Application Instructions

2025 Application Process

Step 1: Review the application process and available projects. 

Step 2: Contact the Principal Investigator(s) for projects that you're interested in.

Step 3: Complete the online application. Follow all instructions. If not applicable, put in N/A. 

Step 4:  Download and complete the project narrative(s) and your CVs.

Step 5: Email PDFs of both your CV and project narrative(s) to cvmrtp@umn.edu. 

More than one student may apply to each project. Applications are accepted only for projects previously submitted by faculty and approved by the Veterinary Summer Scholars committee. Please only submit projects where you have previously discussed the project with the listed Principal Investigator (PI). Applications must be written by students.

Program Expectations

Student Expectations:

• Attend weekly Summer Scholars learning seminars (as arranged).

• Work full-time (40 hours per week) during the program period, no vacations except for holidays from May 19 - August 9.

• Attend the CVM RIDE Summit.

• Attend the Veterinary Scholars Symposium.

• Due to the demands of the program, it is not recommended to take any other courses or jobs during this program. Any courses or jobs co-occurring with the program will need to be agreed upon by the PI, Dr. Bruce Walcheck, and the student in writing.

Principal Investigator (PI) Expectations:

• Allow the student to attend Veterinary Summer Scholars learning seminars, field trips, and RIDE Summit as necessary.

• Contribute up to $100 toward student poster printing for the International Veterinary Scholars Symposium.

• Be present and provide clear expectations, mentoring, and guidance for student(s).

Expectations of the CVM Veterinary Summer Scholars Program:

•  Provide a summer stipend of $7,056.

•  Arrange Veterinary Summer Scholars learning seminars and field trips as necessary.

•  Arrange student registration and travel to the International Veterinary Summer Scholars Symposium in August.

Selection Process

● Statement of program interest          ● Prior research experience (evaluated for certain funding sources)          ● Mentoring environment                      

● Quality of project description            ● GPA (3.2 minimum)                               ● Funding availability 

Student applications will be reviewed for clarity and quality of the project description, statement of interest for participating in the Summer Scholars program, GPA, and degree of prior research experience. The project's ability to provide a scientific research experience for the scholar will also be considered. The review and final decisions will be made by the Summer Scholars Advisory Committee. Selections and offers of participation will be made no later than the first week of February.