Application Information

The admissions process for the Bridge to the Ph.D. Program in STEM begins with an application and an interview for selected candidates. Your application and interview will give the admissions committee an opportunity to learn about your education and research experiences, reasons for applying to the Bridge Program, and your future goals and plans. 

General Application Timeline

  • Applications will be available in mid-December.
  • Interviews will be conducted during the month of April. Note, interviews will be conducted via Zoom video conferencing.  
  • Applicants accepted into the fall cohort will be notified during the 2nd or 3rd week in May. 
  • Accepted scholars are expected to begin the program during the 3rd or 4th week in August. 

Components of the Application

This component of the application will emphasize your education, research experience(s), professional qualifications, accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and special qualifications.

You can find resources and tips for preparing resumes and CVs at Columbia University Center for Career Education. 

This 750-word statement must contain: your qualifications, including prior research experience; scholarly research interests; long-term education and career goals; and commitment to fostering diversity in STEM. Also, it should include the names of the faculty whose research interests align with yours and your reasons for wanting to work with them.

Faculty of participating STEM departments can be found on our Bridge Program Faculty Advisors page. 

We require two letters of recommendation, preferably from research mentors or academic instructors. These letters must be submitted through the Bridge Program's application portal. Be sure to give your letter writers ample notice of your intent to apply so they can upload their letters when you submit your application.

Please submit your unofficial or official undergraduate transcript(s) for any institution attended through the application portal. If you are accepted into the Bridge Program, your official transcripts will be requested. 

Application Tips

  • Since the admissions committee consists of faculty from multiple STEM disciplines, you should summarize your research experiences so that a general scientific audience can understand your message. It may be helpful to have a professor outside of your STEM discipline read and critique the research component of your statement of intent. 
  • Since requests for the letters of recommendation are sent through the application portal, you should inform your letter writers of your intent to apply while preparing your application. The notifications will be sent to your letter writers once you submit the application, and they will upload their letters through the application portal. 
  • If possible, try to request letters from advisors/supervisors/mentors who can write about your research skills and scientific curiosity.