Application Process

When is the deadline?
January 10. If this falls on a weekend, applications are due by the next business day.

How many students apply?
Typically between 160 and 200; last year 171.

How many students are accepted?
About 42.

After what year do most students participate?
On average, two-thirds of the Scholars participate after second year; one-third after third year.

What is the minimum amount of time required to do the program?
You must be able to participate for at least nine months.

When does the program year start and end?
Students arrive between mid-July and late August and complete the program on approximately June 15 of the following year.

How many people from each school can apply?
There is no limit on the number of applicants from each school.

Does your school have to nominate you?
No. However, you do need approval from your school to participate in the program. A dean's recommendation letter is a required component of the online application.

Do you have to be from an Ivy League school?
No. We welcome applications from all U.S. medical, dental, and veterinary schools, not just those that are research-oriented. The purpose of the program is to give students an opportunity to experience basic, translational or applied biomedical research, including those who may not have that opportunity at their own school. Last year we received applications from students at 83 different schools.

What is the most important part of the application?
Each application is considered in its entirety; there isn't a particular section that is most important.

Can all three of my recommendation letters be from research mentors?
Yes.

How much do undergraduate grades count?
The application is not weighted excessively towards grades. The selection committee considers each application as a total package, and evaluates how the student would benefit from a year in research.

If I am accepted, can I defer my participation in the program for a year?
No. If you cannot participate in the year for which you applied, you will have to re-apply the following year.

If I am not accepted, can I re-apply the following year?
Yes.

If I choose to re-apply can you use my prior year's application?
No. You will have to submit a new application via our online system.

Should I submit my MCAT or board scores?
MCAT, DAT, or GRE scores are required. Board scores are not required. In the online application, you will be asked to authorize AAMC to release your MCAT scores electronically to HHMI. If you are a dental or veterinary student, you will have to complete a DAT or GRE request form so that your DAT or GRE scores can be sent to HHMI.

Can I submit my C.V. with the application?
No. Please provide all of the information requested in the online application. Do not submit your C.V. It will not be circulated to the selection committee.

Can I submit an abstract or reprint of a paper with my application?
No. Please do not submit any additional material since it will not be circulated to the selection committee.

How many students get interviewed?
Usually about 80.

When are interviews?
For 2009, interviews are March 5-6 and 12-13. Students come in on Thursday, have dinner at the Cloister and are interviewed on Friday. Half the interviewees come the first week, and the other half come the second week.

Can I request the week I'd like to be interviewed?
No. Unfortunately, we cannot take requests for interview scheduling. It would be very difficult to accommodate each candidate's request and still have an equal number of students in each interview group.

When do you notify applicants if they've been selected for interviews?
Letters go out in mid-February.

When do you notify students whether they've been accepted?
Letters go out around the end of March.

Is there a waiting list?
Yes. A short one.

Top of Page

Eligibility

Do you have to have prior research experience?
No. It can be advantageous, but is not required.

Are MSTP students eligible to apply?
No. M.D./Ph.D. students are not eligible.

Are first year students eligible to apply?
Yes. However, it is advantageous to complete your basic science coursework prior to participating in the program. So, many students wait until second year to apply.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. You must be eligible to work in the U.S. during the entire period of time you would be in the program because Research Scholars are employees of HHMI.

What if I'm a U.S. citizen attending a foreign medical, dental, or veterinary school?
You would not be eligible because you must be attending a medical, dental, or veterinary school in the United States.

Top of Page

Loan Deferment

What about my loans?
First check with your school's financial aid office or registrar to see if your school has a special non-resident student status so you can remain matriculated. If this is not possible, or if the fees are too high to remain enrolled, we can assist in completing your loan deferment forms.

You can request loan deferment forms from your loan servicing center. We can complete them no earlier than 30 days prior to your arrival. Most students are successful in getting their loans deferred. However, if you have a problem with deferment, you can then submit a forbearance form.

Top of Page

Compensation

What is the compensation for Research Scholars?
Scholars will receive annual compensation of $27,000.

Is the compensation taxable?
Yes. HHMI withholds taxes from each Scholar's salary as required by law.

What are the benefits?
HHMI provides health, dental, and vision insurance, reimbursement for moving expenses, funding for conference travel, books, and courses.

Top of Page

Housing

What is the housing like?
There are one-bedroom apartments, efficiencies, and dorm-style rooms at the Cloister, the Scholars' residence on-campus. Each apartment is nicely furnished and comes fully equipped with household items including linens, towels, dishes, cookware, etc. The dorm-style residents share a common kitchen and bathrooms. The residences are renovated each summer prior to the arrival of the new Scholars.

How much is the rent?
At present, rental amounts range from $325 per month for the dorm-style rooms to $850 per month for one-bedroom apartments.

How are housing assignments made?
Housing assignments are made by lottery except that married students have preference for one-bedroom apartments. Incoming Scholars complete a housing preference form prior to their arrival that is used in the lottery process.

Do you have married student housing?
Yes. Married students have preference for one bedroom apartments at the Cloister.

Can you accommodate children?
Limited housing for families with one child may be available. HHMI requires that all Scholars live at the Cloister.

Can I live off-campus?
No. All Scholars are required to live at the Cloister. It is an integral part of the students' experience in the program.

What can I bring with me when moving?
Since the apartments are fully furnished, you really don't need to bring much other than your personal belongings, books, etc.

Can I bring my own furniture?
No. HHMI will not pay for shipping furniture. Also, there is no storage space at the Cloister for existing furniture, so you cannot bring your own.

Top of Page