What qualifications does a competitive applicant need to have?

We seek people committed to earning their PhD in a biomedical science-related discipline (either from a PhD graduate program or an MD/PhD joint program). Applicants have a passion for science, demonstrated scientific inquisitiveness, a proactive drive, the ability to work hard, and the willingness to learn.

All applications will be reviewed in their entirety. The GPA is just one part of any application, even if it is lower than a 3.0. That being said, our program caters to individuals that need to expand their research experience/professional development in order to be competitive for graduate school admission. Course work in our program is very light, so our scholars don’t get the opportunity to show that they can excel in graduate level coursework to help offset a lower GPA. There are other PREP programs that do have many graduate level classes that PREP scholars take for a grade to improve their academic standing for graduate school.

I need research experience for my application to medical school. Is the PREP program for me?

No. The research experience provided by PREP is intensive and the program is designed to prepare individuals for PhD graduate programs centered on scientific research, not clinical medicine. Ohio State does have another postbaccalaureate program, called MEDPATH, designed to help a diverse pool of well-trained individuals gain admission into medical school. Selection for this program is done through the normal medical school application process as candidates are selected once they have applied to the MD program.

Can I apply to Discovery PREP as an international student?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) eligibility requirements "individuals must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals or permanent residents and must have obtained their baccalaureate degrees from an accredited U.S. college or university no longer than 36 months prior to their application to PREP."

Learn more about NIH requirements

Application Procedures

When will I hear about my application?

Discovery PREP uses a rolling admissions process, with applications undergoing review as they are received. It is best to apply early as individuals are interviewed and accepted until all spots are filled. Final decisions are typically made by the beginning of April. Additional spots may become available, therefore, competitive applicants may be waitlisted through May.

You cannot track your application online. If you would like to check on the completeness of your application feel free to email discovery.prep@osumc.edu and ask for an update.

Who should submit a letter of recommendation on my behalf and what should they include?

If an applicant has any research experience, it is preferred that you have your research mentors submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Otherwise, letters of recommendation may come from anyone who can speak to the applicant’s potential to become a biomedical scientist. Letters often speak to the applicant’s dedication, resilience, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, critical thinking skills, accomplishments in research, interpersonal skills, leadership potential, ability to work independently and part of a team, enthusiasm, etc. Many letters rank the individual compared to all others they have known at that career/education level (i.e. top 25%) and some even speak to their enjoyment in working with the applicant. Some recommenders comment on the individuals need for a postbacc (i.e. what the recommender thinks the applicant will get from a postbacc). These are just some ideas. The letter writer is at their own discretion on what to include.
My recommenders did not receive links to complete their letters of recommendation. How should they submit their letters?
Do I have to submit official test scores?
For the MD/PhD section I see that an MCAT score is required. What is the deadline for submitting the MCAT score?

Due to Discovery PREP’s rolling admissions process, we encourage you to submit your MCAT scores as soon as possible, but no later than May 1st. If you plan to take the MCAT after you have submitted your application, please indicate the date you will take the MCAT in your application. If this is the case, you will also need to supply us with the ACT/SAT scores you used for undergraduate admission.

Program Details

What lab will I join if I come to Discovery PREP? Do I choose a lab or get assigned to a lab?

In Discovery PREP, we have an extensive list of participating labs in multiple disciplines. Before arrival, scholars choose about six potential research mentors from this list based on their interests. After several informal discussions with potential research mentors, PREP scholars choose three labs in which to do rotations (two weeks each). During the rotation, scholars work in the lab and experience what it is like to do the experiments and interact with the potential advisor and lab personnel. At the end of all three rotations, scholars choose a home lab and join it for the remainder of the year.
What kind of classes do Discovery PREP scholars take?

Discovery PREP focuses on Research Experience and Professional Development and the scholar’s formal education is very dependent on their Individual Development Plan. In the Fall, scholars attend and are active participants in the foundations course for the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program. Scholars also participate in PREP journal club and a research in progress seminar. In the Spring, scholars attend a mandatory Responsible Conduct in Research ethics course. Scholars may also sit in on a graduate level course, but do not take it for a grade.
How much is the stipend?

The stipend for the OSU Discovery PREP Program is a salary of $31,200 per year (pre-taxes), plus access to University benefits and a $1,000 travel budget to support travel to a national scientific meeting of your choice. This travel budget does not include participation in the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS), which is required and will be supported separately.

Living in Columbus

Do I have to pay for housing as well or is it supplied by the program?

PREP scholars identify their own housing and usually rent an apartment near campus or along a major bus route. Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and Ohio State University is a huge campus. There are many options for housing at different price ranges. We provide a list of housing options that have worked for graduate students and PREP scholars in the past as well as advice on the different housing opportunities.
How can I find housing?

There are several resources available to find housing in Columbus. One of the best resources to use is the Off-Campus and Commuter Student Service’s online housing search. You may also use resources such as Apartment Guide or Zillow to find housing. We suggest looking for housing in zip codes 43202, 43212 and 43214. Currently our scholars are paying anywhere from $446-$819/month in rent. Housing prices vary based on several factors (if utilities are included, number of roommates, other amenities, etc.).

About Columbus

Ohio State is located near the downtown of Columbus, the nation’s 14th-largest city. Whatever your lifestyle — a warm and welcoming academic community, a picturesque campus or a vibrant city — it’s all within reach.

Learn more about Columbus

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications does a competitive applicant need to have?

I need research experience for my application to medical school. Is the PREP program for me?

Can I apply to Discovery PREP as an international student?

Application Procedures

When will I hear about my application?

Who should submit a letter of recommendation on my behalf and what should they include?

My recommenders did not receive links to complete their letters of recommendation. How should they submit their letters?

Do I have to submit official test scores?

For the MD/PhD section I see that an MCAT score is required. What is the deadline for submitting the MCAT score?

Program Details

What lab will I join if I come to Discovery PREP? Do I choose a lab or get assigned to a lab?

What kind of classes do Discovery PREP scholars take?

How much is the stipend?

Living in Columbus

Do I have to pay for housing as well or is it supplied by the program?

How can I find housing?

About Columbus

Helpful Links