12/10/2024
Dear prospective applicants,
We apologize for the delay in opening the STARS 2025 applications - unfortunately, our team needs more time to review the application form and ensure that everything is set up for the upcoming cohort. Meanwhile, you may start setting up yourself for the application process following some of our suggestions.
⭐ Spend some time drafting a personal statement.
The STARS application will involve writing a personal statement. Make sure to expand on your current field of study, career, and educational goals; take your time to talk about the qualities you can contribute to the research and mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills or abilities to overcome hardships. Overall, the personal statement is a way to make you stand out as an applicant and provide an explanation of how you are a perfect fit for the program. You can find more information on writing personal statements on the STARS website. Do not include any faculty you want to work with in this section unless you are already working with them.
⭐ Check out the Research Projects
As a part of your application, you will have to select a research project to work on during the 8-weeks of the program. Although the specific lists for STARS 2025 are not available yet, we recommend that you become familiar with the past project offerings to get an idea of what your summer research will look like.
⭐ Find an appropriate recommender to write a letter of recommendation.
You can choose anyone - as long as they can confidently describe your strengths and speak for your achievements. You can request a letter from a professor in whose class you were able to show stark performance, a PI you are working with within a lab, or managers in your workplace. Most importantly, make sure that whoever you choose can submit the letter of recommendation on your behalf by the STARS application deadline. You will be requesting the letters of recommendation through the STARS Applications; an email will be sent out to your recommenders, prompting them to submit the letters.
⭐ Construct a CV / Resume
Make sure to include a copy of your Academic Transcript. You should delve into the relevant work, volunteer, and project experience.
⭐ Make sure your summer schedule allows for the STARS program participation.
The program will last for 8 weeks and will take up a considerable portion of your summer break. During that time, you are expected to contribute 40 hours per week for the research alone, while the program also offers additional workshops with your mentors. Make sure you can commit this time to the program without work or summer classes being in your way.
The application process can be stressful for anyone, so we encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions at [email protected].
