In at least one of my classes the TA knows me and my work better than the professor does. There are no minimum or maximum length requirements for the proposal, but it should include everything the review committee would want to know about how you're going to approach the project and why you're the right person for the job. We've provided some Guidelines for Proposals to help you. Ask your mentor to review your proposal for completeness. We do not release past proposals.
Housing is available for non-Caltech students working on campus during the summer.
Board contracts are not currently available during the summer. Once you have been awarded your SURF, you may negotiate with your mentor for a different starting date, but your SURF employment period must not extend beyond the start of instruction for fall term at Caltech. Whatever schedule you work out with your mentor is fine, but please keep the Student-Faculty Programs Office informed. You may negotiate with your mentor to take a vacation during your SURF, as long as you work a total of at least 400 hours over ten weeks, and your SURF period does not extend beyond the start of the fall term at Caltech. Your application materials may be submitted separately, but please be sure that your name is included on all materials.