FAQs
General Questions
Q: For whom is this program designed?
A: It is for undergraduate students who are interested in exploring a career in scientific research. We encourage Ph.D.-oriented candidates to apply.
Q: What qualifies a student for eligibility?
A: All applicants must currently be attending a university and returning to the college/university to complete their undergraduate degree. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants who graduate before or during the program will not be eligible. No previous research experience is required except of first-year students (Freshman status in college). Applications from first-year students without previous research experience will not be accepted.
Q: Can I apply if I am an international student?
A: Only international students who are employable and enrolled in educational programs in the United States are eligible to apply.
Q: I want to apply and I need to know how much compensation I can expect for the summer in order to plan properly. Do we get compensation?
A: Participants are compensated approximately $4,000 for nine weeks. The compensation may be all salary or a mixture of salary, housing, transportation allowance depending on funding source.
Q: Is travel or housing provided for participants?
A: Dormitory housing is available and located within walking distance from the Baylor complex. Travel and housing reimbursement vary depending on grant sources. Housing typically costs $1,300 for the entire program duration and payments will be accepted in three installments.
Q: I'm from Houston. Can I live at home?
A: Only if there is an extenuating circumstance such as renting an apartment year round that you can't sublease, a family health situation that requires your ongoing presence during the evenings. Participants who have lived at home have not gained full benefits from being in the program. Program salaries are set to provide adequate compensation for students to pay for dorm housing.
Q: I am a first-year student and will gain research experience by the time the program begins. Am I eligible to apply?
A: We rely on your current status, not your future status.
Q: Can I participate in the SMART Program and also attend summer school?
A: The SMART Program is a full-time summer commitment. There is not enough time to fulfill summer school requirements and program requirements.
Q: I have a bachelor's degree in a non-related field but I went back to an undergraduate college to get a bachelor's degree in a related field. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are.
Q: I have another commitment during the summer and will not be able to participate for a complete nine weeks. Am I eligible?
A: No, you are not.
Q: I want to apply, but I know it's past the Feb. 1 deadline. Can I still apply?
A: Contact the director at gayles@bcm.tmc.edu to discuss applying after February 1.
Q: I am a student who will be studying for the MCAT during the program dates. Is it a good idea to apply?
A: The SMART Program is a full-time commitment and that means full-time responsibility for doing your job well and taking advantage of program activities. We do not want any important activity in a participant's education to suffer; therefore, think seriously about how much time you will want to put in studying and whether it will interfere with SMART Program participation. You cannot take an MCAT Review course and participate in the SMART Program.
Q: My school does not let out until past the program start date. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, you can. We require SMART participants to be on site for nine weeks - you can begin later and end later if you need to do so, but you must commit to nine weeks.
Accepted Applicants
Q: I was offered a position but I wish to decline the offer. What do I need to do?
A: Call us as soon as you make your decision at 713-798-5915 or e-mail us at smart-program@bcm.edu. The sooner we know, the sooner we can notify another applicant of their acceptance.
Q: My spring term ends in mid May. Can I start earlier than the proposed start date?
A: The SMART Program has planned activities during the nine-week period, beginning in June. Earlier start dates are approved only if the applicant cannot stay until the program ends.
Q: I am accepted and want to know to which lab I will be assigned. How do I go about obtaining this information?
A: Speak with Gayle R. Slaughter, SMART Program Director, at 713-798-6644 or gayles@bcm.edu .
Q: Do I have a say in which lab I will be assigned to?
A: We ask students to indicate labs in which they have an interest. Placement depends on a variety of factors but we try to honor requests.
Q: What is the dress code in the lab?
A: Once you have been notified of your laboratory assignment, contact your mentor directly about what to wear. Attire is appropriate student-casual (i.e. no bare midriffs or spaghetti strapped tops or short-shorts) with comfortable closed-toe shoes.
Q: How should I pack for Houston weather?
A: It's hot down here, so be sure to pack a lot of casual light clothing. Also, it's a good idea to include one semi-dressy ensemble if you wish to do so. You may want to visit with BCM faculty while you are here, so dressing up might be appropriate. We are the most air-conditioned city in the world; bring a light jacket, blanket and umbrella. June can be like living in a rain forest and it shows in our lush plant life.
Q: Are there meal plans available?
A: No, but there are cafeterias in the medical center that are open every day. There are plenty of good restaurants located in and around the medical center. Also, cooking facilities will be available in assigned housing.
Q: Is health care provided for participants in the program?
A: The program does not provide a health care plan, so you will need to bring proof of insurance. Medical facilities are available.
Alternate Status
Q: What does it mean to be an alternate?
A: Being an alternate to the program means that you will be accepted if a position for which you are an appropriate match become available due to new openings or withdrawals by accepted applicants.
Q: I received a letter notifying me that I am an alternate candidate for the SMART Program. Should I call and check up on my status?
A: Please contact us at 713-798-5915 or smart-program@bcm.edu if you have made a commitment to another program or job. We will contact you if a position becomes available.
Rejected Applicants
Q: I really am an outstanding student, but I was rejected. Why?
A: There are always many excellent applicants; unfortunately we cannot accept all of them. We take into account your GPA, scholastic and personal achievement, interests and what projects are available. All of these factors combined help us to determine an applicant's status. One of our goals is to disseminate knowledge of research and medical advances to colleges across the country; therefore we only accept a limited number of students from any single institution.
Q: Can I apply again?
A: Yes, if you still meet the eligibility requirements.