Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please visit the Application Information page for more specific information. 

What is the definition of Underrepresented Minority?

Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been should to be underrepresented in STEM disciplines that include but are not limited to: American Indians or Alaska Native, Black or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Pacific Islanders. Individuals from a social, cultural, an economic, and/or an educational environment that may have prevented the individual from obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to develop and participate in a research career.

What is the minimum GPA?

A 2.7 on a 4.0 GPA scale is the minimum GPA. However, many of our applicants tend to have higher GPAs. 

Are GRE General and Subject Test scores required?

No. Although the GRE General Test is not required to apply to the Bridge Program, the program does provide test preparation the summer after the scholars’ first year in the program.

Who should write my recommendation letters?

Since the Bridge Program is primarily a research program, the most impactful recommendation letters are from past and current research mentors. If you are currently conducting research at your home institution and/or did a summer research experience at an external institution, you should provide a recommendation letter from one or both research mentors. 

Is there a way to track my application online?
There is no a way to track your application online.  If you would like to check on the completeness of your application feel free to email [email protected] and ask for an update.

Am I eligible to apply if I have completed a master's program or have worked after receiving my undergraduate degree. 

Yes, you are eligible. In fact, we have had several Bridge scholars participate in the program after receiving their master's degrees or working for a few years. 

Is there an application fee?

There are no financial costs associated with applying to the Bridge Program. 

Do I choose my laboratory or group or will I be assigned?

In the statement of the intent portion of your application, you should mention 4-5 potential PIs/research advisors. Based on your list of advisers, the admissions committee will have informal discussions with these potential research advisors about projects and mentoring arrangements. Once the Bridge scholar is accepted into the project, we will facilitate a conversation between the Bridge scholar and the potential research advisor. This meeting is set up to ensure that there will be a good fit between the research interest of the advisor and this Bridge scholar. 

Which faculty participate in the Bridge Program as mentors?

We do not draw from a list or pool of potential mentors. However, you should visit the departments of your STEM discipline to learn more about the research that is being conducted. Please visit the Bridge Advisors and Practipating Departments page for more information. 

Can I conduct research with a faculty member from Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons or Mailman School of Public Health?

No, Bridge scholars can must be placed in laboratories or with working groups on Columbia's Morningside Campus, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, or the Zuckerman Institute

How do I select which courses to take during the Bridge Program?

Bridge scholars can take up the seven credits per semester, and these courses can be either undergraduate and graduate courses. The courses are decided based on what the Bridge scholar and his/her research advisor feel will improve his/her chances of gaining admissions into graduate programs. For more information regarding course offerings, please visit Columbia University Directory of Classes. 

Does participation in the Bridge Program gaurantee admissions into a graduate program at Columbia?

No. If Bridge scholars are interested in graduate programs at Columbia after his/her time in the Bridge Program, the Bridge scholar would need to apply directly to the graudate program of interest.