Applying to SMDEP

Overview: How Do I Apply?

SMDEP program sites are completely autonomous in making admissions decisions. The SMDEP National Program Office (NPO) has established admissions guidelines regarding acceptance procedures for sites and applicants. SMDEP program sites are expected to follow these guidelines.

To apply to SMDEP, you must submit all of the following materials by the deadline:

1. SMDEP Web Application - Once successfully submitted, your information is immediately available to SMDEP.

2. This year six SMDEP program sites are offering applicants an opportunity to participate in the program without living on campus. SMDEP historically has a residential component required for participation. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognizes that students have commitments that would preclude them from participating in the residential program, and prevent them from attending SMDEP. Students interested in living off campus and attending one of the participating sites must complete the 2012 Commuter Application Form in addition to the SMDEP Web Application. Travel to and from the program site should not exceed one hour each way. The following sites are offering a non-residential/commuter component:
   
   Case Western Reserve University
   
   Columbia University
   
   Duke University
   
   University of Texas-Houston
   
   UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical and New Jersey Dental
   
   University of Washington
   
   
   

3. Transcripts—Processed within 10 business days of receipt at the National Program Office. An admissions decision will not be given until all transcripts are received. Please follow up with your registrar's office to ensure that transcripts arrive by the deadline.
   Please Note: If you are a freshman in college and you have not received your first semester grades, please allow time for grades to be established before sending your transcripts to the National Program Office.

4. Letters of Recommendation—Processed within 10 business days of receipt at the National Program Office.

Late submission of transcripts, recommendations and commuter supplemental applications could result in your application not being processed. Please ensure that all of your documents are submitted to the NPO on or before the application deadline of March 1! The NPO strongly encourages early submission of the application to increase your chance of being considered by the program site(s) you designated, since applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Note: To give the program sites adequate time to view all applications and make decisions, the NPO is requesting that all letters of recommendation and transcripts be postmarked by Thursday, March 1, 2012.

Providing correct and timely information facilitates efficient application processing. Review the program descriptions and identify the site(s) that best fit your needs before completing the application.

Please note: Students may attend SMDEP only once. After completing SMDEP, students are encouraged to also take part in other enrichment opportunities.