Undergraduate Research
Mary Gates Research Training Grants FAQ
Do I have to be enrolled in a certain amount of credits during the quarter
I receive the award?
Yes, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits during the quarters they
receive the grant (except for Summer quarter).
What if I already receive financial aid, but am awarded a Mary Gates award?
If you are currently receiving financial aid and are named a Mary Gates Scholar,
it is possible that you may not receive the full amount of your grant. Recipients
of need-based aid cannot receive funds from any source in excess of their calculated
financial need. In most cases, a Mary Gates award will provide for any unmet need
or reduce the amount of other aid you have (usually any unearned work study and/or
undisbursed loans will be affected first). Please contact a counselor in the Office
of Student Financial Aid to determine the impact of any additional funds on your
current aid package.
When will I be notified as to whether I have been awarded a Mary Gates award?
Students are notified (by letter) approximately 6 weeks after they have applied.
What makes a strong candidate?
The faculty selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate significant
drive, dedication, and commitment towards undergraduate research, as well as the
contribution of your research to your overall learning process. Although not
required, it is also helpful for a candidate to have had ongoing research experience
over a period of two quarters prior to the application quarter. This research
experience should be a continuation of a previous quarter’s work, as long-term
commitment to an ongoing research project demonstrates dedication and best emulates
the goals of research.
What expectations will my professor have for me as a Mary Gates
scholar, should I be granted the award?
Faculty expectations of potential and current Mary Gates Scholars are quite high.
Mary Gates Scholars should undertake their learning process seriously, committing
their intellectual energy, drive, and creativity towards their research project.
Becoming a Mary Gates Scholar, and being awarded a research training grant, is quite
an honor. Recipients demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills,
but also effective writing and communication skills, attention to detail, and
significant dedication to their research goals. While faculty do maintain high
standards for all EE undergraduates participating in undergraduate research, faculty
expectations of Mary Gates Scholars is higher than usual.
Should I not be awarded a Mary Gates Scholar award, can I reapply again?
Yes, you can reapply again, however, it helps to speak to the professor who is
sponsoring your candidacy and governing your research project in order to determine
how you might strengthen your application on the second try, should it be in your
best interest to reapply.
Updates or corrections to this page should be sent to hannaford@ee.washington.edu.