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.

Academic Eligibility:
CSM Student Success Center
Wheatley Peters Hall, 4th floor, Suite 151
College of Science and Mathematics
University of Massachusetts Boston
studentsuccess@umb.edu
Office: 617-287-4846

Pre & Post Selection Process:
Kimberly Burke, Program Manager
Tufts University School of Medicine
Office for Multicultural Affairs
Office: 617-636-2469

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

Timeline

September 16, 2026
Information Session: 3-4:30pm
Followed by Call for Applications on same date

October 5, 2026
Application Deadline

All application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, Personal statement, and application form must be received by this date.

October 26, 2026
Selection decisions will be announced.

Week of November 16, 2026 or sooner 
Students will receive a Welcome Letter from Tufts Medical center Volunteer Office with instructions and may be informed to schedule an appointment with Tufts Medical Center’s Employee Health Services to present all health documents. Flu vaccination (within 3 months of the January program) and COVID documentation along with Immunization records for all accepted students must be ready to be presented to Tufts Medical Center Employee Health Services, ASAP and within the timeframe presented by Tufts Medical Center (TMC).  A list of customary immunizations can be found on the program application. Employee Health will confirm all that will be needed. 

Documentation of receiving an up-to-date COVID -19 vaccine is defined by the CDC. It is highly recommended. Immunization and health records for accepted students should be ready for review by November 16, 2026.  All students shoud be cleared by Employee Health by November 27, 2026 to join the program.

January 5 - 20, 2027
Program Dates

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