Application Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions are divided into the following major categories:
- General Information
- Submitting an Application for Admission Consideration
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Reference & Recommendation Letters
- NIH-University Admission Committees
- Interviews at the NIH - Applicants Invited by the UGSP to Interview for Admission
If you do not find the answer to your question contact the UGSP at: ugsp@nih.gov.
General Information
Am I eligible for admission? Use our Eligibility Wizard to determine if you are eligible for admission consideration.
I recently changed my name but my transcripts have my previous name, what should I do? In your application provide all aliases in the Additional Information field.
How will I know that my letters of recommendation have been received? You will receive a confirmation email message when each letter of recommendation is uploaded into your application.
Submitting an Application for Admission Consideration
When should I submit my UGSP application? Applications for admission will be accepted starting in early-fall. All application materials must be received by the specified application deadline. Early submissions are encouraged to allow ample time for references to submit letters of recommendation.
Does the UGSP have an application fee? There is no application fee for the UGSP.
Can I submit an application after the deadline date? No, late applications will not considered for admission.
If I made a mistake or left something out of my application after it has been submitted, can I make changes or do I have to resubmit the application? Do not submit a new application. Instead, use your login/password combination to revisit your application and make any necessary adjustments. Note, once the application deadline expires you will no longer be able to make changes to your application.
Unofficial Transcripts
When and how do I submit my unofficial transcripts to the UGSP? You can upload your unofficial transcripts as PDF file(s). Do not place any security elements on the PDF files because this is incompatible with the application review software. If you matriculate into the UGSP you will need to provide official transcript(s).
Does my unofficial transcript need to include my grades from fall semester? If you are selected as a semi-finalist, the UGSP will request an official transcript that must include your fall and spring grades for the current academic year.
References and Recommendation Letters
My reference lost the email containing the recommendation request; can a new email be sent? Yes, login to your application and use the letter icon next to your reference's name to submit a new request.
How long does it take to upload letters of recommendation? Letters are automatically uploaded once your reference completes and submits the online form.
Must my letters of recommendation be received by the application deadline? Yes, letters of recommendation must be received by the application deadline because application evaluations begin shortly after the deadline expires.
Do I need to wait for all recommendation letters to be received before submitting my application? No, you can submit your application as soon as you feel your portion is complete; recommendation letters can be submitted afterwards.
NIH-University Admission Committees
Who are the members of the admission committee? The admission committees are comprised of both NIH investigators and University professors. All members review submitted applications and come to agreement on which applicants will be invited to interview for admission.
Interviews for Admission
When will I be notified about interviewing? Invitations to interview for admission are usually made 3-4 weeks before the interview date.
Do I need to make my own travel/accommodation arrangements? The UGSP will pay for your travel and accommodation for the interviews at NIH. Do not purchase travel or accommodation on your own. A representative of the UGSP will be in touch to explain this process.
