1. Check out and read the descriptions of FTR projects posted on the Engineering Symplicity Portal that seems interesting to you.
2. Prepare your resume and cover letters for the FTR projects you want to apply to.
3. Write a personalized email to the PI/ graduate student of the FTR project you applied to:
1. Introduce yourself briefly
2. Ask them questions about the project
3. Express your curiosity and passion for the project specifically

This is a great way for them to know that you’re interested enough that you’re reaching out to them among all the FTR applicants. Then, you’re more likely to stand out when they review your application materials because they have a better impression of you than others.

If you have additional questions, schedule an appointment with EURO and talk to one of the staff.

Paragraph 1. Opening

• Introduce yourself (name, major (or what do you intend to study), classification, etc.)
• Express your interest with the specific FTR project

Paragraph 2-3. Body: Main qualifications with supporting examples

• Why are you interested in the topic of the research specifically. Briefly tell a story if you can.
• Your skills pertaining to the project descriptions, relevant coursework and project experience
• Collaboration skills, work ethics, passion, and research interests
• Main achievements, especially those matching the requirements for the FTR program
• Career goals, interest in pursuing graduate education, and how research is aligned with them

Paragraph 4. Closing

• Summarize why you will be a valuable asset if given the position
• Thank the reader(s) (i.e., professor(s)/ graduate student(s)) for reading your letter and considering your candidacy.
• State you look forward to hearing back from them. And if they need any additional qualifications or would like to interview you, you’re open for that.

These are some additional resources, which you may find helpful:

• https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Students/WhatWeO ffer?tab=CCOHandbook
• https://www.cco.purdue.edu/Students/CoverLetters
• https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html

You must enroll in 0 credit (pass/ fail) for this course if:

1. You’ve already enrolled in another research for credit course (MSE 499, CHE 411, etc.)
2. You’re NOT a full-time student and you do not want your tuition to increase.
3. You’ve reached the MAX number of credits (18 credit hours) one can take per semester.

If you register for 1,2, or 3 credits, they will count towards your GPA, and you’ll be assigned a regular letter grade based on the grading scale. There is no difference in workload or your pay for the FTR program or in your research in terms of choosing how many credits to register. We generally recommend all students register for the 3-credit option unless they have a good reason not to (e.g., tuition cost if they aren’t full-time). Since we cannot know the varying preferences of all FTR students (i.e., credit hour limit or does not want tuition to increase), the different credit versions of the ENGR 29600 course allow students to choose themselves how many credits they want to register.

The FTR stipend will be paid as a personal payment. Students are considered participants in the FTR program but are not employees of the university. In most cases, taxes will not be withheld from your checks, but the income may be subject to taxes at the end of the year. Each taxpayer is responsible for determining the amount that may be taxable and should contact a tax advisor with questions.

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and resident aliens will have tax withholding, but the pay is still reportable and may be taxable income.

For international students who’re nonresident aliens (according to your Glacier profile), the payments may be subject to taxes as required by the U.S. government. FTR participants will be emailed to update their Glacier profile. The generated summary report will indicate any tax liability and the documents required by the university to process your pay. Most people will have the required 14% federal tax from their pay. For more information, please visit: https://www.purdue.edu/IPPU/ISS/tax.html. For more questions, please email the nonresident tax administrator at Purdue Jane Coleman (colema33@purdue.edu)

At January’s end through mid-February following the calendar year, either an email or form is sent to each FTR fellowship recipient with tax reporting information. For more questions, please email the tax department at Purdue (tax@purdue.edu)