Application Process
The application process is more extensive than other summer research programs. We believe that our application needs to be extensive in order to select the best applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and talents.
The application process is simple, yet comprehensive. The entire application is designed to give students from different universities an opportunity to highlight their strengths. We have a large selection committee composed of Baylor College of Medicine faculty who spend a lot of time reading the applications and selecting applicants.
Apply Now! SMART Application (PDF)
Profile of a Successful SMART Applicant
If you are looking for a typical profile for a Summer Medical and Research Program applicant, then you're out of luck. We pride ourselves on the diversity of the SMART participants every year. Each year, the group is diverse in their backgrounds, talent, experiences, and personality. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in our program has a perfect 4.0 GPA. We understand that some universities are more rigorous and have a more difficult grading standard. What we do look for in applicants are those who have intellectual curiosity and are not afraid to take a challenging course load. In addition, applicants who have made the most of their opportunities are people we admired.
Research experience is not a prerequisite, except of first-year students (Freshman status in college). However, we do take research experience into consideration. We understand that your college may not have many laboratories and in this instance, we will look at the rest of your application to assess you. Having previous research experience is valuable, since the lead investigator of your previous research project or your research advisor will be able to write a good letter of recommendation for you.
Lastly, we are looking for undergrads with the potential to succeed well beyond their studies in the undergraduate institution.