SMART Program Frequently Asked Questions

It is for undergraduate students who are interested in exploring a career in scientific research. We encourage Ph.D.-oriented candidates to apply.

All applicants must currently be attending a university in the United States 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 unless they have won a national or international science fair award. Research experience is any laboratory experience outside of a high school or college course lab.

Two letters of recommendation are required from faculty who are familiar with your ability in math/science/engineering. At least one should come from faculty at your university. If you have had prior research experience, please list the research mentor as reference #1 on the application. If you have previously worked at Baylor College of Medicine, a recommendation is required from your Baylor research mentor.

No, we do not accept letters of recommendation from the Interfolio platform. Letter writers must use the link that is sent to them by the application portal to fill out a brief questionnaire about the applicant and upload their letter in PDF format.

Only international students who are employable and enrolled in educational programs in the United States are eligible to apply.

Participants are compensated approximately $5,400 (before taxes) for nine weeks. The compensation may be all salary or a mixture of salary, housing, transportation allowance depending on funding source.

SMART Program housing is located a short distance from the Texas Medical Center. Shuttle service is available for those who choose not to walk. Travel and housing reimbursements vary depending on grant sources. Housing typically costs about $2,600 for the entire program duration and payments will be accepted in three installments.

Only if there is an extenuating circumstance such as renting an apartment year round that you can't sublease or a family health situation that requires your ongoing presence during the evenings. Living at home requires prior approval by the program director. 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 housing.

We rely on your current status, not your future status.

No. The SMART Program is a full-time summer commitment. There is not enough time to fulfill summer school requirements and program requirements.

No, you are not.

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.

No.

No, you will not be eligible to apply if you graduate before the SMART Program start date.

The recruitment committee screens out any identifiers during the application review process including photos, gender, ethnicity, etc. Once the committee has selected the students and they are ready to make an offer, those identifiers are then shown in the application. We also use the photos of the students who were matched to notify their faculty mentors, and we make an internal announcement of who HR and IT can expect to meet in preparation for orientation. The photo should be a simple, close-up headshot.

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.

You have five business days from the date of the email stating that you were accepted to accept or decline our offer in writing. Email us at smart-program@bcm.edu. The sooner we know, the sooner we can notify another applicant of their acceptance. Sorry no exceptions will be made.

All SMART participants must start on the same day.

You will be matched according to mentor availability, funding, and your research interest. We will notify you prior to the start of the program regarding your lab assignment.

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. Please visit the graduate programs web page for a list of laboratories. There are no guarantees.

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

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 Baylor 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.

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.

No, the program does not provide a healthcare plan; you will need to bring proof of insurance. Medical facilities are available.

Being an alternate to the program means that you will be accepted if a position, for which you are an appropriate match, becomes available due to new openings or withdrawals by accepted applicants.

Please contact us at smart-program@bcm.edu if you have made a commitment to another program or job. We will contact you if a position becomes available.

Yes, if you still meet the eligibility requirements.