Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) Admissions Requirements
Do you have a sound undergraduate or graduate academic history in the biological or physical sciences?
Do you seek to enhance your academic preparedness and research experience prior to embarking on a PhD or MD/PHD?
If so, you are invited to review the information below to see if the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is right for you.
Eligibility Requirements
Per the NIH, applicants are required to:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution prior to the start of the program, but no more than three years before starting the PREP.
- Intend to pursue doctoral study in the biomedical sciences and will apply to relevant PhD or MD/PhD programs the fall of the PREP year.
The goal of The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) is to develop a diverse pool of well-trained postbaccalaureates who will transition into and complete rigorous biomedical, research-focused doctoral degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) in biomedical fields. Individuals from underrepresented background as defined by the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity (NOT-OD-20-031) are strongly encouraged to apply
Application Process
Applications for the 2025 - 2026 academic year will open this fall and be due no later than February 28, 2025.
Complete applications include all of the following:
- Submitted application (no fee is required)
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- In 750-1000 words, please detail your personal experience, including academic preparedness, any previous research experience, your motivation for pursuing graduate study, any challenges that may have impacted your development, as well as why you have chosen to apply to UMass Chan. Then, please discuss your career aspirations and how attending the program will help you reach your goals.
- In approximately 250 words, please describe a time you overcame an obstacle in your academic, research, or personal life and any lessons learned from that experience.
- Three letters of recommendation, including the recommendation form, from individuals who are able to assess past academic and research performance and prospective success in graduate school.
- The GRE is not required nor considered.
Please note all official transcripts are required prior to matriculation.