Program for Advancing Career Exploration

Please review the application and formulate your answers to the two short essay questions before you begin the online application. You can paste your answers to the essay questions into the application. Proofread carefully, as you cannot go back into the system after submitting. 

Your answers to the short essay questions are critical to your application, so begin early.

The essay questions are your opportunity to share your interest in the program and how your participation will help you pursue your career goals. It is also the section where you can share experiences or unique qualities about yourself that make you a good candidate for the program using specific examples. 

The short essays each have 100 to 300-word limits. The 2024 essay prompts are:

1. Tell us about yourself, your background, and your career goals. How do you currently see yourself contributing to science and/or healthcare in the next five years?

2. Why does the Program for Advancing Career Exploration interest you, and how do you see it helping you progress toward your career goals?

We require two recommendations for your application to be considered. An informative recommendation should come from someone who can highlight your strengths that are relevant to the program, your quality as a student compared to other students, your accomplishments, and how this program will further your academic/career goals.

When requesting a recommendation:

• Choose your references wisely – recommendations from individuals that know your interests, personal characteristics, and abilities may be viewed more favorably than a recommendation from a person who doesn't know you as well. One recommendation from a science teacher or similar can address your interest in science. Recommendations should come from teachers, school staff, or supervisors at a volunteer or paid position. Recommendations from people who haven't seen your work in an academic or professional setting, such as coaches or family friends, are discouraged.
• Give your references at least two weeks to submit a recommendation on your behalf. We do NOT accept late application materials or recommendations. If you ask your recommender a few days before the deadline, they may not have time to submit it, and your application will be incomplete.
• Make your request for a recommendation in writing or email, as well as in person. Give your references a copy of your resume and/or the following information:

1.  The name of the program and a brief description of what it entails (a link to the website can be helpful)
2.  The name of the host institution
3.  A brief description of how the program fits in with your goals
4.  A brief description of what you will contribute to the program and how you will benefit from participating
5.  The due date for the recommendation

How the recommendation should be submitted:

We require a specific, easy-to-complete online recommendation form. We do not accept free-form letters. In addition to contact information, our form asks your references to:

• Rate the applicant on their Academic Qualities (Intellectual Ability, Enthusiasm for Learning, Commitment to Learning, Written Expression and Verbal Expression) and Character Traits (Respect for Others, Initiative, Self-discipline, Integrity and Independence)
• Describe "How will the applicant benefit from this program? How will the program support progress toward their career goals within science or healthcare?" (200-word limit)
• They are also asked to "Provide any additional comments to help us get to know the applicant." (200-word limit)

After you submit your portion of the application:

After submitting the online application, your references will receive an email with a link to the recommendation form.

• Send your references a friendly reminder, preferably one week prior to the application deadline. You will receive an email when a reference submits your recommendation.
• Finish up by sending your references a handwritten note of thanks.