FAQs

The SURP eligibility requirements intentionally avoid the term "junior (or 3rd year)" or "rising senior (or 4th year)" because there are so many factors that impact students' credit accumulation and thus, academic standing. Students who are eligible to participate in the SURP have one year (or quarter or semester) of undergraduate studies remaining before they graduate. This academic standing allows SURP staff to capitalize on the timeframe in which students are actively thinking about and preparing applications for graduate, medical, dual degree or DO programs and/or contemplating gap year options.

No, we only consider applications from students who will be entering the summer BEFORE their final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies, meaning the applicant is graduating in the spring or winter following participation in the SURP. The SURP curriculum is tailored for students at this stage of their academic career. No exceptions will be considered. To learn more about other biomedical research internships for high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and first-year medical students offered nationwide, please view this catalog.

Yes, you meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the SURP because you are entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies. It is essential that you explain the circumstances of your academic standing within the 'Supporting Documents' text entry box of the SURP application that reads, "If your transcript(s) reflect anything other than entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies, please explain this discrepancy..."

Yes, you meet the eligibility criteria to participate in the SURP because you are entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies. It is essential that you explain the circumstances of your academic standing within the 'Supporting Documents' text entry box of the SURP application that reads, "If your transcript(s) reflect anything other than entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies, please explain this discrepancy..."

No, you are not eligible for the SURP this year. We encourage you to apply for the program next year when you will be entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies. In the meantime, we encourage you to consult this catalog of biomedical research internships for high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and first-year medical students offered nationwide.

If you are uncertain whether your academic standing qualifies you to participate in the SURP, we strongly recommend contacting us to confirm your eligibility prior to submitting an application.

Please insert an explanation regarding your enrollment at a university in the UK and academic standing within the 'Supporting Documents' text entry box of the SURP application that reads, "If your transcript(s) reflect anything other than entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies, please explain this discrepancy..."

Yes, you are eligible to participate in the SURP if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (assuming you meet the remaining two eligibility requirements):

• Entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies; and
• Strong background in the sciences or related area of interest.

Yes, you are eligible to participate in the SURP if you are a F-1 VISA holder who has received Curricular Practical Training work authorization from your F-1 sponsoring University. To confirm your eligibility to apply to the SURP, please request written confirmation of your CPT eligibility from your DSO and submit that documentation via email to SURP, along with your application code (your application code will be generated upon submitting your application). If you are accepted to participate in the SURP, you must receive and present your Form I-20 with Curricular Practical Training off-campus work authorization from the DSO at your sponsoring University before the program begins. Documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility are required at the start of the SURP.

Yes, you are eligible to participate in the SURP if you are a F-1 VISA holder who has received Curricular Practical Training work authorization from your F-1 sponsoring University. To confirm your eligibility to apply to the SURP, please request written confirmation of your CPT eligibility from your DSO and submit that documentation via email to SURP, along with your application code (your application code will be generated upon submitting your application). If you are accepted to participate in the SURP, you must receive and present your Form I-20 with Curricular Practical Training off-campus work authorization from the DSO at your sponsoring University before the program begins. Documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility are required at the start of the SURP.

Yes, you are eligible to participate in the SURP if you are a J-1 VISA Student holder who has received Academic Training work authorization from your J-1 program sponsor. If you are accepted to participate in the SURP, the J-1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer at your home institution must approve your Academic Training work authorization in order to participate in the SURP before the program begins. If you are accepted to participate in the SURP, you must receive and present your DS-2019 Form with Academic Training work authorization from your J-1 program sponsor before the program begins. Documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility (DS-2019) are required at the start of the SURP.

Individuals who possess an employment authorization card are eligible to be employed at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; however, internship programs that are funded by the U.S. government have strict eligibility criteria limiting participation to legal U.S. residents. Examples of government-funded organizations include the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). To determine whether an internship program is funded by the U.S. government, please visit the organization's website and look for an "About Us" section. This section should identify whether an internship program is privately or publicly, i.e., government funded. Privately funded non-profit organizations are often described as 501(c)(3) organizations and may include private or family foundations, community foundations and civic or charitable organizations. Some privately-owned businesses and corporations also sponsor internship programs. If an internship program is government funded and you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it is likely that you are ineligible to participate. Although the Fred Hutch is a privately funded, 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institution, the SURP is supported by a variety of private and public funding sources (*in 2021); therefore, DACA recipients are eligible to participate in the SURP and receive compensation from our public funding sources. DACA recipients should identify their status within the 'Personal Information' section of the SURP application.

Please note that SURP funding sources are subject to change on an annual basis; therefore DACA recipients should inquire about their eligibility to participate in the program by contacting SURP before submitting an application. Upon receiving confirmation of eligibility, be sure to respond to the question within the 'Personal Information' section of the SURP application that asks non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents to explain their visa status that entitles them to work in the United States.

If you are uncertain whether your visa status qualifies you to participate in the SURP, we strongly recommend contacting SURP to confirm your eligibility prior to submitting an application. Students who are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident are asked to explain their Visa status that entitles them to work in the states within the SURP application.

“Permanent resident” means any person not a citizen of the United States who is residing in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant. Also known as "Permanent Resident Alien", "Lawful Permanent Resident," "Resident Alien Permit Holder," and "Green Card Holder.

F-1 Curricular Practical Training
An F-1 student may be authorized by the Designated School Officer (DSO) to participate in a curricular practical training program that is an integral part of an established curriculum. Curricular practical training is defined to be alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Students who have received one year or more of full time curricular practical training are ineligible for post-completion academic training. Exceptions to the one academic year requirement are provided for students enrolled in graduate studies that require immediate participation in curricular practical training.

A request for authorization for curricular practical training must be made to the DSO. A student may begin curricular practical training only after receiving his or her Form I-20 with the DSO endorsement. There is no regulatory limit on either the number of times or the length of time a student may engage in either part- or full-time curricular practical training. This will be governed by the nature of the training and the requirements of the student's program.

F-1 students who engage in an aggregate of 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training, however, become ineligible for optional practical training (OPT). Optional Practical Training is work authorization for the post-completion of degree.

J-1 Student
J-1 Student students may engage in two kinds of employment: (1) academic training related to the course of study, and (2) other employment related to academic funding, on-campus work, or economic necessity. Each kind of employment has its own criteria and limits.

(1) Academic training: Academic Training is training related to a student's field of study. Academic training may involve sequential or simultaneous activities, either paid or unpaid, with several employers, provided the application and approval procedures are followed for each employer and activity, and the time limits are not exceeded. A college or university student can participate in academic training as follows:

• 18-month general limit - for undergraduate and pre-doctoral training, a student can engage in up to 18 months or the period of the full course of study, whichever is less

The general procedures for granting academic training are as follows:
a. The student must present to the University's J1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer a letter from the student's academic dean or adviser;
b. The University's J1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer must evaluate the academic dean/adviser's recommendation, determine to what extent the student has previously participated in academic training, and make a determination of whether academic training can be granted

(2) Other Employment: J-1 student employment can be authorized by the University's J1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer for the following types of employment:

a. Employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship; or
b. Employment that occurs on the premises of the post-secondary accredited educational institution the visitor is authorized to attend; or
c. Employment that occurs off-campus, which is necessary because of serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances that have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status. (Also see 4.28.3.2 Special Student Relief for J-1 students)

The University's J1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer must authorize the student employment in advance, before the employment begins. Authorization can be granted in periods of up to 12 months at a time, although sponsors are free to grant authorization for shorter periods.

The University's J1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer must approve of the student employment before it begins. If the student's DS-2019 was issued by a sponsor other than the school (a sponsoring agency), the sponsoring agency's RO/ARO must provide the required employment authorization.

The University's J1 Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer must approve "the specific employment in advance and in writing."

If you possess an I-20 visa, you are considered to be an F-1 visa holder. You are eligible to participate in the SURP if you are a F-1 VISA holder who has received Curricular Practical Training work authorization from your F-1 sponsoring University. To confirm your eligibility to apply to the SURP, please request written confirmation of your CPT eligibility from your DSO and submit that documentation via email to SURP, along with your application code (your application code will be generated upon submitting your application). If you are accepted to participate in the SURP, you must receive and present your Form I-20 with Curricular Practical Training off-campus work authorization from the DSO at your sponsoring University before the program begins. Documents that establish both identity and employment eligibility are required at the start of the SURP.

You can create a combined PDF file of both transcripts and upload it as a single file.

If you know in advance that your transcripts will not be available by the SURP application deadline, consider contacting the Registrar to explain your circumstances and inquire about the possibility of releasing your transcripts early. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

No, all application materials must be uploaded at the time of submission. If you are unable to upload your responses and supporting materials by the application deadline, you may want to ask a trusted peer to upload these items on your behalf.

We recommend that applicants:

1. Upload the most current version of their transcripts (unofficial versions are acceptable); AND 
2. Self-report the courses (by name and number) and the grade earned per course in the study abroad program within the 'Supporting Documents' text entry box of the SURP application that reads, "If your transcript(s) reflect anything other than…..” Although your transcripts correctly reflect your academic standing, this is an appropriate place to note any other discrepancies within your transcripts.

No, additions to your transcript will not be considered following submission of your application.

Please insert an explanation regarding the error in your transcripts within the 'Supporting Documents' text entry box of the SURP application that reads, "If your transcript(s) reflect anything other than entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) or undergraduate studies, please explain this discrepancy..." Although your transcripts correctly reflect your academic standing, this is an appropriate place to note any other discrepancies within your transcripts.

Unofficial transcripts that do not feature the applicant's name are acceptable. All application materials must be uploaded at the time of submission. We are unable to accept application materials via mail.

If you know in advance that your transcripts will not be available by the SURP application deadline, consider contacting the Registrar to explain your circumstances and inquire about the possibility of releasing your transcripts early. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. In the event that you cannot secure unofficial transcripts reflecting the completion of three years of undergraduate coursework, please insert an explanation within the 'Supporting Documents' text entry box of the SURP application that reads, "If your transcript(s) reflect anything other than entering the summer BEFORE the final year (or semester or quarter) of undergraduate studies, please explain this discrepancy..."

We take a holistic approach when evaluating applications to the SURP. While GPA is taken into consideration, several other factors are important, such as prior research experience, quality of the statement of research interests and career goals, and caliber of recommendation letters. Having one area of weakness, such as a low GPA or no prior research experience, does not render an applicant ineligible to participate in the SURP. Please visit the How to Apply section of the SURP page to reference guidance on preparing a compelling statement of research interests and career goals and/or important considerations when requesting recommendation letters.

No, given the number of applications received and in fairness to other applicants, we are unable to accept revised materials.

The SURP review committee is comprised of members who represent diverse scientific backgrounds. We advise applicants to avoid complex, discipline-specific terminology in favor of general explanations to ensure that the research experience described is understood among a broad audience.

Given that applicants are asked to respond to four prompts within a single page, we recommend single spacing to ensure you have responded to each of the following four prompts:

1. Please describe your research interests and career goals
2. If you have had prior research experience, please describe the nature and duration of that work. Be sure to include where and with whom that research was conducted and if possible, obtain a letter of recommendation from your research supervisor
3. If you don't have prior research experience, please describe a position of responsibility that would lend itself well to this program
4. Describe why you are applying to Fred Hutch's Summer Undergraduate Research Program and how this opportunity will further your academic and career goals

The goal of the SURP is to provide mentored research experience so that students can make an informed decision about pursuing biomedical research careers. Having little to no prior research experience does not render an applicant ineligible to participate in the SURP. As noted in the FAQs Among Applicants specific to GPA, we take a holistic approach when evaluating applicants to the SURP. While prior research experience is taken into consideration, several other factors are important, such as GPA, quality of the statement of research interests and career goals, and caliber of recommendation letters. Please visit the Tips for Submitting a Quality Application on the SURP landing page to reference guidance on preparing a compelling statement of research interests and career goals and/or important considerations when requesting a letter of recommendation.

