Qualifications/Requirements:

• Students should be in their Sophomore year when applying (Transfer students are welcome to apply before they begin at Rutgers Camden). The MARC program is a two-year commitment during their Junior and Senior undergraduate career.
• Career goals must include a primary desire to apply to a PhD in the biomedical sciences.
• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Students can not work off-campus jobs while a MARC Fellow
• Students must be full-time status while a MARC Fellow
• Students should have a demonstrated desire to pursue a research career.
• Students should be from a group that is underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, including any of the following as per NIH guidelines.
  • Black, African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander.
  • Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.
  • Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (those who meet two or more of the following criteria):
    • Were or currently are homeless, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
    • Were or currently are in the foster care system, as defined by the Administration for Children and Families
    • Were eligible for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program for two or more years
    • Have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree (see First-Generation and Continuing-Generation College Students: A Comparison of High School and Postsecondary Experiences
    • Were or currently are eligible for Federal Pell grants
    • Received support from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as a parent or child
    • Grew up in one of the following areas: a) a U.S. rural area, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Grants Eligibility Analyzer, or b) a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-designated Low-Income and Health Professional Shortage Areas (qualifying zip codes are included in the file).

Application Materials

We understand this may be your first time applying to a program of this nature so we’re happy to help! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Drs. Lee or Fried.

1. Personal statement: In 1-2 pages, describe why you’re a good candidate and how the MARC program will help you achieve/explore your scientific goals/interests. We want to understand WHY you want to pursue a research career.
   • In the letter, please indicate two potential MARC mentors (at least one of which is at Rutgers–Camden) who you would like to work with (see MARC Mentors page). While you may highlight a faculty mentor you’re interested in for your application, we’ll work with selected fellows to find a perfect match.
2. CV/resume: Include your accomplishments, awards, jobs, etc.
3. Unofficial Undergraduate Transcript: While we do not base our decision purely on GPA, this gives us a holistic view of your academic performance during review. If transferring into Rutgers Camden, please include unofficial transcripts from previous undergraduate institutions.
4. Letter of recommendation (recommended, but not required): The letter should be from a faculty member you have either been taught, mentored, or advised by. Reach out to your letter writers early!

Application Process

• Submit your application here.
• Recommendation letters can be submitted here.
• Due date is Monday, March 20, 2023 at midnight. (deadline extended to Monday, March 27, 2023 at midnight!)
• Finalists will be notified and interviewed the following week.
• Decisions on acceptance will be made by the middle of April.
• If selected, you will begin your research as a MARC Fellow on June 1.