BBSP Preview Weekend

Join Us for BBSP Visitation Day

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023, 9 AM-1 PM ET 

SUBMIT YOUR INTEREST FORM TODAY

Interest Form Closes: October 23, 2023, at 12:00 PM ET

BBSP Visitation Day is a unique in-person opportunity for local/regional BBSP applicants to learn more about the BBSP and UNC’s biomedical research facilities. Space is limited, and individuals planning to apply to BBSP this year will be given priority. Visitation Day participants will meet representatives of science-focused graduate student organizations and hear from current biomedical PhD students in a range of PhD programs and training years. Additionally, participants will tour research labs and the southern end of campus where most of the biomedical buildings are located. Breakfast, lunch, and parking passes to cover the duration of the event will be provided, but travel expenses will not be reimbursed. All are welcome to apply, and we are especially excited to welcome students from NC institutions including individuals from groups that have historically had limited opportunities in biomedical research. We hope participation in this event will help applicants learn more about BBSP and solidify their decision to apply for admission. If you have not visited our campus and are wondering whether UNC is a good fit for you, we encourage you to consider our visitation day.

*2023 Application Closed*

BBSP Preview Week

OCTOBER 2-6, 2023, 4-5:30 PM ET daily

*** The Fall 2023 Preview Week will be virtual. We look forward to your applications!***

What is the BBSP Preview Week? The preview week is a unique opportunity for BBSP applicants to learn more about BBSP, the application for admission, and the 15 affiliated biomedical PhD programs at UNC. Individuals from groups historically underrepresented and underserved in biomedical research are encouraged to apply. Participants will receive guidance on crafting competitive graduate school applications. Additionally, participants will meet faculty and current PhD students to learn more about the research opportunities and our inclusive community at UNC. We hope participation in the preview week will help applicants learn about BBSP,  UNC IMSD, and solidify their decision to apply for admission. If you are wondering whether UNC is a good fit for you, we encourage you to consider our preview week.

Why UNC and BBSP?
UNC offers a highly collaborative research environment and our students receive outstanding doctoral and career training. UNC ranks 6th in the US for NIH research funding among public universities. UNC was 1 of only 17 institutions awarded an NIH training grant (BEST award) to provide students exposure to various career options. In 2023, UNC Chapel Hill ranked in the top 5 of public universities in the nation for doctorates completed by Black or African Americans scholars (2021 NSF Survey of Earned Doctorates). Additionally, the BBSP provides students access to >300 faculty affiliated with 15 PhD programs in the Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, Dentistry, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Our vibrant and inclusive research community is an outstanding place to launch your research career, and Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas are a great place to live.

Who Should Apply?
The Preview Week is open to all and especially undergraduate seniors, postbaccs, and others who hope to apply to BBSP in Fall 2024.  Members of groups historically underrepresented and underserved in biomedical research are encouraged to apply.  These groups include, but are not limited to, individuals with disabilities, from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, first generation college students, individuals from racial/ethnic backgrounds with limited access to biomedical research, etc.

Application Process
Interested participants must complete an online application. Space is limited, so applications must be completed by the deadline. We are unable to accept late applications.

Application Deadline – 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 22, 2023

APPLICATION CLOSED

Application Instructions
Only online applications will be accepted, and applicants applying to graduate school this fall will receive priority consideration for participation in Preview WEEK.

When completing the online application, please have the following information ready:

1. List of your top 3 biomedical PhD programs
2. List of 3 UNC faculty conducting research you are interested in (You can search UNC biomedical research faculty Here)

Applicants selected to participate in Preview Week will be notified with Zoom information during the week of September 25, 2023

If you have additional questions, please contact bbsppw@unc.edu.

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE:

Each day will share insights regarding a component of the BBSP application (4-5 pm), followed by concurrent information session featuring 3-4 PhD programs each day. BBSP representatives will also be available to answer general questions for individuals who do not join one of the PhD program information sessions.

• MONDAY
  • 4 pm – BBSP Overview and Anatomy of a Competitive BBSP Application and BBSP PhD program
  • 5 pm – Concurrent PhD Program information sessions – Cell Biology & Physiology, Pharmacology
• TUESDAY
  • 4 pm – Crafting a Strong Statement of Purpose and Who Should Write Your LORs
  • 5 pm – Concurrent PhD Program information sessions – Neuroscience, Genetics & Molecular Biology, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences – CBMC
• WEDNESDAY
  • 4 pm – For Letter Writers: Contents of a Strong LOR  –OR–  For Applicants: Requesting a Strong LOR
  • 5 pm – Concurrent PhD Program information sessions – Microbiology & Immunology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Toxicology
• THURSDAY
  • 4 pm – TIBBS Program & Crafting Your CVs; PREP Program, Transcripts, & Applying Now or Later
  • 5 pm – Concurrent PhD Program information sessions – Pathobiology & Translational Science, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences – DPMP
• FRIDAY
  • 4 pm – IMSD Program, Graduate School Fee Waivers, and General Q&A