The SURP offers a great opportunity for students to explore varied scientific disciplines. All applicants are asked to identify the top three Fred Hutch faculty members who they would like to work with, followed by explaining WHY they are interested in working with those individuals in the Research Interests section of the SURP application. We recommend that you address your interest in broadening your research experience outside of your particular scientific discipline and explain WHY you are interested in exploring another discipline, either: 1) within the text box that reads, “Please explain why you would like to work with the faculty member(s) listed above”; OR 2) within your Statement of Research Interests and Career Goals. We also encourage you to ask one or both of your references to cite your interest in gaining experience outside of a particular scientific discipline and HOW this exposure will benefit your academic and career goals.

We require accepted students to commit to the program dates in their entirety; our expectation is that you begin the program on orientation day. You are welcome to apply to the SURP. If you are accepted to participate, we suggest that you negotiate with your professors to take your finals earlier than scheduled. It is VERY important that you communicate your intention to reconcile your availability in your statement of research interests and career goals.

We understand opportunities to attend a national conference can and do occur; however, we clearly stipulate that participation over the entire 9-week period of the SURP is a requirement for acceptance into the program. The offer to stay a few days post-program to make up for this absence is not feasible from an administrative perspective.

We understand personal circumstances arise; however SURP staff are not in a position to approve intern absences on behalf of their host lab/research group. If you are accepted into the program, we suggest that you contact your faculty mentor well in advance to request permission for this absence.

All Fred Hutch faculty are potential mentors. The process of placing interns in a host lab or research group is a reciprocal effort that is determined once a student has been accepted into the program.

No, we do not recommend contacting specific faculty about prospective opportunities within their group or lab as part of the application process. In the 'Research Interests' section of the application is a question that reads, 'Please explain why you would like to work with the faculty member(s) listed above.' It would be best if you could articulate WHY you are interested in working with the three specific faculty members you identified in response to that question, which will give us a sense for the particular areas of research that are of interest to you at this stage of your academic career. If you are accepted into the program and the three faculty you list are not able to host an intern, we will approach other faculty members whose research interests match yours about the possibility of hosting you within their lab/research group.

We cannot guarantee that a specific faculty member will be able to host an intern; therefore, we advise you to list more than one faculty member whose research is of interest to you.

We suggest that you select faculty members whose research is of interest to you. If you have broad research interests, it would be fine to identify faculty with varied research interests and/or within different divisions of the Fred Hutch.

Yes, the character limit is 2,100 characters with spaces. The application does not notify you when you have exceeded the limit, so we recommend that you type your response in a word document first to ensure that it is under 2,100 characters.

No, the availability of the faculty members you are interested in working with will not increase or decrease your probability of being accepted into the program.

We recognize that identifying three faculty whose research is of interest to you out of over 215 candidates is daunting. We suggest prospective applicants review the Current and Prior Interns page, which identifies intern placement in various labs/research groups by research division. This could serve as a starting point to identify faculty whose research is of interest to you, understanding that all Fred Hutch faculty are potential mentors.

Alternatively, if you have a general sense for the type of research that interests you, i.e. Basic Science versus Clinical Research or Public Health versus Infectious Disease, go to the Labs/Projects page to explore faculty who are conducting research within your scientific area of interest (you can search on this page by Labs).

It is helpful to be specific about WHY that faculty member's research is of interest to you, whether because you would like to learn more about the topic in general or because you are motivated to learn a particular methodology or technique used within that lab/research group. When investigating faculty whose research interests align with yours, you may want to consider reviewing their publications in PubMed which will offer great insight into their current and specific research endeavors.

While we cannot guarantee that a specific faculty member will be able to host an intern, we make a concerted effort to place students with one of the three faculty members who they expressed interest in working with via the SURP application. In instances where none of the three faculty are able to host an intern, SURP staff attempt to place the intern with a faculty member pursuing similar or related research endeavors. The SURP is able to place 100% of accepted interns within the scientific division that is of interest to them.

The SURP application requests up to two (2) recommendation letters. We recommend that one of the two recommendation letters come from a research supervisor and/or academic professor, but ultimately the decision is yours, keeping in mind that the references you identify should be in a position to speak to your prior research endeavors, academic accomplishments, and offer perspective on how participating in the SURP will impact your career goals. Please visit Tips for Submitting a Quality Application to reference some important considerations when requesting a letter of recommendation.

No, all letters must be submitted via the online application system. Given the number of applications received and in fairness to other applicants, the program is unable to accept late recommendation letters. Likewise, we are unable to accept letters of recommendation submitted via email to SURP.

References can address their recommendation letter to "The Fred Hutch SURP," "The SURP review committee," or some combination thereof. Your applicant code will be generated upon submitting your application. Your references will then receive an automated email with your applicant code and instructions for submitting their recommendation letter to the online application portal. Letters of recommendation are due one week following the application deadline; however we recommend that you give your references plenty of advance notice prior to submitting your application.

No, you do not need to notify SURP staff if one of your references has changed. Simply provide your new reference with the URL to the Letter of Recommendation form along with your applicant code. This URL and your applicant code can be referenced in the confirmation email you received following submission of your application.

You are welcome to ask someone other than who you identified as a reference on the SURP application to submit a recommendation letter on your behalf. There are two steps you need to follow in order to make this change:

1. Email your preferred reference the URL to the Letter of Recommendation form, along with your applicant code (this URL and your applicant code can be referenced in the confirmation email you received following the submission of your application); and
2. Inform the individual who you had originally identified as a reference on the SURP application that they no longer need to submit a recommendation letter on your behalf.

Applications are considered complete upon receipt of one recommendation letter and will be given full review.

The SURP applicant portal sends an automated email to your references following the submission of your application. SURP staff don't have the ability to manually send this automated email, so you will need to email your reference the URL to the Letter of Recommendation form, along with your applicant code (this URL and your applicant code can be referenced in the confirmation email you received following submission of your application).

Yes, applicants will receive an automated email following the submission of each recommendation letter.

No, all application materials must be submitted in English.

You will receive an applicant code once your complete application is submitted. Your references will then receive an automated email with your applicant code and instructions for submitting their recommendation letter. Letters of recommendation are due one week following the application deadline; however we recommend that you give your references plenty of advance notice prior to submitting your application.

No, to ensure a fair review of all applications, we only consider the materials specifically requested via the online application system.

There are two reasons why the system sends an error message. First, the system will error if required fields (designated with a "*" symbol) are left empty, in which case you will see red text instructing you to insert a response within the text box. The second reason the system will error is if you upload your Statement of Research Interests and Careers Goals and/or your Transcript in a file format other than PDF. Make sure both of these documents are in a PDF file format and no larger than 2 MB. If your application still errors, please contact us.

The delay in upload may be due to the strength of your internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi connection to ensure high quality signal strength. If you fail to receive an email confirming your receipt of your application, please contact us.

Try refreshing your browser or opening up a new browser to access the application. If that doesn't work, please contact us.

In the event that your references did not receive an automated request for a letter of recommendation on your behalf, you can provide the URL to the Letter of Recommendation form to them, along with your applicant code. This URL and your applicant code can be referenced in the confirmation email you received following submission of your application.

You will receive your applicant code once your complete application is submitted. Your references will then receive an automated email with your applicant code and instructions for submitting their recommendation letter. Letters of recommendation are due one week following the application deadline; however, we recommend that you give your references plenty of advance notice prior to submitting your application.

No, all letters must be submitted via the online application system.

No, additions to your transcript will not be considered following submission of your application.

No, to ensure a fair review of all applications, we only consider the materials specifically requested within the application.

No, we only review applications that are received by the deadline. To learn about other biomedical research internships for high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, graduate, and first-year medical students offered nationwide, please view the Internships Catalog.

The SURP does not include clinical exposure as part of its curriculum; however, many SURP interns have secured clinical shadowing hours directly through their faculty or staff mentor. SURP staff are unable to facilitate this effort because those opportunities depend on whether the assigned faculty member is an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D.; whether the faculty member is on the rounds during the nine weeks of the SURP; and whether the institution the faculty mentor is affiliated with allows undergraduate students to participate in shadowing.

