Have you heard about ORCA? Unless you've been walking around campus blindfolded, of course you have. But did you know that it is a premed's dream opportunity? Here's why...

1. This is a chance to study something that you are sincerely, deeply interested in. Don't assume that you have to research cell biology or brain injuries in order to get into med school - Kelli Barbour used her ORCA grant to study an early woman reporter, and not only did her interviewers ask her about it, but she's now in her fourth year of med school at UCSF.

2. ORCA grants are specially designed to encourage you to build up a close relationship with a professor in your field. You are required to have a mentor and go to him or her frequently for counsel. Excellent letter of recommendation? Yes. Excellent chance to get an expert's opinion on the latest developments in your field? Yes. Excellent bowling partner? Maybe.

3. ORCA grants are grants - few undergrads have the resources or the opportunity to be awarded grants. The fact that you have recieved outside funding for independent scholarly work as an undergraduate will greatly set you apart.

So even if you don't know what on earth you'd research, get out there and talk to a few professors. Most of them have little pet ideas that they never have time to do themselves, but would love to turn over to your willing hands. The deadline is October 31st, so get on it, get funded, and get accepted.