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 enhance their research portfolio 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.
I recently earned my baccalaureate degree. Can I apply?
Yes! We will accept applications from recent postbaccalaureate students.
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 deadline on February 16, 2025.
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 deadline?
No. To be considered, applicants must submit all required application materials, including letter(s) of recommendation, by the application deadline.
If I am selected and participate in the program, am I eligible to reapply the following year?
Unfortunately, no.
STRONGER Program Questions
When will I know if I am accepted?
We will let applicants know in early-March 2025 if they have been selected.
How many students will you be accepting?
We plan to select 10 interns to participate in the program.
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?
Yes. Each intern is required to do a poster presentation at the STRONGER Program Research Showcase.
If I am selected, will I be scheduled for interviews with the research faculty?
No. You will select the research projects that you are interested in during the Orientation and you will be matched with mentors based on these research interests.
UF Ph.D. Program Questions
Do I need to determine my doctoral program before participating in the STRONGER Program?
No. This program provides an opportunity for you to learn about cancer research opportunities in our graduate programs
If I participate in the STRONGER Program, will this guarantee me an offer for a Ph.D. program?
No. This program will enable you to gain research skills to enhance your portfolio and we will provide guidance on your graduate application, but your participation does not guarantee that you will be offered a placement or be accepted to a specific Ph.D. program. We will, however, help you with making connections with programs of interest.
Do I have to apply to the University of Florida?
No. We hope that you will find graduate opportunities at the University of Florida that are of interest to you. However, our goal is to provide you with the experience and research skills needed, irrespective of the institution that you decide on for your graduate education.
