APPLYING TO MBRS

Click here for MORE INFORMATION ON WHO SHOULD APPLY

To apply to the SDSU MBRS IMSD Program:

  1. Complete application. Read cover page instructions.

  2. Submit completed applications to GMCS 322C.

  3. All completed applications are reviewed by the MBRS IMSD Advisory Committee.

  4. Selected students from reviewed applications are invited for an interview.

  5. Advisory Committee recommends and appoints selected students after interviews.

  6. Students selected into the program will interview with their top 3 faculty mentors who match their research interests and then they are finally placed into a research laboratory.

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    Download the application:

  • Download MBRS Application Cover Page (Adobe PDF: updated 04/29/09)
  • Download MBRS Application (Word Document: updated 07/21/11) RECOMMENDED if you do not have the software to type and save a PDF form (e.g. Adobe Professional, Nitro PDF, etc.)
  • Download MBRS Application (Adobe PDF: updated 04/29/09) RECOMMENDED to type responses in a word document then transfer to the PDF form and print, sign and date.
  • Download MBRS Reference (MS Word: updated 04/01/08)

Please note that you may not be able to save the PDF form if you do not have Adobe Professional. We recommend the following:

1). Type your responses in Microsoft Word than copy and paste in your responses.

2). Use  PDFescape.com and fill/save/email.  Delete your information online after you email your application to mlopez@mail.sdsu.edu   

 

UNTYPED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED


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ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

When is the MBRS IMSD Application Deadline?

  • The MBRS IMSD Program has a rolling deadline, which means that we accept applications year-round.
  • If a position should open up (a student graduating or requesting a leave of absence), only selected COMPLETED applications on file will be invited to interview.
  • Students are encouraged to submit completed applications anytime .
  • It is each student's responsibility to follow up on his/her application status.

When should I apply?

  • Sophomores, juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply if your goal is to earn a Ph.D. in a biomedical or behavioral science

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What if I am not 100% sure I want to earn a Ph.D. in a biomedical or behavioral science?

  • We encourage you to volunteer in a lab to gain experience before applying to the program.
  • MBRS IMSD slots are highly competitive and students must be committed to applying directly to Ph.D. programs.

How many slots are available?

  • The number of available slots depends on the budget and the number of students graduating in December or May.

What do you look for in a applicant?

  • Committment to applying directly to a Ph.D. program in a biomedical/behavioral science; students passionate about science and research.
  • Committment to the mission of the NIGMS, NIH, and a strong appreciation and understanding of diversity in science.
  • Committment to mentoring and giving back to your community.
  • Strong work ethic and time management skills.

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How long can I be in the program?

  • Students may be funded for 1-2 years, depending on when they enter the program and their timeline to apply to Ph.D. programs.

What majors are eligible to apply?

  • All majors in the College of Sciences may apply, as long as your major and research has biomedical relevance.
  • Students in the College of Health and Human Services may apply if their goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Behavior or Speech Language Hearing Sciences.

Letters of Recommendation

  • We recommend asking faculty or other persons who can evaluate your research potential, accomplishments, scholarship and committment to obtaining a Ph.D degree.
  • Letters may be e-mailed to sdsu.mbrs.program@gmail.com addressed to the "MBRS Selection Committee" OR hard copy may be mailed or delivered to our office.

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Official Transcripts

  • Print your unofficial transcript from the SDSU web portal.
  • Send all official transcripts from other universities of colleges attended to our office at SDSU MBRS Office, College of Sciences, GMCS 322C, San Diego, CA 92182-1016.


Should I apply if I am slightly below a 3.0 grade point average?

  • All students are recommended to apply, even if they do not meet the 3.0 - 3.3 grade point average minimum.
  • Program activities are open to all students and our program may beneit students in various ways toward professional or scientific development.

Is the MBRS IMSD financial support considered a "stipend"?

  • Students complete W-4 and receive W-2 forms.
  • Students are considered salaried research assistants.
  • MBRS support may decrease your financial aid. For questions about your financial aid, please contact or visit the SDSU Financial Aid Office in person.

How are students notified of acceptance?

  • Students are notified by phone and/or email after the interviews.

Whom do I contact if I have questions?