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What is the CMU-Robotics Institute Summer Scholar Program?

An undergraduate-only learning community for US and international students to conduct research in robotics & AI, learn together, and apply for graduate programs in STEM.

The Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute Summer Scholars (RISS) Program is an intensive summer research program for talented undergraduate students. Summer Scholars have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art robotics & AI research projects, interact with a diverse research team, and be mentored by leading faculty and technical staff. The program introduces aspiring students to dynamic research resources and methods, CMU graduate education programs, and research projects. RISS is a committed community. We strongly encourage applications from applicants that want to participate in and learn collaboratively.

Eligibility:

  • Undergraduate students only: RISS is an undergraduate program. Applicants must be current undergraduate students with at least one full semester of undergraduate coursework remaining after the RISS summer session for which they are applying.
  • Both US & international students may apply.
  • Ineligible: The program is not intended for high school students, dual bachelor-master students in the masters portion of the degree, graduate students, and students that will not have at least one full semester of undergraduate studies post-RISS. All applications will be reviewed for eligibility before final offers are extended.

Logistics:

Applications accepted November 1, 2023 to to January 17, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Program Dates: June 1 to August 6
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

What are the RISS program dates?

The RISS 2024 dates are June 1 to August 6. Applicants must be available for these core program dates. Some scholars may be invited by the supporting lab to stay for an additional period (e.g., departing later than the core dates).

Is admission competitive? How many students participate in the program every year?

Yes. Several hundred students apply each year for the Robotics Institute Summer Scholar (RISS) Program from the U.S. and international institutions. Approximately 40 applicants are selected to participate in the program as RI Summer Scholars.

How do I develop a successful profile?

  • Step one: read the FAQs and program materials
  • Step two: review several years of RISS research posters and papers
  • Step three: explore the work of participating mentors
  • Step four: attend an information session

Note: Summer scholars must be current undergraduate students who will continue their undergraduate program after RISS for at least one full semester.

Past successful applicants have had:

  • A strong academic record (for example a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA scale)
  • One or more research or extended course project experiences at their home institution
  • Shown a clear connection between their skills and possible projects/labs
  • Reference to prior RI Summer Scholar posters and papers (visit the Research Showcase)
  • Relevant programming (e.g. C; C++) or other experience
  • One or more years of college or university
  • An engaging and meaningful statement of purpose with clear goals
  • Particular Robotics Institute labs and areas of interest
  • Strong letters of recommendation from academic advisors or faculty member

Which countries have past RI Summer Scholars represented?

Past RI Summer Scholars have come from over 60 countries.

Do Summer Scholars receive financial support?

All selected scholars are considered for a range of scholarships and support. RISS is a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site and a global research program. NSF REU scholarships may be available for US students. The scholarship information is detailed in the CMU offer letter. Scholarships are normally a minimum of $6,000, but all details will be confirmed via a formal letter.

What is the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) scholarship?

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and NSF Supplemental programs support active research participation by undergraduate students who are US citizens, permanent residents, or US Nationals.

U.S. applicants can receive financial support through the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). To qualify for an NSF REU scholarship, applicants must still be undergraduate students in the fall immediately following the summer research experience. NSF REU scholarship recipients will receive financial support and additional travel support.

NSF REU scholarship requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Permanent Resident
  • Completion of at least the freshman year of college/university
  • Must still be an undergraduate the semester following the summer scholar program

Is health insurance provided?

Health insurance is not provided to participants.

Which labs participate in the program?

Please see the previous year’s Summer Scholars posters to see which labs have recently participated. You can view previous research project videos here. Mentors that may be participating in the upcoming summer are listed on the RISS Mentors Page.

Can I get course credit for the internship?

Please check with your home university to discuss this.

May I register for classes at Carnegie Mellon University or work part-time during the program while I am a RI Summer Scholar?

The program is a full-time intensive research experience. There are many free and open workshops and seminars on-campus that will enhance your research experience. However, scholars will not CMU courses or working part-time elsewhere while participating in the RI Summer Scholars program.

Will attending RISS help me to prepare for graduate school?

Yes! RISS will provide tools for you to help you explore graduate school options available to you at CMU and other universities

Can I live on campus during the program?

