Who can apply to the MUSE program?
Any undergraduate or graduate student in the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can apply to the program. International students can apply. First-year students are recommended to apply in their second semester.
What do I need to apply?
You will need to submit your resume/curriculum vitae and complete the online application form.
When is the application period?
Applications will open in the spring semester and will close on March 15. We will facilitate the matching process and notify potential matches by March 31.
How long must I participate in the program?
Mentors and mentees will decide on when their mentoring relationship begins and the length of time in the MUSE program. A minimum of one (1) year of participation is expected.
Will I work on a research project?
Depending on the information submitted by the graduate student mentors, undergraduate students may be given research projects to work on.
Do I get to choose who I will be matched with?
To some extent, yes, as you will have a say in the qualities of your mentor or mentee, such as their year or research area. The matching process will be based on common research interests and the mentoring needs of both undergrads and grad students. At each matching event, each matched graduate student and undergraduate student will meet and discuss their research interests and mentoring needs, and each will rate quality of the match: 1 – not a match, 2 – somewhat a match. 3 – a good match. The ratings of both the graduate student and undergraduate student will be taken into account when determining final matches.
How will I know who will be my mentor or mentee?
Graduate students will first be informed of their potential mentees once they have been matched. The graduate student will select the undergraduate students they would like to meet with. The undergraduate students will then be informed of their potential mentor and will arrange to meet with the graduate student.
Do I have to submit multiple applications over multiple years?
If a student would like to participate in the program over multiple years, that student must submit one application for each respective application cycle.
What should I do if I want to withdraw my application?
If you no longer want to be considered for the MUSE program, please email nmamaril@illinois.edu and your application can be withdrawn.