In the summer about a third of eligible students participate. Fifth year students accounted for approximately two percent. By the time a first semester freshman is ready to begin a UROP there may be no funding available. The academic credit limit in the first year may also prohibit doing UROP for credit.
Many freshmen manage to find UROPs in the second semester.
UROP's January Mentor Program is often a great help for beginners. All regular members of the MIT faculty can serve as faculty supervisors. In addition, members of the research staff may supervise UROP students with the permission of their academic department, laboratory, or center. Many other institutions now have undergraduate research programs. MIT's UROP appeared in 1969, offering all undergraduates the chance to work for pay or credit in every department at any time in their undergraduate careers.