Transfer Student Research Resources

WHAT MAKES RESEARCH DIFFERENT FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS?

As a transfer student, you bring a fresh perspective, strong motivation, and valuable experience. You may have less time than some freshman to engage in research, so your approach often needs to be more focused and efficient. UCLA offers tailored programs and support to help you hit the ground running.

PROGRAMS JUST FOR YOU

Transfer Research Entry Program (TREP)

A transfer-only program designed to help you connect with faculty mentors, gain lab experience, and build your research skills from your very first quarter.

Learn more about TREP.

Transfer Research Connections (TRC)

A vibrant community of transfer students passionate about research. TRC hosts events like lab tours and networking sessions to connect you with peers and research opportunities.

Learn more on their Instagram.

UCLA Transfer Student Center

Provides academic advising, workshops, and community support specifically for transfer students to help you succeed academically and personally at UCLA.

TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED QUICKLY

Highlight your completed STEM coursework and any research experience on your CV.
Emphasize your focus and efficiency as a transfer student – labs value your motivation and ability to hit the ground running.
Reach out early to labs using personalized emails with your cover letter and CV.
Join TRC and apply to TREP to build your network and get insider advice.
Ask for feedback if you don’t hear back from a lab – showing persistence helps!

UCLA Transfer Researcher Pathways

2-YEAR RESEARCH TIMELINE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

Quarter	Focus	Action Steps
Summer (Year 1)	Explore + Learn	Identify your research interest by reviewing the faculty directory and their laboratory webpages Create a list of faculty that you would like to work with
Fall (Year 1)	Learn + Prepare	Meet with your department counselor to plan your academic timeline Watch our Getting into Research workshop Join the URC-Sciences mailing list Visit the UCLA Career Center for help with resumes and cover letters Explore Student Organizations with a focus in research Email the faculty on your list
Winter (Year 1)	Apply + Join	Join a lab Complete onboarding procedures Begin working in a lab Apply for summer research opportunities
Spring (Year 1)	Join + Engage	Enroll in SRP-99 Present at Undergraduate Research Week Apply for research programs and scholarships
Fall (Year 2)	Showcase + Apply	Enroll in an Upper Division Departmental Course Attend conferences Submit to the Undergraduate Science Journal Explore research careers and/or apply to graduate school

YOUR TRANSFER ADVANTAGE

You’ve already demonstrated resilience and drive by transferring to UCLA. Use that as motivation to focus your research interests and make efficient, meaningful connections. Your experience often translates into a sharper, faster path to contributing in labs and gaining valuable skills.