RI Summer Scholars are not housed on campus; on-campus housing is not available for the entire length of the program. Summer Scholars are responsible for finding housing but will receive information and guides to support them.

What documents are required to apply?

The application requires a resume or curriculum vitae, statement of purpose, one letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor or instructor, and unofficial transcripts (with overall GPA and major GPA) from one’s entire undergraduate period. Please note that documents will need to be saved as a PDF to be uploaded to the application website.

What should I do if my school, college, or university is not listed in the drop-down menu?

Contact us at riss-info@andrew.cmu.edu with the full name of the educational organization and its website. Your institution will generally be added to the database within three-five business days.

If I will need a visa, how do I answer the “Visa Status” question in the Biographical Information section?

If you are currently an international student studying in the US, please choose your current visa status. If you are presently studying outside of the US, please select J-1. You will need to have an appropriate visa status to legally receive any financial support per US immigration guidance.

How should I choose a recommender?

Your recommender should be able to speak about your research potential and ability. A faculty member from your college or university with whom you have done research or an extended project would be an excellent choice. The strongest recommendations often come from individuals who have known you for an extended period of time and had the opportunity to work with you in research and academic project setting.

May I get a recommendation from outside of academia?

Yes, but ensure that you have at least one recommender who can discuss your research experience and potential. This should ideally be a faculty member with whom you have conducted research or participated in an extensive project.

Can I submit other additional materials to strengthen my application?

Yes, links and publications are encouraged in your resume. Additional materials can be added as supplemental pages to your CV/resume and submitted with your CV/resume. No CDs or physical mail will be considered.

How and when will applicants be notified of admissions decisions?

Most offers of admission are extended by April 1 via email.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT APPLICANTS

I am an international student studying at another United States institution. Can I participate? If so, will I need to apply for a visa?

Yes. The program welcomes applications from international students. For currently enrolled international students in the United States, ask your international services office or academic advisor for the options that best fit your needs. You may be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or Academic Training. You may not need immigration processing. Speak to your international services office or academic advisor before submitting your RISS application.

I am an international student studying outside of the United States. Can I participate? If so, will I need to apply for a visa?

The RI Summer Scholar Program welcomes students from around the world to our labs and classrooms. Most non-US participants apply for a J-1 intern visa sticker. Once you are accepted into the program, Carnegie Mellon will help you obtain the correct visa documents.

I am an international student, and I was part of the RISS cohort last year. Do I need to do anything differently for the J-1 Intern visa?

You will only need to include that information on your J-1 Intern checklist and include a copy of your previous DS-2019 in the paperwork that you mail to CMU for this year’s cohort.

What are the English requirements for international students?

English requirements for J-1 Intern Visa Documents are set by the U.S. Department of State regulations.

Provide a TOEFL score card with a score of over 100. Or an English Language interview will be conducted during the final stages of the interview and selection process. A lab member of RI staff member will work with you directly.

What is the TIPP form (Training/Internship Placement Plan Form)?

The TIPP Form is required to process the J-1 Intern document at CMU. You will receive an email from the Robotics Institute after you accept your offer. This email will contain instructions on how to begin the immigration process.

What if the RI Summer Scholars Program does not fulfill a requirement of my graduation at my home university?

As part of the J-1 intern status, this internship must fulfill a part of your degree program. Otherwise, you may not qualify for a J-1 Intern visa according to the U.S. Department of State regulations.

I don’t have an up-to-date passport. Will this delay processing?

Yes. You must have an up-to-date passport to get your DS-2019. If you do not have an up-to-date passport, your processing will be delayed. Please check with your passport authority government for expedited processing options.

How do I obtain health insurance while I’m in the Summer Scholars’ cohort?

Please see the following site for insurance information while you are at CMU: http://www.cmu.edu/health-services/student-insurance/index.html You may also want to explore options with your home institution and providers of international health insurance.

When should I buy my airplane ticket?

International students who need CMU immigration documents should not purchase an airline ticket until they have received a visa sticker in their passport.

How long will CMU take to process the J-1 Request and DS-2019 document?

A minimum of 90 – 75 days before your internship start date is required by the CMU Office of International Education (OIE) to process the J-1 Visa request and DS-2019 document.

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