FAQs

Post-baccalaureate students from backgrounds that remain underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. This refers to ethnic and racial minorities and students with mental and physical disabilities.

No. The goal of PREP@UGA is to provide individuals with the research experience, mentorship, and professional development necessary to apply to and be equipped to succeed in competitive life science and/or biomedical research PhD programs and PhD-level research careers.

PREP Scholars have the opportunity to engage in a variety of diverse biomedical research disciplines while at UGA. Scholars can choose to do research in a lab focused infectious disease, developmental biology, drug discovery and development, glycoscience, medicinal chemistry & chemical biology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine among others. A full list of PREP@UGA mentors, including their research interests, can be found here.

Yes. Scholars will receive an annual salary similar to that of a first-year graduate student (~$32,000 per year) with access to health insurance for the duration of the one year program. 

Details can be found at: http://research4.wpengine.com/prep/application-requirements/

The GRE is not required. There is a place to report a score on the application, if you are interested in doing so. An increasing number of graduate programs are no longer requiring GRE scores as they are not predictive of success in graduate school.

PREP@UGA’s next group will start on July 14, 2024.

Appointment of PREP scholars will be for one year. In exceptional cases, a longer training period may be possible.

 Currently we are not accepting Scholars outside of our annual application and enrollment schedule. 

• Matching with a Faculty Mentor whose research program and mentoring approach aligns with the Scholar’s interests, needs, and aspirations;
• Dedicating ~75% time to conducting original research with day-to-day guidance and support from a current member of the Faculty Mentor’s research group;
• Completing professional development on ethical and responsible conduct of research; transparency, replicability, and reproducibility in research; understanding and evaluating statistical analyses, and making the most of research training experiences, including the potential to use science to make a difference in the world;
• Identifying suitable PhD programs, preparing and submitting competitive applications, practicing interviewing and engaging in PhD program interviews, and choosing a PhD program to attend, with mentorship and support from the Program Directors and other faculty;
• Participating in departmental seminars, lab meetings, journal clubs, and other scientific activities and networking alongside faculty, graduate students, and other researchers in training; and
• Presenting research at an end of program symposium.

• There will be daily interaction with a graduate student or postdoctoral level mentor. There will be weekly meetings with a faculty mentor and with the program directors.
• Mentors will assist Scholars with developing professional and personal support networks and will help Scholars to develop a rich and varied community in which scientific and personal issues and concerns can be discussed and addressed.
• Mentors will help scholars apply to graduate programs with coaching on personal statements and interviewing techniques. 

Each fall, scholars will be supported through the process of applying to competitive PhD programs, including selecting suitable graduate programs, writing effective statements, crafting resumes/CVs, soliciting letters of reference, and engaging successfully in the interview process.

PREP@UGA Scholars all live in on-campus graduate housing for the year-long program. This housing is affordable, conveniently located, and safe.

Some Scholars bring cars and others use the UGA Campus Transit and the local Athens-Clarke County Transit System to navigate the area. All Scholars get a free transit pass with their UGA ID. Parking is available on campus and at graduate housing for a fee.