The points noted above are not intended to discourage accepted interns from seeking shadowing experience, but rather to outline the circumstances to be aware of when seeking clinical shadowing experience; clarify that accepted interns will need to proactively seek clinical shadowing/patient interaction opportunities independent of the SURP; and underscore that any supplemental clinical experiences should not take precedence over full-time participation in the SURP.

The SURP curriculum is broad in order to accommodate interns' diverse research interests; however, this is not a one-size-fits-all program. SURP staff endeavor to meet interns' individual academic, scientific, and career aspirations and provide tailored guidance to help students prepare for the respective degree(s) sought post-SURP. The SURP has been highly successful helping interns prepare competitive applications for graduate, medical, dual degree or DO programs. You can see the institutions where SURP alumni are enrolled by degree on our SURP Alumni page.

Given the rigor of the SURP curriculum and the unpredictable schedule that interns maintain within their host lab/research group, we do not recommend taking classes while participating in the SURP.

Given the rigor of the SURP curriculum and the unpredictable schedule that interns maintain within their host lab/research group, we do not recommend enrolling in a MCAT/GRE test prep course or secondary source of employment.

To learn about other internship programs, partnerships, and opportunities at the Fred Hutch, please visit our Education & Training page.

We understand opportunities to attend a national conference can and do occur; however we clearly stipulate that participation over the entire 9-week period of the SURP is a requirement for acceptance into the program. SURP staff are not in a position to approve intern absences on behalf of their host lab/research group; therefore we suggest that you contact your faculty mentor directly to request permission to attend this conference and keep SURP staff updated regarding the outcome of this request. The offer to stay a few days post-program to make up for this absence is not a feasible option from an administrative perspective.

We understand personal circumstances arise; however SURP staff are not in a position to approve intern absences on behalf of their host lab/research group. If you are accepted into the program, we suggest that you contact your faculty mentor well in advance to request permission for this absence.

The SURP will cover the cost of travel to and from Seattle up to $450. The Internal Revenue Services' standard mileage rate of $.56 (*in 2021) will be multiplied by the number of miles driven to determine the amount of reimbursement; however, interns cannot receive payment above the $450 travel cap. If the mileage reimbursement request falls within the $450 travel cap, the SURP can also offer hotel reimbursement up to $450.

To request mileage reimbursement, please send an email to SURP staff with the following information: 1) date of departure; 2) departure city/state; 3) date of arrival; 4) arrival city/state; and 5) total number of miles driven. You may send the info to SURP on orientation day or anytime thereafter.

To receive hotel reimbursement, please submit receipts to one of the SURP co-coordinators on orientation day or anytime thereafter. A reimbursement check will be issued approximately two weeks following submission of mileage information and/or hotel receipts.

Yes, you can purchase your roundtrip airfare independent of the SURP; however, be aware that:

1. First class airfare or a nominal fee to upgrade to first class is not eligible for reimbursement; and
2. The SURP cannot reimburse interns for airfare purchase independent of the program until AFTER the travel has taken place.

To request reimbursement for airfare purchased independent of the SURP, please email your itinerary to SURP staff following arrival in Seattle or present a paper copy of your itinerary to one of the SURP co-coordinators on orientation day or anytime thereafter. A reimbursement check will be issued approximately two weeks following submission.

The SURP is funded by a variety of sources at different funding levels. *In 2023, funds were available to reimburse students for the cost of luggage fees and/or ground transportation to and from the airport [whose airfare cost less than $450]; however, it's important to note that funds availability is subject to change on an annual basis. Please submit an email to SURP staff to determine whether additional reimbursement [in cases where airfare cost less than $450] is allowable. If yes, a receipt denoting the cost of these items is required for reimbursement. To request reimbursement, please submit receipts to one of the SURP co-coordinators on orientation day or anytime thereafter. A reimbursement check will be issued approximately two weeks following submission.

No, shipping is not an allowable travel expense. However, if these items are transported with the passenger, you may request reimbursement for the cost of additional luggage or oversize baggage fees as a travel-related expense.

