Application Instructions

Application due date is June 25.

All materials should be submitted by email to bioroots@ucsd.edu, and should include (1) A Personal Statement, (2) A current CV or Resume, and (3) One letter of recommendation.

Detailed Instructions

(1) Personal Statement (max. 1000 words) addressing the following points:

• What field of study do you hope to pursue and how did you become interested in it?
• What are your educational and career goals, and what experiences have you had up to this point that have contributed to your pursuit of these goals?
• Why are you applying to ROOTS and how will this help prepare you for your future goals?
• Optional: Describe any challenges you’ve faced in pursuing your education (For example, social, cultural or economic barriers, or barriers related to accessibility) and how you’ve overcome them.

(2) A current CV or Resume

(3) One Letter of Recommendation from a counselor, faculty member, or other mentor familiar with your goals and academic achievement. Please ask your recommenders to email recommendations to bioroots@ucsd.edu by June 25.

The letter should address the following points:

• The recommender’s relationship to the applicant, with information on how long you have known the applicant and the extent of your interactions.
• What are the applicant’s interests and long-term goals?
• Please comment on the applicant’s academic merit including his/her aptitude for pursuing research.
• In your opinion, why and how would the applicant benefit from participating in ROOTS?
• Any additional information regarding the applicant’s academic or personal experience that leads you to recommend them for ROOTS.

Application Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance of completed coursework to research interests
• Writing skill
• Interest in pursuing research
• Letters of Recommendation