Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to UW-Madison PREP?

The application window is open from December – February 15th. Click the “Apply Now” tab on this website and you will be taken to the application. You can preview the application here.

Once I start the application, can I save my progress and resume later?

Yes, you can start the application and return to it to complete it later as long as cookies are enabled on your computer. However, after a period of time, the application will time out and you will need to start over. We have an application preview available to view questions before starting an application.

What is the deadline for submitting my PREP application and supporting documentation?

The final deadline for the application and all application materials is February 15th. 

Who should I ask to provide my Letters of Recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know you personally and can attest to your future career plans and goals. Additionally, strong letters will come from those who can speak to your laboratory/research experience and qualities such as intellectual engagement, problem-solving and tenacity. Research mentors, Science course professors and instructors or major advisors are strong choices for letter writers. If you have research experience, we highly suggest you request a letter from your Faculty mentor/principal investigator.

Will my application be considered if my references have not submitted their letter of recommendation by the due date?

Please email badgerprep@vetmed.wisc.edu if you have questions or concerns regarding your letters of recommendation.

What makes a strong PREP Applicant? How can I show this in my application?

    • Intellectual curiosity and drive
      • Clear commitment and enthusiasm for research and science
      • Demonstrate a desire to learn or grow
    • Self-awareness about how the applicant wants to grow from the program
      • Acknowledgement of gaps in research/academic background that PREP can help fill
      • Specific aspects of PREP that will help you reach your education/career goals
    • Work ethic, initiative and resiliency
      • Identification of an obstacle or barrier that you have experienced and how it was overcome
      • Sought out experiences 
      • Leadership and community engagement  
    • Program fit
      • Intend to apply to a doctoral graduate program and pursue a career in the biomedical sciences
      • Faculty that align with your research interests or in an area of research you want to transition into
      • Enthusiasm about the  University of Wisconsin/City of Madison

 

When does the program start?

The program starts on July 15, 2025 and goes until July 14, 2026.

How many scholars?

6-8 scholars in our upcoming cohort

Does the program provide housing?

No, scholars are responsible for arranging their own housing. We are able to offer scholars higher priority to receive housing at Eagle Heights University Apartments (housing at Eagle Heights is not guaranteed).

 

I see there is a list of mentors on the PREP website that I might have the opportunity to work with during my time as a PREP scholar. Do I need to select my desired mentor before applying to the program?

Potential mentors are listed on the website for your information. In the application you will have the opportunity to note any potential mentors you are interested in working with. Once accepted into the program, we will help facilitate introductions and arrange 2x 2-week rotations with potential facutly mentors of interest. Scholars will select their mentor following the rotation periods.

What if I am interested in working with a specific faculty member that is not listed as a current PREP mentor?

If you have a specific faculty member in mind that you would like to work with as a PREP scholar that is not listed as a vetted and trained mentor with the program, we are happy to reach out to them to see if they are interested in serving as a PREP mentor and working with you as a scholar. You will have the option to provide us with their name in the PREP application.

Do the additional campus partnership slots have specific trainers?

Yes, the funding from campus partnerships do have specific trainers. Please see the information provided about the specific funded spots for additional information.

While my coursework demonstrates a strong scientific background in biological, chemical, and physical science as well as mathematics, I struggled in one or two of these courses.  Should I still apply for the program?

Yes, you should still apply! The goal of PREP is to support our scholars in addressing areas they may have deficiencies that would impact their ability to be accepted into competitive graduate programs.  You will have the opportunity to take graduate-level coursework with support from the PREP mentors and team during your time in the program. Your statements provide an opportunity to discuss circumstances that may have resulted in poor grades.

My GPA is below 3.0, should I still apply? 

Yes, you should still apply. UW-Madison PREP does not have a GPA requirement.

I want to pursue an MD/PhD program. Is UW-Madison PREP a good fit for me?

Maybe. Our program curriculum is 1-year in length and can help prepare for the PhD portion of the MD/PhD. The timing of MD/PhD applications is not ideal with a 1-year program unless individuals have already started the application process before entering our program (taken the MCAT, identified programs, working on statements, etc). We currently do not have MCAT preparation or clinical experience/shadowing as part of our program.

Additionally, UW-Madison PREP is not the right fit for individuals seeking Medical School. Our focus is on preparation for research-focused careers.

Here are resources for PREP programs that might be good for MD or MD/PhD applicants wanting a 2-year experience.

Premedical Post-baccalaureate programs: https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-student-well-being/considering-postbaccalaureate-premedical-program

NIH & Intramural NIH Post-baccalaureate programs: https://www.training.nih.gov/research-training/pb/pb/

Novartis Post-baccalaureate program: https://www.novartis.com/careers/early-careers/us-biomedical-research-internship-programs

 

I am uncertain if I would like to do research as a future career. Is UW-Madison PREP a good program to enable me to explore research as a future career?

No, PREP is not an exploration program. PREP is for scholars who have already decided to pursue a future career in research and who need more support, development, and training to have a competitive application to graduate school.

 

Can I visit the campus and labs before deciding to either apply for or accept an invitation to join the program cohort?


At this time we are unable to accommodate lab and site visits, however, applicants are encouraged to review the information on the PREP website, reach out to the PREP program team with any questions at badgerprep@vetmed.wisc.edu and visit the UW-Madison PREP website.

 

Are there other PREP programs?

Yes! There are NIH-sponsored PREP programs all over the United States. See the list of participating institutions here.

Additional details about participating PREP programs can be found here (please note the date that this late was last updated at the bottom)