SRE Commonly Asked Questions

Since the number of available spots at each research site varies from year to year, we are unable to provide a specific figure. Please be aware that the selection process is highly competitive.

Applicants cannot choose their project or placement. However, your specific interests will be considered if you are placed.

The SRE application requires two recommendations. The recommenders should be current or former instructors, counselors or mentors.

If possible, take the time to ask for your recommendation in person. If that's not possible, requesting by email is sufficient. Ask the individual directly, "Could you please fill out the Summer Research Experience recommendation form on my behalf?"

If you ask in person first, send a follow-up email and make sure to include the following recommendation form link: Summer Research Experience Recommendation Form.

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REQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION AND FOLLOWING UP

1. One month before the deadline (or earlier): request the recommendation
   
   
2. Two weeks before the deadline: follow up with your recommender
   
   
3. Three days before the deadline: confirm that the recommendation was/will be submitted

Follow up with your recommender to ensure that your recommendation is submitted. It is your responsibility to make sure all application components are submitted on time. We suggest the following:

• Two weeks before the deadline: Follow up and ask your recommender if they have any questions about you or the opportunity and remind them of the deadline and link to submit the recommendation form.
  
  
• Three days before the deadline: Follow up to remind them of the deadline and link, thank them for agreeing to submit the recommendation form on your behalf and ask if your recommendation has been submitted.
  
  
• After submission: Remember to thank the individual who submitted your recommendation for SRE. An email thank you is always appreciated. Please keep your recommender updated with any Summer Research Experience decisions – recommenders like to know what happens after they submit a recommendation.

We recommend the following for strong applications:

• Prepare for your application by reviewing the eligibility requirements for SRE.
  
  
• Draft, review, edit and revise your short answer questions and personal statement. Share all written components with your peers and professors so that you can make sure the submitted responses are free of spelling and grammatical errors. Your submitted application should not be your first draft.
  
  
• Provide examples whenever possible that demonstrate your interest, passion and dedication to your field of study and for research.
  
  
• Ensure that your application and the recommendation are submitted on time.

Yes, we encourage you to subscribe to our STEM Linktree to stay informed of other research and internship opportunities that are not affiliated with Citrus College.

We look forward to meeting with you during your SRE interview.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for your interview:

• Semi-formal attire is encouraged.
• You don't need to have any documents prepared. We will have all the files you submitted from your application.
• Be prepared to discuss your interest in STEM, educational and career goals and why you are a good fit for the SRE program.

All research programs will start in June 2026 and will last for a duration of eight weeks. The exact duration may vary depending on the specific research site.

Some research sites may begin immediately following our spring semester finals, while others are scheduled to start during the same week as the finals.

If you are assigned to a location with a start date coinciding with finals week, please inform your professors in advance to coordinate taking your final exams earlier.

Hours vary for each research site. However, students can expect to be at their research sites between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. most weekdays.

Biology students may have more irregular hours to collect samples or monitor experiments.

Please keep in mind that the SRE is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week commitment and participants are not able to schedule additional work or attend summer courses.

Yes, even if your research did not produce any results, you will still need to design and submit a research poster.

Students will receive three stipend checks during the duration of the SRE program. Checks will be held until the required activities are complete.

Exact disbursement dates will be given at the SRE orientation in June.

Yes, all SRE students are required to attend the Citrus College STEM Research Symposium in September to present their research poster. The exact date will be provided during the SRE orientation in June.

This will give you ample time to notify your professors if you have a course scheduled at the same time as the symposium.

If you require a letter to request permission from your professor to attend the symposium, our interim grants director will be able to provide one for you.