Eligibility Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for this program?
Undergraduates who are completing their baccalaureate degrees and who want to apply to a Ph.D. research program will gain insights about graduate opportunities in cancer research by participating in this program.
Given the timeline for most graduate school applications, this program would be best aligned for undergraduate juniors.
If I am not selected this year, am I eligible to reapply the following year?
Yes! Our program is very competitive. If you are not selected initially, we encourage you to reapply the following year if you still meet the eligibility requirements.
I am a senior completing my bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes! We will accept applications from students who will soon be completing their Baccalaureate degree who are interested in learning about Ph.D. options at the University of Florida.
I recently earned my baccalaureate degree. Can I apply?
Yes! We will accept applications from recent postbaccalaureate students who are interested in learning about Ph.D. options at the University of Florida.
Application Questions
What is the deadline to apply for this program?
Applicants must submit all required application materials, including their letter(s) of recommendation, by the Dec. 1 deadline.
Who can provide a letter of recommendation?
This letter should be provided by a professor, teacher, adviser or supervisor (not a friend or family member), who can positively reference your character, your suitability for this program and your interest in pursuing a Ph.D.
Will the faculty who is providing the letter of recommendation be contacted after I have submitted my application?
Yes. After you submit your application, your referee will receive an automatic email requesting to submit in their letter of recommendation.
Will any application materials be accepted after the Dec. 1 deadline?
No. To be considered for the UF Health Cancer Center’s Research Showcase, applicants must submit all required application materials — including letter(s) of recommendation — by the application deadline.
If the faculty sends in their letter of recommendation after the deadline, will my application still be considered?
No. Any letter(s) of recommendation should be received before the deadline.
If I am selected and participate in the program, am I eligible to reapply the following year?
Unfortunately, no.
Career Explorations Program & Research Showcase
When will I know if I am accepted?
We will let applicants know if they have been selected and provide additional information on the program by early-mid December.
How many students will you be accepting?
We plan to invite 25 to 30 students to visit the UF Health Cancer Center.
How should I make my travel arrangements if I am accepted?
When we notify you that you have been selected for this program, we will provide additional information about your travel arrangements.
Do I need to give a presentation during my visit?
No. This program provides an opportunity for you to learn about cancer research opportunities in our graduate programs.
Do I need to make a poster for the Research Showcase poster session?
No. This event provides an opportunity for you to meet our faculty and trainees and learn more about the broad, multidisciplinary cancer research opportunities at the University of Florida.
Will I be scheduled for interviews with any of the research faculty?
No. We will not be scheduling individual interviews for specific graduate programs or with specific research labs.
UF Ph.D. Program Questions
Do I need to determine my Ph.D. option before I visit?
No. This program provides an opportunity for you to learn about cancer research opportunities in our graduate programs. Cancer research is conducted across a broad spectrum of disciplines in multiple colleges throughout the UF campus.
If I participate in the showcase, will this guarantee me an offer for a Ph.D. program?
No. This program provides a broad introduction to the graduate opportunities available to you at UF and does not guarantee that you will be offered a placement or be accepted to a specific Ph.D. program.
Do I have to apply to the University of Florida?
No. By attending the Research Showcase, we hope that you will find graduate opportunities at the University of Florida that are of interest to you. However, our goal is to raise awareness of the multiple possibilities available to conduct cancer research at the graduate level, irrespective of the institution that you decide on for your graduate education.
