Can I apply to multiple projects?

Yes, you can apply to all projects that interest you. However, you will not be allowed to work on more than one project. If you accept an offer from a project, your application to other projects will be withdrawn.

What are the expectations from each project?

Participants are expected to complete both a pre-program and exit survey.

Specific project-related expectations are set between you and the project host(s).

What are the exact dates of each project?

There is one four-week project term for summer 2024: Monday, July 1 - Friday, July 26.

Are there fixed times of the day I will need to work?

How and when you work will be something you will determine with your project host(s) once accepted. In most cases, your schedule will be flexible, but if you need to know logistics prior to applying, contact the project host(s).

Is the duration of the project flexible?

The projects are designed for a four-week term, but this is something that you can discuss with your project host(s), unless it is indicated specifically on the individual project page. 

How many positions are available for each project?

Typically, each project will host anywhere between 1-4 students, but the maximum number of spots available for each project will be listed on the project page.

I am an international student/a student impacted by undocumented status. Can I still get paid?

As long as you are a Harvard student, we will be able to process payment for you.

When will I get paid if I participate in a project?

The stipend will be processed after you complete the project and submit the exit survey. The process will go faster if you complete your Buy2Pay profile in a timely manner.

I am taking a gap year/leave of absence. Can I still apply?

This program is for students who are currently enrolled. For sophomores, juniors and seniors, this means that you must have enrolled in the previous semester, and will be enrolling in the upcoming semester. If you are not currently enrolled for either semester, you are not eligible to apply. For the incoming first year students, you must be enrolled for the upcoming semester.

What class year do I pick on the "Choose your year" section of the application?

Because this program is over the summer, you should choose the class year you are going to be rising into for the fall of 2024.

Who is selecting the students?

In almost all cases, the project host(s) will select the students using some guidelines from the Academic Programs Manager and the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (preference will be given to freshmen and sophomores).

How are students selected from the applicant pool?

This depends on the project host(s). You can see this page for some insight into what hosts look for in an applicant.

How many applications are there for a typical project?

This varies greatly from project to project. The number of applicants will be listed on each project page once the application process closes.

How do I find out if I am selected for the project?

The project host(s) will contact you via email. We send out decision emails to all students, regardless of acceptance status.

How long would it take for me to find out whether I am selected?

We try to get back to you in about a week or so after the application closes, but depending upon the number of applicants, we might need more time for review.

Can students from other institutions apply?

This program is only for Harvard undergraduate students.

When will a new project become available?

New projects may be added up to the application deadline.  If you'd like to get a notice when new projects become available, please fill out this Google Form to be added to the EPS prospective student email list.

What kinds of research are conducted in EPS?

The Earth and Planetary Sciences department houses faculty and students conducting research across all STEM disciplines. Research is often interdisciplinary, and includes fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, applied math, computer science, engineering, and astronomy. Research crossing disciplinary boundaries to study the intersection of economics, public policy, social sciences, and government with the geosciences is also encouraged. You can get a sense of current research being conducted in the department by visiting https://eps.harvard.edu/pages/research and the linked websites for faculty and their research groups. To see current undergraduate research projects, visit https://eps.harvard.edu/undergraduate-research.

How do I learn more about EPS?

Please visit our web page, including the Undergraduate page. You can also contact the Academic Programs Manager, Campbell Halligan, or the Department Co-Head Tutors, Roger Fu and Robin Wordsworth.  If you have indicated that you'd like to receive communications from us in your application, you will also be added to our undergraduate mailing list. If you have not applied, but would still like to be added to the list, please fill out this Google Form.

More questions?  Submit your question using the Google Form below.