Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Applying to Pathway to the PhD

students in the lab

The Pathway to the PhD (P2P) program is a 3-week mentored, hands-on, research-intensive experience for juniors and sophomores that runs during the January break for UMass Boston undergraduates interested in careers in biomedical research.

For 2027, the program will run from January 5 to January 20.

Admission is by application using our online application.

Deadline

The application deadline for the current year is October 5, 2026 by 12:00PM.

Online Application

Apply using our online application.

Eligibility

  • Sophomores and Juniors
  • Have completed the following courses
    • One year of Biology
    • One year of Chemistry
    • One semester of Calculus
    • One semester of Organic Chemistry
  • For students applying to the Pathway to Clinical & Health Careers, a GPA of 3.2 or better is required. For those applying to the Pathway to a PhD in the Biomedical Sciences, a 3.2 is recommended, but not required.

Required Application Documents

  • One-page personal statement (maximum 500 words) that addresses the following:
    • Your interest in the program
    • Your career interests and/or professional goals
    • Relevant experience as it relates to your career goals and the program
    • What you hope to gain from participating in the program
    • Students applying to the Pathway to PhD program should describe why they are interested in Biomedical research.
  • Official transcript*
  • Two faculty letters of recommendation for the Clinical Pathway and One faculty letter of recommendation for the PHD (P2P) Pathway*
  • Recent, passport-style photo to be uploaded to the application

*Letters of Recommendations & official transcripts should be received in our office by October 5, 2026, by 12:00PM. Please email to TUSM-UMB@tufts.edu or mail to Tufts University School of Medicine, ATTN: Kimberly Burke, 200 Harrison Avenue - Posner Hall Annex, 3rd Floor Suite, 306W

Additional Information

For information on the P2P program, contact Aimee Shen, PhD, Program Director.

For information on the application process contact or Kimberly Burke, Program Manager