Application Components
Skills Assessment Sheet
This is a very important part of the application and we recommend applicants take their time in filling out the sheets. Fill out the form to your best of ability. The skills assessment sheet helps us in matching you with a potential laboratory here at Baylor College of Medicine.
Experience in class refers to theoretical knowledge. Lab experience is listed as lab courses or work experience (usually during a summer). If you gained experience on your own (like experience with computer programs) list that under work experience.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are very important. Choose people that know you professionally and who will be able to articulate your skills and other qualities in the letter. Contact your letter writers well in advance and allow them plenty of time to write the letter. The letters of recommendation give us a more complete picture of the applicant. The letters should be specific and provide examples of your strengths and comment on areas you need to strengthen.
Essays
SMART Program applicants submit an essay describing prior research or, if you have not done research, the areas in which you are interested. Please include the information requested on the application. You may also submit an optional essay on obstacles you have overcome to gain an education or in life. We are not interested in contrived situations, but want to consider special circumstances people have faced. You do not need to reveal any personal information with which you are uncomfortable. Please do not reuse general personal statements for other summer program applications.
These essays provide us with a unique perspective that helps us understand applicants. We suggest that you write several drafts and have a mentor, faculty, career center, and/or lab co-workers critique your essay.
Timeline
On average, we receive 600 applications every year and we review each application. The application is due on January 10, with letters of recommendation and transcripts by February 1 of every year. We accept applicants beginning in mid-to late February. The review process is usually complete in late March and we let successful applicants know of decisions via the phone and e-mail. Successful applicants will receive a packet of information and forms.
Alternate applicants will be notified and kept up to date on their status. Applicants who were declined are welcome to apply the following year if they still satisfy the application criteria.
Apply Now! SMART Application (PDF)