How to Apply

PREP Applicant Qualifications

Your application will be considered if you meet the following qualifications:

  1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a biomedically-relevant science from an accredited college or university awarded before 7/1/24 and no more than 36 months prior to applying.
  2. Be a US citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Demonstrate intention to pursue doctoral study in the biomedical sciences, i.e., a PhD, or MD/PhD degree.

Applications will be assess based on the following criteria:

  • Research experience – preference will be given to applicants with at least one year of research experience.
  • Transcripts – preference will be given to applicants whose transcripts demonstrate exceptional coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0 or adequate coursework for application to grad school pair with an explanation of any missing coursework or disparities in the personal statement.
  • Readiness to apply to graduate school in Fall 2024 – preference will be given to applicants that describe (in their personal statement) past accomplishments and career trajectory that indicate they are likely ready to apply successfully to grad school fall 2024.
  • Contributions to diversity – preference will be given to applicants who clearly articulate (in their personal statement) how their personal history, achievements, and/or future career goals provide evidence of a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science (more details in the personal statement requirements).
  • Road traveled – preference will be given to applicants whose personal statements demonstrate proactive pursuit of career advancement opportunities and/or resilience and perseverance when faced with personal or structural barriers or challenges.
  • Letters of recommendation – preference will be given to applicants with exceptional letters of recommendation that demonstrate a fit for the PREP program. At least one letter should come from your faculty research mentor/supervisor, if applicable.

You should NOT apply if:

  • You are an international student
  • You are primarily interested in pursuing an MD or other non-PhD degree
  • UCSF does not offer a PhD program in the subject you are interested in pursuing

Application Process and Requirements

The full application to the PREP program will required the following materials:

  • Resume or CV (template)
  • Three letters of reference: Please ask three of your contacts to provide letters of reference on your behalf, with at least two from faculty in the sciences. If you’ve done research, please include ask for a letter from a research supervisor.  You will provide their contact info with your application and we will request letters from your references through our system (so they remain confidential).
  • Statement of Research: no more than 1 single-spaced page that includes: (1) your scientific career path (description of any research projects on which you’ve participated, science classes, and/or experiment or project from a class); (2) your current scientific interests, career goals, (3) how your life experiences have brought you to apply to PREP 
  • Personal Statement (labeled "Diversity Statment" on APRecruit): no more than 1 single-spaced page that articulates the following:
    1. Readiness to apply to graduate school: we are particularly interested in learning about your past accomplishments and career trajectory and your plans to apply to grad school in 2024.
    2. Career path: we are particularly interested to read about your ability navigate barriers and challenges within and surrounding your career path.
    3. Contributions to diversity: we are particularly interested to read how your personal history, achievements, and/or future goals provide evidence of a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the science. For example, experiences may include:
    • Participation, through volunteer or paid work, in clubs, organizations, or activities designed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.
    • Participation in undergraduate research programs, such as MARC or RISE, that aim to promote diversity in science.
    • Being listed as the trainee on an NIH Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (scholars may apply to PROPEL before the outcome of the Research Supplement application is known).
    • Lived experience as an individual from a disadvantaged background, as defined by the NIH.
    • Strong interest in pursuing a career at an institution that primarily serves culturally diverse and underserved populations.
  • Transcripts (or unofficial copy) from all colleges or universities attended. For students currently enrolled in classes, please provide transcripts with grades through the end of Fall 2022. For students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, please include your final transcript.
  • A List of Two PREP faculty with whom you would like to work. Please browse our list of participating faculty here. Please include a one-line description of how you learned about PREP@UCSF.

We do not require GRE scores.

Apply at the following link: (Application link will be open on Jan 6th, 2025) Deadline February 7th, 2025, by 5pm PST.

Interviews for the program will be held the week of March 3rd (at least two 1 hour interviews scheduled between 8am and 5pm PST).

Questions?

Please note that we address a number of common questions on our FAQ page. If your question isn't addressed there, please don't hesitate to email Academic Coordinator Jessica Allen ([email protected]).