INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS TO THE MARC-U*STAR PROGRAM

Application to the MARC-U*STAR Program Interested students will be required to submit an application form and three letters of recommendation from college or university science or mathematics faculty. Online forms are available at MARC-U*STAR Program Application Form and Letter of reccommendation. Please be advised that if you are not currently a Cal State LA student, you must separately apply and be admitted to the University. Applications for admission are available at www.calstatela.edu/univ/admiss/appreq.htm. Visit the University at www.calstatela.edu.

MARC-U*STAR Scholar Selection Criteria: The MARC-U*STAR Program Advisory Committee will evaluate the application of each candidate and the three letters of recommendation. Students must be enrolled in undergraduate majors at Cal State LA in disciplines useful in the biomedical sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, biology, microbiology, mathematics, psychology, or related fields). In addition, students must have: demonstrated high academic ability in course work. An A-B average and strong letters of recommendation from college or university science faculty are regarded as indicating a student of high ability. A 3.00 or higher grade point average is required. Our MARC program includes students whose GPA's range from 4.00 to 3.00. However, students admitted into the program near the 3.00 boundary were accepted because they demonstrated (generally through strong letters of recommendation and the personal statement) exceptional promise for success in academics and research, and often were accepted over students with higher GPA's, but with a lower commitment to a research career. However, it is expected that MARC Student Fellows will experience an enhancement in their academic achievements through participation in MARC-U*STAR. completed all freshman and sophomore requirements in their major, and have a maximum of two years to graduation. shown an interest in a career in the sciences or mathematics and a desire to do independent research. demonstrated a determination to enter graduate programs leading to the Ph.D. in science or mathematics in areas useful to biomedical research following completion of the bachelors degree. either U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency.

Interviews Students considered to be qualified for the program will be interviewed by the MARC-U*STAR Advisory Committee. The Committee will make the final determination on student admission to the program, and communicate their decision to the applicant.