Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about applying

Q: Do I need to submit my references or a letter of reference for my application?
A: For the 2025 application cycle, SIParCS no longer requires a letter of reference or reference contact information.

Q: I'm an international student. Can I apply to SIParCS?
A: International students at U. S. institutions must also be authorized to work in the United States. For F-1 visa students accepted by the program, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization issued through a U. S. Designated School Official (DSO) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) issued through both a DSO and the U. S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be required. International students at U. S. universities are welcome and encouraged to apply. For more information:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment

Q: I'm a graduating senior, can I apply to SIParCS?
A: In order to be eligible as a graduating senior, you must be pursuing enrollment in a graduate program for the Fall 2025 semester. You would be eligible for the graduate projects. Undergraduate seniors graduating in May or June 2025 are eligible for graduate positions if they are enrolling in graduate programs for Fall 2025. Please mention this in your personal statement. Graduating seniors who do not plan on enrolling in a graduate program in the Fall are ineligible for SIParCS.

Q: I'm a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) student, can I apply to SIParCS?
A: DACA recipients can apply to the U. S. Government for a work authorization card, called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. If you have that (with your picture, name, and dates of employment authorization), then you can work in the U. S. and are eligible to apply for SIParCS. DACA students at U. S. universities are welcome and encouraged to apply. For more information:
https://www.uscis.gov/DACA

Q: I don't meet all of the preferred qualifications. Can I still apply?
A: YES! The project qualifications describe the ideal skill set we look for in candidates. We encourage you to apply even if you do not possess all of the listed qualifications.

Q: I have a group project or coding sample that I would like to include with my application. Can I submit extra materials?
A: We can only review materials that were submitted in your application packet through our HR website.

Q: How do I write a strong personal statement?
A: The personal statement questions carry considerable weight for the application, please be thoughtful with your responses. Make sure to provide thoughtful responses to all five required prompts:

NSF NCAR and SIParCS embrace a work environment that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. SIParCS is dedicated to enhancing the diversity of future high performance computing and scientific communities and sharing our science with a broader audience. Describe how you, based on your personal background and life experiences (including social, cultural, familial, educational, leadership or future plans, or other opportunities or challenges) will contribute to the SIParCS mission during and after your participation.
2a. Identify the project and explain why you are interested in this chosen project.
2b. If you're applying to a second project, identify the project and explain why you are interested in this chosen project. Clearly address your distinct interest for each project.
Your technical and non-technical interests, collaborations, and skills that are not covered in your resume, CV, or transcript.
How this program addresses your educational and career goals.
What you expect to gain from participating in this program.

Q: Once I submit my application materials, can I change my documents or update my resume?
A: Please contact hrrecruiting@ucar.edu to submit any changes to your application materials.

Q: I am a freshman in college and have previous computing and coding experience. Can I apply for the internship?
A: Our program is generally for sophomores or higher, although we may make exceptions for freshman students who have sufficient coursework or prior experience and knowledge. Please see the Project Descriptions (download PDF from webpage) to see if you meet the qualifications for particular projects.

Q: My school is on a quarter school system and I don't get out of class until June. Am I still eligible for SIParCS?
A: Our program dates are firm and we cannot allow for late starts. Unfortunately, our program dates do not generally align with quarter system schools, although some exceptions can be made if your professors can grant you an early release. (Generally, this applies to graduate students who are done with coursework.)

Q: Can I apply to both a SIParCS technical project and the non-technical CISL Outreach, Diversity, and Education (CODE) intern position?
A: Yes, you may apply to both positions. Please note that the CISL Outreach, Diversity, and Education (CODE) Intern position is geared towards graduate students in Higher Education / Student Affairs, Science Education, Education Policy, Social Work, or related programs. The CODE Intern focuses on event planning, intern community building, and serving as an administrator of the SIParCS Internship program rather than computer science.

Q: I submitted my application early. Will it be reviewed earlier or on a rolling basis?
A: All applications will be reviewed starting after the January 21, 2025 deadline, so there is minimal advantage to submitting an earlier application. (Other than the advantage of having it done and being able to focus on other things!)

Questions about interviews

Q: Who will be at the interview?
A: Interviews will have at minimum 3 interviewers: 1 SIParCS program representative and 2-4 project mentors.

Q: What is the overall interview process?
A: Interviews are scheduled in advance in 30-minute time slots. They will take place virtually using a video conference system, usually Google Meet. Candidates will meet with the hiring committee and meet the project mentor. Questions are mostly behavioral with some related to your technical expertise. There will not be a live coding exercise or quiz, but you may be asked to review and evaluate code.

Q: How long after I apply will I hear back from the SIParCS hiring committee?
A: If you're selected for an interview, you'll be contacted via email to schedule an interview. Interviews will take place in mid-February to early March.

Q: I have an offer to another internship program. Can I be fast-tracked through the process?
A: We understand that other internship programs have different timelines. SIParCS must follow certain guidelines for interviews and offers, which are based on various factors. If you have another offer, please contact us at siparcs@ucar.edu and we will try to provide an estimated timeline of our process.

Questions about the Summer

Q: What type of housing and transportation is provided?
A: Interns are provided with travel to/from Boulder, intern housing, and a bus pass! Interns receive their own room, shared bathroom with 1 other intern, and shared common spaces (kitchen, living room) with up to 3 other interns. All interns are provided with an RTD EcoPass, which gives access to RTD buses and light rail in the local Boulder-Denver Metro area, including a bus to the airport!

Q: I already live close to Boulder or will be living at home. Can I commute instead of living at the provided intern housing?
A: While we believe that interns will benefit the most from the cohort experience and community housing building, interns are allowed to live locally and commute to the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab. Regardless of housing situation, we hope that you'll be able to participate in as many of the events as possible taking place outside of work hours. However, please note that SIParCS does not provide a stipend in lieu of housing for those who do not utilize the provided intern housing.

Q: Can I bring my car to Boulder?
A: Yes! Interns are responsible for any parking fees at the provided intern housing (parking was free with a provided registration code for the past 2 years). Parking is free at all NSF NCAR facilities.

Other

Q: My question wasn't listed above. Who can I talk to about SIParCS?
A: Join us for SIParCS Office Hours on Google Meet! No appointment necessary, just drop in! if the listed times don't work for you, please email siparcs@ucar.edu to ask your question or make an appointment to learn more about our program.

Office Hours time slots are as follows:
(MST = Mountain Standard Time)
Monday, November 4, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Monday, November 11, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Tuesday, November 19, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Monday, November 25, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Monday, December 2, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Monday, December 9, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Monday, December 16, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Monday, December 23, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM MST
Monday, December 30, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM MST
Monday, January 6, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Thursday, January 9, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM MST
Monday, January 13, 2:00 PM - 2:50 PM MST
Thursday, January 16, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM MST
Tuesday, January 21, 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM MST

Please note that SIParCS applications are due on January 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST.