BU Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program

• What is BU PREP?
  • A year-long preparatory program for recent bachelor’s degree recipients seeking entry into competitive PhD training programs. 
  • Designed to foster mentoring relationships that’ll enhance personal and scientific development for members of historically underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences.
  • Scholars are paired with BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine’s outstanding faculty and have access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
  • Opportunity to work closely with an advising team to create an individualized career plan directed towards doctoral graduate school entry and success.
  •  Is supported by a grant from NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences #R25 GM125511.
• Tentative start date: Early June 2024

• Five research assistantships are available on an annual basis for a period of one year.
• Scholars receive an annual stipend.
• Extensive advising on career choices and how to apply to graduate school.
• An enrichment curriculum that includes seminars, workshops, and journal club.
• The option to enroll in several PhD-level graduate courses at Boston University School of Medicine.

• The BU PREP program is intended for students with a strong desire to pursue research careers at the PhD level. We are particularly interested in motivated and talented students from traditionally underrepresented groups and a diversity of backgrounds.
• Applicants must be recent graduates and must be eligible to work in the United States.

REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN BU PREP:

• Have to be a US citizen or permanent resident
• Must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field prior to the start of the program, but no more than 3 years prior to applying to the program.
• Are not concurrently enrolled in a degree program.
• You have not previously completed a graduate or professional degree program.
• Scholars have apply to PhD programs for admission following successful completion of the program.

EVALUATION OF APPLICATIONS

Evaluation of applications will be based on a holistic review of the required materials outlined below. All completed applications are evaluated on a rolling basis ;however, early submission is highly encouraged.

Please complete the application and upload supporting documents via Qualtrics or click “submit application” and email supporting documents to buprep@bu.edu. An outline of the required materials is listed below.

Application Checklist

1. Biographical information
2. Short essay 1: please describe experiences in your life and educational background that show you support diversity in your community and/or that you have overcome adversity to become a college graduate pursuing an advanced degree. [1,000 word Limit]
3. Copy of your official (if available) or unofficial transcript for all colleges in which you have been enrolled as a degree candidate [email attachment or application upload]
4. Short essay 2: please discuss any academic successes, challenges, or experiences that will help the committee put your undergraduate experience into perspective.
5. Copy of your CV or resume [email attachment or application upload]
6. Personal statements: Please discuss your academic interests, any research experience, and why the BU PREP Program can prepare you for your short- and long – term professional goals [1,200 word limit]
7. Contact information for two recommenders who will submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf [name, title, institution, email, phone number]. We do not send automated emails to your recommenders, please coordinate directly with your recommenders.

This is a highly selective program and finalists will be invited to interview with the program director and administrator.

Timeline

Tentative start date is early June 2025 ;however, accommodations can be made for late graduations. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, part of the PREP program may be remote.

The application opens in November 2024.  Admissions are rolling and will continue until all spots are filled.  Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by April 12, 2025. Although we may evaluate any application received after this date, it is to your advantage to submit your application by the deadline.

How To Apply

To apply to BU PREP, please complete the online application. Apply now!

Any questions and supporting documents may be sent to buprep@bu.edu.

BU PREP Hosts Fourth Annual End-of-Year Research Symposium

In May 2023, the 2022 – 2023 cohort of the Boston University School of Medicine Post – Baccalaureate Research Education Program (BU PREP) participated in the 2023 New England PREP Symposium. Over the course of the two day event, the cohort was not only able to mingle with other neighboring cohorts within the New England area but also had the opportunity to present their research, network and build last relationships.