For Students: How to Apply
The SUMR 2025 application is now open through February 3, 2025.
The program will run for 12 weeks, beginning May 27, 2025 and ending on August 15, 2025.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
Required Application Materials
In addition to the online application form, we also require:
- A resume
- An unofficial college transcript
- A headshot
- Two confidential letters of recommendation
- The letters of recommendation should address something important about you, including a description of your academic and personal characteristics, especially related research aptitude.
We recommend that you begin the application process early as it may take longer than you would expect. Allow enough time for completing your online application, and gathering and submitting all of your materials, including two references.
Where Do I Apply?
Submitting Your Application
APPLY HERE: http://apply.interfolio.com/155730
Once you click the link to apply to “2025 Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research Program/Get Experience in Aging Research Undergraduate Program,” you will be prompted to sign in or create an Interfolio/Dossier account. Interfolio/Dossier is the platform through which you will upload various parts of your application and allow you to track the progress of your application to SUMR. If you are creating a new Dossier account, make sure to select the free option. You can also create/sign into a Dossier account here.
Instructions:
Upload your resume, unofficial college transcript, and headshot to Dossier.
To request letters of recommendation through Dossier, go to the Letters tab. In the upper right corner, click on “+ Request a Letter” and fill out the contact information for your two references (you may have to “Add New Contact” for each of the two references).
- Make sure you request a confidential letter or evaluation.
- As mentioned above, the official deadline for applications is February 3, 2025. You will be asked to set a due date for your recommenders to send in their reference letters. We recommend that you request for your letters to be submitted at least a month before the actual deadline to be sure that all parts of your application are complete before February 3rd.
- It may be helpful to provide a link to the SUMR website in your description.
- In your message to the recommender, you may want to reinforce that the letters of recommendation should address something important about you, including a description of your academic and personal characteristics, especially related research aptitude.
What's The Timeline & Review Process?
How We Evaluate Your Application
Only complete applications will be reviewed. You will be notified as soon as you submit your application that is was received.
- Application Deadline: 11:59PM on February 3, 2025
- Applicant Interviews: March 2025
- Admissions Notifications: April 2025
The top 20% of the applicant pool will be selected for interviews and will be contacted to schedule a phone or in-person interview. A final admission notice will be sent to interviewed applicants within two weeks of the interview and to non-interviewed candidates at the time of interview decisions.
For Faculty: SUMR 2025 Mentor Application
Faculty involvement is a crucial element of these programs. As we embark on the 25th year of the SUMR program, we would like to invite you to be a mentor for Summer 2025. The program will run for 12 weeks, beginning May 27, 2025 and ending on August 15, 2025.
Complete this Mentor Application by February 15, 2025, or contact Joanne H. Levy, MBA, MCP, Founding Director, SUMR.
FAQs
Application:
Can I apply through Handshake?
No, please fill out the full application using the link specified beginning in October 2024. Applications received through Handshake will not be accepted.
Will I receive a confirmation that all pieces of my application have been received?
Yes, you will be notified as soon as you submit your application that is was received.
Will I receive a confirmation that all pieces of my application have been received?
Two, as specified under “Required Application Materials.”
Housing:
Is housing provided?
No, but SUMR provides discounted housing near campus.
How do we go about finding housing?
There are many affordable housing options available during the summer in Philadelphia. We strongly recommend utilizing our provided housing, so you are housed with other SUMR Scholars, however, you can search for summer sublets through off campus housing sites, Facebook groups, or rooming with other SUMR scholars.
Will SUMR pay for transportation costs to the University of Pennsylvania?
No, we suggest that you request support from your university if transportation will be an issue.
Other:
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to rising undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors wanting to explore the field of health services research.
Program participants should have an interest in health care and strong quantitative skills. Candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the field of health services research (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander), first-generation college students, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and individuals who identify as LGTBQIA are particularly encouraged to apply. Prospective participants do not have to make a commitment in advance to attend graduate school to be accepted into the program, but an academic or research career should be something they are considering. A committee of Penn faculty selects each year’s SUMR scholars from the highly competitive applicant pool.
What do SUMR scholars do?
- Work with Penn faculty mentor(s) full time on health services research project(s) of the student’s choice.
- Gain practical advice about graduate school opportunities and assistance with the graduate school application process, including a GRE prep program.
- Take an 8-week writing course taught by Penn’s Critical Writing Program faculty.
- Attend weekly lunch meetings with program staff and Penn faculty to discuss their projects and learn more about the broad range of health services research at Penn.
- Present a final presentation on mentored health services research project(s) at the End of SUMR Research Symposium.
- Attend health services research conference as a group, all expenses paid.
- Take part in various extracurricular activities/social functions sponsored by the SUMR program.
What time commitment is necessary, and how are SUMR scholars compensated?
SUMR scholars earn $15/hour during the summer months for a time commitment of 40 hours/week. Students work with their mentors to devise their summer schedule.
Can I take a summer class while participating in SUMR?
No, SUMR is a full time position.
How can I learn about current and past SUMR scholars?
Visit our SUMR Scholars page to learn about the current and past cohorts.
How can I become a SUMR faculty mentor?
Complete this Mentor Application by February 15, 2025, or contact Joanne H. Levy, MBA, MCP, Founding Director, SUMR.
Who should I contact if I have other questions?
Please contact Joanne H. Levy, MBA, MCP, Founding Director, SUMR.