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PREP Scholars Graduate School

Apply to UAB PREP

PREP Scholars at UAB runs on a June-May cycle, with applications opening December 1, 2024 this year. The application deadline is April 30, 2025. Check to make sure that you are eligible for the program. The program will start June 1 and conclude May 31 the following year.

Application Requirements:

  • 2 professional references
  • CV/Resume
  • 2 Essays:

    • Personal Statement: Please describe your motivation and preparedness for joining UAB’s Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program. This could include your educational and professional background, prior research exposure, career goals, and other relevant life experience. Also, tell us why you are choosing UAB’s program and what characteristics will help you to become a successful participant. Limit your response to 500-750 words.

    • Distance Traveled: Reflect on the journey you have taken to reach this point in your life, discussing any challenges, experiences, and growth that have shaped who you are today, highlighting the 'distance' you have traveled personally, professionally, academically. Limit your response to 400 words or less.

  • GRE not required
  • For students interested in applying to MD-PhD programs, we must receive your MCAT score report no later than March 31st to be considered for our 2025-2026 cohort
  • Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts are required if admitted into the program)

Application Instructions

Below is a step-by-step guide to applying to the UAB PREP Scholars Program.

  1. Access the Online UAB Graduate Application.
  2. Click Sign Up, found beneath the Sign In button.
  3. Enter your first name, last name, and email address, then click Submit.
  4. You will receive an email from the UAB Graduate School with a link to create your password. If you experience any issues creating your password, please contact the Graduate School at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  5. After creating your password, you will be automatically signed into the application dashboard.
  6. Click Start New Application.
  7. Please respond to the four key questions with the below responses:
    • Degree: Non-Degree Seeking
    • Program: UAB PREP Scholars Program
    • Concentration: Not Applicable – the selected program does not offer concentration options
    • Term: Select the available term
  8. Click Start Application.
  9. Once the application loads, please respond to each required question in the application, providing the necessary documents where applicable. As sections are completed, you will see that they will turn from a green half-moon (incomplete) to a green circle with a checkmark (complete).
  10. Once the application is 100% complete, click Summary and Submit Application.
  11. You can review your application one final time before submitting. Please note that you are unable to make any changes after submission and will instead need to contact the Graduate School (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you need to update your information. When you are ready to finalize your application, click Submit Application.
  12. Finalize the application by electronically signing and clicking Submit for the final time.
  13. You will receive an email confirmation once your application has been successfully submitted.
  14. You will be able to track the status of your documents on the application dashboard after the successful submission of your applications. If you have any questions about your application status please contact Jacob Nance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

**Interviews for the 2025-2026 PREP Scholars Program will be conducted virtually in February and March 2025.**