How do I apply? 
There is no application for this program. All students who are admitted to Rice are considered for our merit-based awards, including the Century Scholars Program.

How am I matched with a mentor? 
In the summer preceding your matriculation at Rice you will receive a list of available mentors, with a detailed description of their research projects. You may select a mentor from this list or any other mentor of your choice from Rice University or any research institution in the Medical Center. You will also receive from the program coordinator supplemental information to facilitate the mentor selection process.

When does the project actually start? 
You can contact the faculty mentor over the summer to discuss the project, and your research will begin as soon as possible after the start of classes in the fall.

What type of work will I be doing? 
Depending on the project, duties for the various projects may include reading first-person narratives and journals, engaging in Internet exchanges with researchers at other institutions, conducting interviews with research subjects, designing research strategies, analyzing data, cloning genes, and writing and testing computer software.

If I don't like my project, can I change? 
We ask that you work on the project for at least one semester. A change after that time must be approved by the faculty advisors.

How do I change mentors? 
If you desire to change mentors for whatever reason, you are responsible for identifying your next mentor. Seek out an alternate faculty member conducting research in your field of interest, and ask the professor if he/she would be willing to serve as your mentor. You may direct the professor to the Century Scholar webpage or to contact Dr. Madalina Akli to answer any questions. If the faculty member agrees to sponsor your research, you must then complete an update form and submit it to the Office of Fellowships and Undergraduate Research announcing your change.

Can I continue my project after the initial two-year period? 
This is an option that would be arranged with the faculty mentor. The scholarship will not be extended beyond your sophomore year.

Will the project entail work in the summer? 
Many professors are happy to have assistance over the summers, but you are not required to spend your summers working on this program.

Can I still study abroad if I am a Century Scholar? 
To do so during your first two years (the duration of your Century Scholar stipend and project), you would need to seek the permission of your mentor and the program coordinator, and your stipend would not be awarded for that semester. However, study abroad in the junior year would not conflict with the program.

Are Century Scholars required to participate in RURS? 
Yes, participation in the Rice Undergraduate Research Symposium (RURS) is mandatory for all Century Scholars. However, if you do not wish to present you may volunteer in another capacity.

When are semester updates due? 
Please check the UNIV 201 OwlSpace page or the google calendar link under the ''Calendar" tab on this website.

When are Century Scholar meetings held? 
Please check the UNIV 201 OwlSpace page or the google calendar link under the ''Calendar" tab on this website.

How does the stipend work? 
Mentors get preference to access Century Scholar stipend funds. If your mentor agrees, however, you may request permission to use the stipend to purchase materials related to your research. The Request for Stipend form can be found in Owlspace and has to be submitted to the program coordinator for approval. In the past, students have purchased text books and airfare to attend conferences, etc.