Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the program?
Detailed application instructions are found on our website.
When going through the application process, where can I find help?
The Student Advisors are an excellent resource available to you. They are in Room 223 South Hall, and have office hours daily. They have each participated in the UC Davis Washington Program, and can therefore answer any question you can imagine. Campus Staff are also available.
Is the UC Davis Washington Program competitive?
The UC Davis Washington Program is a competitive program. Physically we have limited space in the UC Washington Center and can only accept 43 students during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. During the Summer Quarter, we can only accommodate 30 UC Davis students in the Center. We operate a waiting list based on the student demand and qualification of the applicant pool per quarter. Students who are not admitted based on qualification or space limitation are encouraged to meet with Program staff to discuss a subsequent application. The program is academically and professionally rigorous. To ensure your success in the program we do have a competitive application process guided by strict admissions criteria, which is outlined on the web site.
My parents have questions. Who can they talk to?
Program Staff are happy to talk with parents! Please also direct them to the "Parents Page."
How many units do I get for the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Quarters?
During the Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters, students receive 15 units of credit; 7 units for your internship, 4 units for the Research Seminar, and 4 units for the Upper-Division Elective Course.
During the Summer Quarter, students have the option of enrolling in a 7-unit course to supplement their internship. Alternatively, students may elect to enroll in the internship only option. In this case transcript notation is available.
How much does the quarter in Washington, DC Cost?
While it depends on your spending habits, a quarter in Washington, DC. will be about $1,000-$2000 more than a quarter in Davis. The housing cost is approximately $2500-$3000 for the entire quarter. Tuition and fees are the same as if you were enrolled in classes here in Davis. Additional costs for food, travel and entertainment will be different for every person depending on spending habits.
Is Financial Aid available for Washington Program?
Yes - If you currently receive financial aid, your financial aid package may be increased by $2500 to help defray the higher cost of living in Washington, DC. If you are currently not eligible to receive financial aid, the higher cost of living in Washington, DC may change your eligibility status and make you eligible for financial aid during the quarter that you participate in the Washington Program. Financial aid is available in on a more limited basis in for the summer program. Please contact Lorie Trapani in Financial Aid for more information. To help defray costs, the Washington Program provides some additional financial aid and awards, most of which are need based.
Where would I live?
Particiapants live in the UC Washington Center, an eleven-story building located six blocks away from the White House and two blocks from Dupont Circle. The building opened in Fall 2001, and is extremely safe, clean, and accommodating. The Washington Center building has laundry facilities, vending machines, an ATM, a computer lab, a lounge with a big-screen television, and classrooms for the elective courses and research seminar.
What about my apartment in Davis?
Many students sublease their apartment in Davis while they are in Washington, DC. Program staff are happy to discuss various options with both parents and students.
Who would I be living with?
As a UC Davis student, you would live with three other UC Davis students. There are two bedrooms in each apartment, and two beds in each bedroom. There is one bathroom per apartment, a fully equipped kitchen, and a living area with a table and chairs, a couch and a television. Though you will be rooming with UC Davis students, each floor in the center will have students from all eight campuses. There are approximately 275 UC students housed in the Center each quarter.
Do I need a car, or is it easy to get around Washington, DC ?
Transportation in Washington, DC is very convenient and geared towards people without cars. In fact, driving there can be a nightmare! The Metro system (subway) is extremely convenient, safe, and runs from very early in the morning until very late at night. The Metro can take you all around the city and its outlying areas, like Virginia and Maryland. Taxis are in abundance in the city, and are always an option when you do not feel like walking. In addition, the Amtrak is very accessible, as well as different Bus companies like Greyhound, for trips to New York and Philadelphia.
How can I best prepare for the research seminar?
The first thing you should do is review the "Research Guidelines" that are provided to you by Washington Program Staff. In doing this, you will develop an understanding of the purpose of the research paper and the requirements of the seminar. You can also brainstorm possible topics or questions that you might want to address, review prior research you have completed which you may want to expand upon, or complete some initial research or reading into your area of interest.
Can I write on anything I want?
Students are allowed to choose the topical area, but the structure of the paper must fulfill the "Research Guidelines" of the seminar. Research questions must be analytical in nature and grounded in a "Why" question. Different templates are available in the Guidelines.
Do I have to write a policy paper ? I am not a political science major.
No. You may write a policy paper, but the Program is designed for students from all majors to conduct research. Again, please refer to the "Research Guidelines.
What kind of faculty support will I have?
You will meet with your seminar leader on a weekly basis in either a small group setting or individual tutorial. You will also have the support of the faculty in residence at the UC Washington Center and access to local experts in your field of study.
Are there enough resources and help available for me to successfully write the Independent Research Paper?
Absolutely. Your research seminar is uniquely designed to help facilitate this process. You will be in a class with all UC Davis students, and will meet with your Professor and/or Teaching Assistant weekly. You will have access to The Library of Congress, Georgetown Library, and the California Digital Library for in-depth research. You will also have access to the National Archives, and you may have the opportunity to sit in on Congressional Hearings and conduct personal interviews with policy makers to further develop your research project.
Does my paper have to relate to my internship?
No. However, past students have found that their internship is a good place to make contacts, interview experts, and integrate the work they are doing with the research they are conducting.
How many days a week will I be interning?
If you are attending the UC Davis Washington Program during the Fall, Winter or Spring Quarters, you will be working 3-4 days weekly (24-32 hours). You will also be enrolled in a research seminar and upper division elective course that will be offered during non-working hours. In the Summer Quarter, students typically work 5 days per week if enrolled in the internship-only option and 4 days per week if enrolled in the 7-unit academic course offered in conjunction with the internship.
Will being a Washington Program alumnus benefit me in the future?
In a word, YES! The networking opportunities that you will have while working in your internship will be invaluable to you. After living in Washington, DC for a quarter, you will feel like you can live in any big city. After successfully completing a quarter of study, research and work, you will feel accomplished and confident that you can succeed in both professional and academic settings. There are many opportunities for Washington Program Alumni to reconnect through alumni events, which further develop your network of colleagues and professional associates.