How to Apply

Gather Your Documents

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.

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 1, 2024. 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 1st.
  • 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.

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.

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.

 

FAQs

Can I apply through Handshake?

No, please fill out the full application using the link specified beginning in October 2023. Applications received through Handshake will not be accepted.

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 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 a stipend from your university if transportation will be an issue.

Other:

Who is eligible to apply?

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?

It is NOT recommended as 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 ADD DATE, 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.