How to Apply for 2008-2009
1 Download the Application Form (PDF format). Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader™ .
2. See the section on Faculty Mentors. Review their individual research interests and select those that are of interest to you. Make an appointment with one or more faculty mentors to discuss their research and their availability to take new students into their research labs. You and the faculty mentor must have an agreement that if your application to the Beckman Scholars Program is successful, you will be accepted into his/her research lab.
3. You must supply the following application materials:
a) Application Form. Download in PDF format. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader™
b) Transcripts of all college work (these do not have to be official copies).
c) Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who know your academic abilities and character. These may be submitted separately to Dr. Editte Ghararakhanian (Program Director, Biological Sciences, PH1-109, CSULB) or included in sealed and signed envelopes along with the application.
d) A written narrative indicating: 1) results of any previous research experience, 2) why you want this research experience, and 3) educational and career goals.
e) If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you must supply proof that you are a permanent resident of the United States or its possessions at the time of application. Include proof in your application packet.
f) A statement that you will commit to two summers (2008 and 2009) and one academic year (Fall 2008 and Spring 2009) of research. If you are a senior who plans to graduate in May 2009, you will be expected to continue your research through the summer of 2009 (included on the Application Form).
Note: Demonstrated financial need is not a qualifying criteria in the selection of Beckman Scholars. However, financial need will be a consideration in award decisions between candidates who are judged to be equally meritorious. Thus, if you are a finalist, you may be required to submit a statement of financial need or discuss this with the Selection Committee.
4. Your Potential Faculty Mentor will need to write a letter describing the following:
a) The proposed research project;
b) How the student will benefit from doing the research;
c) How the goals of the Beckman Scholars Program will be met; and
d) A statement of support.
5. Complete applications for a Beckman Scholars Award starting the summer of 2008 must be submitted no later than Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 5 p.m. to:
Beckman Scholars Program
c/o Dr. Editte Gharakhanian, PhD
Department of Biological Sciences
California State Univ., Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90840
Late applications will not be accepted.
Summary of Proposed Selection Criteria for Beckman Scholars
1. A student in biological sciences, biochemistry or chemistry with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.
2. Complete his/her sophomore year by May 2008, but not graduate before May 2009.
3. Demonstrate potential for a successful career in science and outstanding leadership in his/her chosen profession
4. Written and oral communication skills as well as interpersonal skills
5. Challenge of the research project and the likelihood that it will be successfully carried out by the individual and lead to a publication
6. U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United State and its possessions at the time of application.
7. In the case of two applications that are judged equal, financial need will be a deciding consideration.
All applications will be screened by the Beckman Scholars Selection Committee. The committee will meet with finalists to discuss their research projects and the value of the research experience in their educational and career plans. The best undergraduate scholars will be selected based on their potential for a successful career in science and outstanding leadership in their chosen profession. Intellect as well as written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills well be carefully considered as part of the selection criteria. Final selections will be made in compliance with Beckman Foundation guidelines and will represent the very best undergraduate scholars.
The Application Form
The application form for the Beckman Scholars program can be downloaded as a PDF file and printed out. At the present time, it cannot be submitted on-line, as the application requires a signature and other materials to be supplied at the time of application.
- Download form as PDF
- Get Adobe Acrobat Reader™ (if needed)
Complete applications for a Beckman Scholars Award starting in the summer of 2008 must be submitted no later than Thursday, April 3, 2008 at 5 p.m. to:
Beckman Scholars Program
c/o Dr. Editte Gharakhanian, PhD
Department of Biological Sciences
California State Univ., Long Beach
Long Beach, CA 90840
Late applications will not be accepted.
