Application Assistance  Programs

Application assistance programs are relatively new initiatives that aim to provide mentorship through the process of applying to PhD programs. These programs are INCREDIBLE opportunities for students who feel like their application won’t be competitive enough for their top choice of schools. Generally speaking, the goal of these programs is to promote a diverse pool of applicants by providing assistance to students from different backgrounds. Every program will be slightly different but these a great way for students to get direct help from current graduate students and/or faculty members with things like preparing a personal statement or CV and participating in mock interviews. Some of these programs may even provide funding to visit the campus and participate in person. It’s important to note that participating in one of these programs does not obligate you to attend that school but if you are interested in applying to their graduate school these opportunities are a great way to learn exactly what they’re looking for in an applicant!

Consider Cornell

MIT Biology Application Assistance Program

Stanford Biology PhD Preview Program