The SURP is funded by a variety of sources at different funding levels. *In 2023, funds were available to reimburse students for the cost of luggage fees and/or ground transportation upon return to their home institution; however it's important to note that funds availability is subject to change on an annual basis. Please submit an email to SURP staff to determine whether additional reimbursement [in instances where airfare cost less than $450] is allowable. If yes, a receipt denoting the cost of these items is required for reimbursement and can be mailed or emailed to one of the SURP co-coordinators. You will also need to indicate an address where the reimbursement check should be mailed. A reimbursement check will be mailed approximately two weeks following submission.

The SURP offers a travel stipend so that accepted interns can get to and from Seattle; however commuting to and from the Fred Hutch campus on a daily basis, whether by car, bus, or some other mode of transportation, is not considered 'travel' and is therefore not an allowable expense.

The University of Washington's Conference Services operates independent of the Fred Hutch; therefore all housing questions should be directed via email or phone at 206.543.4059.

Yes, you can find out who your roommates are in advance of your arrival. SURP staff highly recommend that you initiate contact with your roommates before you arrive in Seattle. To obtain this information, please contact the University of Washington's Conference Services via email or phone at 206.543.4059.

Check-in at the University of Washington takes place on Sunday, June 16, 2024 between 2 to 5 pm at the Lander Hall front desk, located on the corner of NE Campus Parkway and Brooklyn Avenue at: 1201 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA 98105. You will need to secure overnight accommodations elsewhere if you plan to arrive in Seattle prior to that date.

Yes, there are kitchen facilities in the dorms at the University of Washington. The SURP has prepared kitchen kits that include a plastic dining ware set [plates, bowls, cups], dining and cooking utensils, two Tupperware nesting bowls, two Pyrex baking pans, two knives, and assorted pans. You may request to borrow a kitchen kit from one of the SURP co-coordinators. 

No, UW Conference Services does not provide linens.

Yes, UW Conference Services staff makes an effort to house all Fred Hutch SURP interns in the same building and together (by gender).

No, only interns who live in the dorms on the UW campus are eligible to purchase an IMA pass.

Go to the IMA building with your student ID and the proper form of payment. Let the person at the reception desk know that you are participating in the SURP at the Fred Hutch and living on the UW campus. You will then be asked to provide some additional information, pay the fee, and IMA access is all yours! Please visit the IMA website for a brief description of the facilities and hours of operation, or call 206.543.4590.

SURP interns who live in the dorms at the University of Washington (UW) take a free shuttle that operates between the UW and the Fred Hutch campus in 15-minute intervals. The majority of SURP interns also purchase an ORCA passport, which covers the full fare on all regular bus routes and can be used for multiple transportation services, including Community Transit, Everett Transit, Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, and Sound Transit bus service.

The ORCA Passport can also be used on Sound Transit Link light rail, King County Water Taxi (Vashon and West Seattle routes), the Sounder Commuter train, Seattle Streetcar, and the Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry. The ORCA Passport rate is $15 per month (2023) and can be used an unlimited number of times. Students have the option to purchase an ORCA Passport on orientation or at the Transportation office anytime thereafter.

If you live on the UW campus, the approximate parking rate is $19.50 per weekday and $6.50 on Saturdays (2023). The approximate parking rate on the Fred Hutch campus is $18 per weekday (2023) and often fills up by 8 am.

Interns may purchase a long-term parking pass per month at the Lander Hall front desk, located at 1201 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA, 98105.

If available, parking passes can be purchased at the Transportation desk in the Yale Building. The SURP orientation includes a stop at the Transportation desk.

No, accepted interns are not eligible to be placed on the wait list for a parking pass prior to the start of the SURP.

Given the rigor of the SURP curriculum and based on feedback from alumni, we do not recommend participating in a prep course or completing elective coursework in conjunction with the program; however, your acceptance will not be revoked if you opt otherwise.

In most cases, interns will work in a lab or research group led by their faculty mentor (namely a Principal Investigator or PI) under the guidance of a staff mentor, such as a post-doctoral fellow or graduate student. While you will have opportunities to interact with your faculty mentor, you will have more direct, routine interaction with your staff mentor. Working with a staff mentor presents a great opportunity to inquire about preparing for and succeeding in graduate or medical school, pursuing a research career, etc.