Find out more about applying to the Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program.
Who is eligible to apply to Gateways?
College freshmen and sophomores who are US citizens or permanent residents and are from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, low socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply to Gateways.
Applicants should have a commitment to exploring the physician-scientist pathway. Individuals who know they want to pursue an MD-only or PhD-only degree should not apply to Gateways.
How should I submit my application?
The Gateways to the Laboratory Program offers an on-line application through The Leadership Alliance.
Will you accept letters of recommendation that are emailed to you?
All letters of recommendation must be submitted through The Leadership Alliance application online.
What is considered proof of citizenship/permanent residency?
Only the following documents will be accepted as proof of US citizenship/permanent residency:
- A valid U.S. passport; or
- Certified U.S. birth certificate; or
- Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240); or
- Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization from USCIS.
Please note, a copy of a social security card is not considered proof of citizenship.
How do I choose a Research Field and Area of Interest on my Gateways application?
With labs spread accross the Tri-Institutional Campus, Gateways offers a wide variety of research areas.
In the Life Sciences field, we have labs in:
Bacteriology
Behavioral Genetics
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics
Biomedical Imaging
Biophysics
Cancer Research
Cardiovascular Research
Cell Biology
Chemical Biology
Computational Biology
Developmental Genetics
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Gene Expression and Regulation
Genomics
Immunology
Infectious Disease Research
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
Molecular Genetics
Molecular Signaling
Neuroscience and Physiology
Parasitology
Pathobiology
Pharmacological and Physiological Sciences
Stem Cell Biology
Structural Biology
Systems Biology
Virology
And in Physical Sciences, we offer research opportunities in Biophysical Sciences.
I identify as a student with a disability. How do I indicate this on the Gateways application?
While the Leadership Alliance application does not explicitly ask applicants to disclose a disability, you may choose to include such information in your personal statement.
From whom should I request letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who know you as a learner and can speak to your accomplishments and potential. While previous research is not required, if you have done research we expect a letter from your research mentor.
I am a junior or senior in college. Can I apply to Gateways?
No, Gateways only accepts students who are freshmen or sophomores at the time of application.
If you are looking for other summer opportunities on the Tri-I campus that do accept college juniors, you can look into: