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GSoC Application Guidelines

Please read the following guidelines before applying for GSoC.

Abstract

Write briefly about the project you are applying for. Don't write much about bluetooth technology. Most of the abstracts contain information about how bluetooth is evolving or how bluetooth is making its mark in the wireless world. This does not help much in your evaluation :).

Once you have decided which project to apply for, do a little study/research on it. Lets say you want to apply for the HFP emulation project.

First you need to understand the problem statement correctly. If you find that you are not able to understand the scope of the project, or you do not understand the definition or a part of it, ask the mentors to clarify it(IRC/Mail). It is very important that you understand what is to be done. Remember "well planned is half done".

Once you know whats the project is all about, do a bit of "googling". For example: what is a profile? what is a HFP? How do Bluetooth devices advertise services? There are a lot of simple tutorials available on the internet.

You don't need to go in-depth.You just need to have a general idea. If you have any confusion or doubts ask us. we are there to help !!. This information will help you in understanding how you will go about the project.

Now you are ready to write the abstract. The abstract should answer some basic questions. For Example:
- What do you understand about the project definition ?
- Any Ideas about how you want to do the project?
- Why you want to do this particular project?

Please take a look at the sample abstract here on the GSoC page. Its a excellent example.

Detailed Description

We have given you a template to fill in. Its available here - Template. Here are some hints on how to answer these questions.

Have you worked on a Linux system before?

   The experience of working on a linux system is different than working on a Windows 
   or any other system. Mention which distribution you have been working on and for how long.
   Also mention for what purpose you are using a linux system. 
   We want to know if you are comfortable with Linux (any distribution).

Have you contributed to a open source project? if yes, please provide the details.

   It is NOT necessary that you must have a open source contribution.
   There are no extra points for students who have contributed to open source prior to the application:).
   We want to know if you are aware of how open source projects work.
   Its not necessary because you are now going to be a part of one, so you'll learn about it anyways!!
   But if you have done any contribution (filing bugs, testing, documentation, etc) PLEASE
   DON'T FORGET to mention it!! Also mention any open source projects you are interested in or using just 
   for fun (just going through the bug list, or mailing lists).

What is your educational Qualification (grad/under-grad) ?

   This question is a bit confusing :)We have seen students write a lot about their Grades/GPA.
   Some of you have also written a lot about your schools/Colleges.
   We are not running any merit based scholarship here!!:)Mention about your school/College briefly.
   Mention if you are a Under-grad, Grad or PhD student. Don't worry!! There is no precedence in this. 
   Mention the courses you have taken in college. Also mention you discipline(Computer Science, electrical,
   mechanical etc.). Mention ALL Programming projects (in detail) you have done. If you have put them
   on your site or on your univ's site please provide links.
   Please don't mention achievements which do not concern GSoC.(for example-sports achievements).

Why do you want to do a project involving Bluetooth/BlueZ ?

   This is a pretty straight forward question. but be precise:)

If your application is accepted will it be a part of your graduation process or it will it be just for hobby?

   We are interested to know if this project will be part of your curriculum. 
   We are not questioning your commitment !! Students doing projects for hobby 
   tend to be less committed is a wrong notion :)

Project Milestones/Timeline

If you have identified the major milestones in the project or chalked out a plan (weekwise) then we will be very happy to know !! Its not necessary that we have to strictly follow it, but its good to know if you have some sort of plan.

Some general points

Expressing in English is not easy. If you are weak, use smaller and simple sentences.
Instead of writing in paragraphs, write in points. That makes reading simpler.
Be truthful in your application. Bluffing is never a good idea :)
Mention your IRC nick in the application.
Be around #bluez (IRC channel ) whenever possible. you will get a lot of hints there.

Here is a list of mentors, their IRC nicks and their Timezones(dont hesitate to trouble them :)).

  * Marcel Holtmann <marcel@holtmann.org>         - holtmann (GMT+2)
  * Brad Midgley <bmidgley@gmail.com>             - bmidgley (GMT-6)
  * Claudio Takahasi <cktakahasi@gmail.com>       - krau     (GMT-3)
  * Johan Hedberg <johan.hedberg@gmail.com>       - jhe      (GMT+3)
  * Luiz Augusto von Dentz <luiz.dentz@gmail.com> - vudentz  (GMT-3)
  * Alok Barsode <alokbarsode@gmail.com>          - alokb_   (GMT+5:30)
  * Eduardo Lima <eblima@gmail.com>               - etrunko  (GMT-3)
  * Vinicius Gomes <vcgomes@gmail.com>            - vcgomes  (GMT-3)

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