Mission Statement
With an emphasis on social justice, equity, and representation, Graduate & Professional School (GPS) Exploration Services helps AAP students develop their interests, life experiences, and career competencies as they explore their post-baccalaureate goals.
GPS provides:
· Tools, services, and networks to challenge systemic and institutional racism as students engage in the world of work.
· Graduate Student mentors with similar experiences and knowledge to guide and support students’ academic and career journey,
· Personalized undergraduate research opportunities to prepare students for graduate school or professional careers and programs.
Graduate and Professional School Mentoring Services
Graduate Mentors work closely with UCLA students and alumni who wish to enter graduate and professional school, assisting them in planning appropriate undergraduate courses, identifying existing graduate and professional programs that fit their interests, and encouraging them to participate in co-curricular activities. Along with this support, mentors walk students through the entire application process including writing a letter of intent, asking for letters of recommendation, and taking the appropriate tests and preparing for interviews.
Our free services are open to all AAP students and alumni. Services include:
- One-on-one mentoring with a currently enrolled UCLA graduate student
- Review of statements of purpose and other professional school admissions essay
- Workshops on graduate school programs, entrance exams, and application processes.
Social Media
In order to stay up-to-date make sure to follow us on the official GPS Instagram!
Contact Us
AAP GPS
1202 Campbell Hall
Email: aapmentoring@g.ucla.edu
Telephone: (310) 794-4186
Fax: (310) 206-3189
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Events
To schedule an appointment with a Graduate Mentor, please complete the GPS Appointment Request Form
We look forward to seeing you soon!
GPS Appointment Request Form
Workshops
We will resume workshops beginning Week 1 of Spring Quarter. Please see workshop schedule below – please save the dates! Flyers with more info (i.e., time, location, and RSVP links) for each workshop will be posted soon.
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The GPS Office also sponsors several research programs for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. These programs receive funding from the UCLA Division of Undergraduate Education, the US Department of Education, and/or the Academic Advancement Program. GPS offers the following cohort-based research programs:
For Freshmen:
High AIMS:
High AIMS (Achievement In Math & Science) provides academic, career, and mentoring support to AAP students interested in gaining admission to health professional school. It is also designed to provide them with effective strategies to be successful in gateway science courses. The cohort program will admit and support students for two years. Students must be in their first or second undergraduate year. Students must participate in internships, research, Saturday Career seminars, program meetings, community service activities, and workshops. High AIMS is administered by the Academic Advancement Program’s (AAP) Office of GPS.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
- A demonstrated interest in the health sciences as evidenced by volunteer, observation, or career exploration experiences
- A minimum overall and science GPA of 2.5
- Complete at least two “gateway science courses” (life science, chemistry, physics, math, etc.)
- Complete the online application
- Submit three unofficial copies of your most recent Transcript
- Submit two letters of recommendation – one from a science professor/TA and one from a counselor/employer
- Submit three hard copies of your current financial aid award letter for award year 2022-2023.
- Write an essay describing why you want to be in the program and how they would address issues of health disparities
- Be interviewed by HIGH AIMS staff and faculty
- Students from disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
Applications due Spring 2024 date TBD.
For more information, visit the High AIMS Program Website.
For Sophomores:
Research Rookies:
In the Research Rookies program, students undertake a research project under the guidance of two graduate mentors and a faculty sponsor for academic credit. Selected participants will attend workshops and information sessions that expose them to research opportunities and provide information about graduate school. Students who are interested in graduate school and who would like to learn about how to conduct academic research are especially encouraged to apply.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
- Being an AAP Member or being in the process of applying to AAP
- Having sophomore standing
- An interest in the arts, humanities, or social sciences at the time of applying
Application deadline is November 15, 2023, at 12pm.
For more information visit the Research Rookies Program Website.
For Students With Junior or Senior Year Standing:
UndocuBruins:
The UndocuBruins Research Program guides undocumented AAP students in their junior or senior year to develop research experience and their graduate school goals. Participants undertake a research project under the guidance of a graduate mentor and a faculty mentor. UndocuBruins will also develop their graduate school applications, curriculum vita, personal statements, and learn how to obtain strong letters of recommendation. Students who are interested in graduate school and who would like to learn about how to conduct academic research are strongly encouraged to apply.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
- Being an undocumented AAP student
- Having junior or senior year standing at the time of applying
- An interest in applying to Master’s or Ph.D. programs in any field
Application deadline is November 15, 2023, at 12pm.
For more information visit the UndocuBruins Research Program Website.
McNair Scholars Research Program:
The UCLA McNair program aids young scholars who are committed to social change and who use scholarship and research as a means to achieve social justice. Hence, the program’s motto to “Transform the Academy.” Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 28 juniors and seniors from a variety of majors in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, STEM, and applied or interdisciplinary Sciences. Additionally, UCLA McNair Alumni work in a variety of professional positions that advance a social justice agenda.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
Students must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a low-income AND first generation college student
OR - Be a member of an underrepresented group within graduate education
Students must also:
- Be a United States citizen or permanent resident
- Be a currently enrolled UCLA undergraduate student majoring in the humanities or social sciences
- Be a third-year or a transfer student who has completed between 90 and 175 units by Fall of the application year
- Demonstrate academic potential for graduate study
- Be available during the McNair Summer Research Institute (typically Summer Session A)
Application deadline is November 15, 2023, at 12pm.
For more information visit the McNair Research Scholars Program Website.
EFT:
The EFT (Educators for Tomorrow) Program is dedicated to assisting new generations of educators who are committed to academic excellence, access, opportunity, and equity for underrepresented and underserved communities. The program seeks students who wish to research and pursue careers in the following areas of K-16: teaching, student affairs, higher education administration, or educational policy.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
- Be an AAP member
- Have junior or senior year standing at the time of applying
- Plan to apply to graduate/professional programs within the field of Education
- Have interest in conducting independent research
- