How to Apply
The Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at Northwestern University (NU PREP) is a one-year program that provides enhanced research training, academic support and mentoring to recent postbaccalaureate students who are planning to apply to PhD programs in biomedical research. Entry into the program is competitive and based on past research experience, research interests and career plans.
The portal for applications for the 2025-2026 academic year is now open! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at NU_PREP@northwestern.edu.
NU PREP Information Session
We will be hosting a virtual program information session Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. CST. Join to learn more about our program and ask any questions you may have.
To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP for the info session.
Eligibility
Applicants must have received their bachelor’s degree within three years of NU PREP’s start date (July 1, 2025) and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Northwestern University follows the guidelines for eligibility set by NIH. Please see the NIH PREP website for more information.
To participate in the NU PREP program, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a baccalaureate degree in a biomedically relevant science field from an accredited U.S. college or university awarded no more than 36 months prior to applying to NU PREP
- Not be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program
Application Process
NU PREP Application Form
The online application form includes information regarding educational and academic background, personal statement, current curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts, list of recommenders and NU PREP faculty of interest. Submission of GRE scores and a diversity statement are optional. You will receive a confirmation email upon submission of your application. Please email NU_PREP@northwestern.edu if you do not receive a confirmation or have any questions regarding the application.
Submit your NU PREP Application
Faculty Recommendations
Please arrange for two to three individuals to submit a recommendation on your behalf. Once you have selected your recommenders, please provide them with the below link for submission of their materials.
Submit your NU PREP letters of recommendation
NOTE: Although you will list them in your application, we do not contact your recommenders. You will need to provide your recommenders with the link for submission of their materials.