Application

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must have graduated from an accredited undergraduate program within the past four years at time of application. 

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident of the United States. 

• Applicants currently enrolled or accepted into a graduate program are not eligible. 

• Applicants must be willing to relocate to Statesboro, Georgia for the duration of the program.

Below is a list of items you will need to complete your application. 

• A general application completed through the ETAP portal. 

• A personal statement detailing your academic preparation and previous experiences in research. Your statement should include your professional goals and how you think the MROC2S program will benefit you in your future career.  Your personal statement is arguably the most important part of your application packet as it is our only opportunity to hear directly from applicants in the initial review process. It should be targeted, comprehensive, and well-crafted. We encourage you to be specific about your interests, previous experiences inside and outside of academia, and any barriers that you've faced as a young researcher. We recommend that you work with a mentor (professor, graduate student, research mentor, etc.) to craft this statement. It is also a good idea to name specific potential research mentors in the MROC2S program that you feel mesh with your interests. Lastly, be sure to elaborate on the anticipated benefits of the MROC2S program on your development as a scientist and to your career goals and aspirations as a whole. 

• A resume or CV 

• Transcripts from all academic institutions attended during your undergraduate studies. Unofficial transcripts are accepted. 

• Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional or academic mentors in support of your application.  Through the ETAP program, you will be able to provide contact information for your references, who will then be prompted via email to submit their recommendations. It is important that you find a quality letter-writer who can attest to your ability to succeed in our program. We recommend that applicants put some time aside to speak to their references ahead of time provide them with the details they'll need to write a strong and convincing letter of recommendation. Please note that references are due at the time of application close (April 1st). Applications without submitted references on that date will not be reviewed. You are able to check on the status of your reference after submission through the ETAP platform. 

All application materials are to be submitted using the NSF ETAP system. Application materials submitted directly to the MROC2S program will not be accepted.