Eligibility

The application closes at 11:59 PM (EST) on October 27th, 2024. Do not wait to begin the application on the day it is due. You should pace yourself and give yourself time to review your work. 

There are short answer questions and an essay question. Mind the word count requirement. Do NOT type your short answer or essay responses directly into the text boxes. Please use Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or another application that has grammar and spell-checking capabilities. It is essential to proofread your work. Once you are satisfied with your response, copy and paste your responses into the application. 

A letter of recommendation from a teacher or staff member is required. You want to ask well in advance for this recommendation. Ask someone who knows your ability to do great work.  

You may skip around the application, but you should save your work frequently and before going to another part of the application. You must submit each stage before submitting your application.

1. SurveyMonkey Apply requires you to make an account before continuing to the application. Follow these instructions to start your application. 

2. This is the original landing page that you will be taken to, click "Apply".

3. Click "Register" in the top right corner to make your account. 

4. Create a login by selecting Google login or using an email and creating a password. If you create a password, you will be prompted to verify your email address. If you are given an error message, you may need to log in again after this stage.

5. You will be directed to an eligibility section. Please select "student", your grade level, and if you are an NC resident or not. (This does not necessarily mean that you are eligible for the program.) 

6. Select the Explore application by clicking "More" under Explore STEM Virtual Mentoring Program from the list of applications.

7.  Select "apply". This may be the original link that you started at. 

8. Enter your name to start a new application. 

9. Next is the eligibility form for NCSSM Explore. This will determine if you are eligible for the program or not. If you believe there is an error regarding your eligibility, please email us at explore@ncssm.edu.

10. There are 3 stages after this. Make sure to submit each part of the application including a teacher/school staff member's name for the letter of recommendation form. Review your work to make sure all parts are completed to the best of your ability. 

11. After completing all parts of the application, press submit. After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation email and a confirmation timestamp should show on the left side of your screen.