Who can apply?
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Undergraduate students at the end of their sophomore year will be the preferred candidates. However, other students can also apply, as long as they still have at least two more years of academic work toward their bachelor’s degree. They must be studying Biology, Chemistry, General Sciences or Psychology at one of these universities:
- University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
- Ana G. Méndez University, Cupey Campus
- Interamerican University, Bayamón Campus
- University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus
- Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus
- Ana G. Méndez University, Cupey Campus
- Sagrado Corazón University
- Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
The selection criteria will be based on two major aspects, academic performance and aptitude toward a research career in Neuroscience. Specifically, the applying students are expected to have at least a 3.2 GPA based on official transcripts, two letters of recommendations (that should be submitted by email: neuro.id@upr.edu) and an essay on future career goals and interest in neuroscience. A list of researchers associated to the NeuroID program would be provided to the applicants (See Mentor Selection Tab). The applicants will need to select a mentor from the provided list in the application form (More information about the mentors’ research projects). While some prior research experience is preferred, this will not be used as exclusion criteria.
The applications will receive a score based on the following criteria: GPA (10 pts.), letters of recommendations (10 pts) and candidate’s essay on his/her future career goals and interest in neuroscience (10 pts). The maximum score that the applicant can obtain is 30 points. The applicants who place in the top 10 will be invited to participate in an interview with the program directors. The top eight (8) students will receive an acceptance letter to the program within two weeks from their interviews.
Application and Interview Procedure
The student will need to complete the application form, which you can access during the month of February. The student needs to fulfill all the established requirements. Failure to complete the application process will result in disqualification. By mid April, the applicants will receive letters indicating the result of the evaluation done by the Selection Committee. The top 10 applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. The interview process will be carried out by the Program Directors (Drs. García-Arráras and Maldonado-Vlaar). Additionally, the candidate will be interviewed by his/her possible research mentor, if accepted. After the interview process, the top 8 applicants will be invited to participate in the NeuroID program. The students will have 10 business days to inform their acceptance to the program. Failure to respond in time will be interpreted as a refusal to participate.