UCLA home  PREP
Post-Baccalaureate Research and Education Program
Preparation for Success: Graduate Programs
in the Biomedical, Behavioral and Health Sciences

What is UCLA Prep? Eligibility Program Highlights What are the Benefits
of UCLA Prep?
How do I apply?

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Text Box: What is UCLA PREP?

The goal of UCLA PREP is to prepare a small cohort of baccalaureate recipients for successful entry into and completion of a graduate program in the biomedical sciences. Scholars will devote 75% of their time performing research with an experienced faculty mentor and the remainder to appropriate coursework, workshops, seminars, journal club, etc.

The specific objectives are:

(1) to heighten scholars’ interest in a career in biomedical research;

(2) to ensure scholars’ academic preparation for entry and success in graduate school;

(3) to enhance scholars’ performance on standardized tests (GRE);

(4) to enhance scholars’ academic skills essential for success in graduate programs; and

(5) to develop scholars’ research skills necessary for success in graduate school and a research career.

Each PREP Scholar will develop an academic and research plan to prepare them for admission and success in an appropriate graduate program in consultation with their faculty research mentor and the PREP Program Director.


To be eligible for participation in the program as a PREP scholar, individuals from underrepresented minority groups must have graduated with a baccalaureate degree in a biomedically relevant science from an accredited U.S. college or university no more than 36 months prior to applying to PREP. All individuals selected as scholars must intend to apply, within two years, for graduate education that will eventually lead to the research doctorate. In addition, PREP scholars must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The aim is to select individuals who are interested in pursuing graduate education but might not be competitive for admission without further mentored preparation and assistance. Examples include students whose undergraduate experience did not provide a broad exposure to the biomedical sciences or significant opportunities to engage in undergraduate research.

While PREP will require you to work hard, the benefits you gain will make the program a worthwhile and rewarding experience.

Scholars will devote 75% time to research and 25% time to activities that will enhance their competitiveness for admission to a graduate program. Scholars are placed for 1-2 years with a faculty research mentor conducting NIH level research. Every effort will be made to match the scholar with a faculty research mentor in an area of the scholar’s interest (there are over 400 biomedical research scientists at UCLA). Scholars will be compensated at a level of $21,000 per year. All educational costs, including tuition for appropriate coursework, will be covered by the program. In addition, each scholar will be provided with rigorous preparation for the Graduate Record Exam. A key component of UCLA PREP is a weekly Research Journal Club in which scholars learn how to read the original scientific literature, organize scientific information, and present scientific information both orally and in writing.

PREP scholars will also participate in career awareness workshops. Guest speakers from various science fields and industries will introduce scholars to career opportunities available to students with a doctoral degree in the biomedical sciences.



Academic and Career Advising

PREP provides intensive academic and career counseling including course selection and career opportunities.

Enrollment in Science Classes

PREP scholars can enroll in UCLA science classes, which enhance exposure to areas of the biomedical and behavioral sciences in preparation for success in graduate school.

Salary

PREP scholars will be paid $21,000 per year as Research Associates (75% time) and all educational expenses are covered.

Social Activities

Social events help develop friendships outside of the classroom, form support groups, and create a sense of community among PREP Scholars.

Seminars and Workshops

PREP scholars will be provided a series of seminars and workshops to enhance their competitiveness for admission to graduate school. In addition, scholars are encouraged to attend the many research seminars held at UCLA each week.


For questions and further information, contact the Program Director, Professor Richard L. Weiss, or a member of the PREP Executive Committee:

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Professor Richard L. Weiss
University of California, Los Angeles
Box 951569
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1569
310-825-3621
weiss@chem.ucla.edu

School of Public Health
Professor & Associate Dean Roshan Bastani
310-206-9266
bastani@ucla.edu

Department of Psychology
Professor Hector Myers
310-825-1813
myers@psych.ucla.edu

Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology
Associate Professor Luisa Iruela-Arispe
310-794-5763
arispe@mbi.ucla.edu