experience is also helpful. 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 choose 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 $3000.

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. 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 rips2010@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: Reference letters need to be uploaded on our website either by the referee or by you. In order to upload any references or supporting documents you will need your application reference code. This code is given to you once you complete your online application. Make sure to write it down and pass it to the people who will be uploading your reference letters. The webpage where you (or your referee) can upload all supporting documents is here. Acceptable formats are PDF, Word document, or JPG image.

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

A: A transcript or academic record (listing your classes and grades) from your undergraduate institution is required, but it can be unofficial. The same submission procedure as mentioned above can be used for transcripts. If you can’t print out your own unofficial transcripts, and if your school will not give them directly to you, they can be mailed to our address on the front page. Transcripts are the only documents that can be mailed to us; everything else needs to be uploaded on the website.

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