<p>That statistic is kind of misleading. The hardest part is finding a project (i.e. finding a professor (mentor) who wants you as a SURF student) to apply for in the first place. Once you have that, the application process is very straightforward. If you do not, you cannot apply.</p>
<p>I have had trouble finding a SURF the last few years. It is kind of like looking for a job. First, there needs to be a place that is willing to pay for SURF students and has opportunities for SURF. Then, you need to be interested and qualified in one of those projects. And then, they have to like you and you need to get it before other students do.</p>
<p>I suspect that if you look at the percent of people who want a SURF who get one, it is a lot lower.</p>