Admissions Process

The TRIP application includes both an online form and a set of supporting documents. Here's what you'll need to prepare:

Online Application

In the online application form, you'll be asked to:

• Share basic information about your personal, academic, and employment background
• Add two references who can speak to your academic ability, professional qualifications, and potential for research. Once you submit their contact information, they’ll receive an email with instructions on how to complete the recommender form and upload their letter of recommendation (see guidance below).
• Briefly describe your major scientific interests and indicate any areas of research you would like to investigate during the program. If you have a specific mentor in mind, feel free to mention them.

Supplemental Materials

Please upload the following documents. Be sure to include your full name in the headers. 

• CV/Resume highlighting your academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and any research or healthcare exposure
• Unofficial copy of transcript showing your academic progress
• Personal Statement - see guidance below for tips on how to structure your statement

Personal Statement Guidance

We want to learn more about you and your motivation for applying to TRIP. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words and address the following:

1. Why are you interested in TRIP? What do you hope to study during the program? 
2. What are your long-term goals, and how does TRIP fit into your academic or career path?
3. How have your coursework, research experiences, or other activities prepared you for this opportunity?
4. Share your personal journey—what formative experiences have shaped your interest in biomedical sciences?

Letters of Recommendation Guidance

Applicants must provide recommendations from two individuals familiar with their academic pursuits.

Recommenders may be college-level instructor/professor, research mentor, academic advisor, supervisor, or other professional who has directly observed the applicant’s academic performance and potential for a career in science.

Recommendations from high school teachers, coaches, family members, friends, or peers are not acceptable.

Recommendation Narrative

Recommenders must either upload a PDF letter or provide responses in the online application form.

The narrative should begin by describing the frequency of interactions with the applicant (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, during a semester-long course, or over a multi-year research experience) and the qualities that suggest the student would benefit from and contribute to a 10-week program focused on clinical and translational research.

Responses should address at least 3 of the following questions and include specific examples whenever possible. The total narrative should be no more than 500 words.

1. Provide an example of a time the student demonstrated accountability.
2. Describe a situation where the student took initiative beyond what was expected.
3. Share an example of how the student worked effectively in a team.
4. Describe a situation in which the student identified a challenge and developed a solution.
5. Provide an example of how the student responded to setbacks, criticism, or changing circumstances.
6. Describe how the student has demonstrated curiosity, a desire to learn, or engagement with scientific inquiry.
7. Share an example of how the student effectively communicated ideas, findings, or information to others.
8. Describe the student’s conduct, judgement, and readiness to participate in a professional research environment.

Uploading Letters of Recommendation: Applicants notify their nominator in advance that they will receive an automated email from the application system with instructions for uploading their letter. This email is triggered once the applicant enters recommender information in the Recommendations section of the online application. Applicants are encouraged to enter recommender information as early as possible, as these requests can be sent while the application is being worked on. Letters of recommendation (addressing the above questions) are due no later than Feb 8, at 11:59pm ET.

1. Create an account in the application system
2. Select 'Start New Application'
3. On the 'Program Information' tab:
   1. Under "Degree", select "Non-degree".
   2. Under "Program", select "ITMAT Translational Research Immersion Program, non-degree". 
   3. Under "Term", select "Summer 2027"
4. You can enter information in stages, at your own pace, and access the application any number of times until submission. 
5. Once the application has been fully submitted, check the status and note the receipt of recommendation letters.

The application will close February 1, 2027. Letter writers have until Feb 8, 2027 at 11:59pm ET to submit their recommendation. 

Applications will be evaluated by ITMAT Ed Leadership in consultation with the relevant undergraduate institution. Applicants will be notified by early March regarding the selection committee's decision. We anticipate 1-2 students per institution for Summer 2027.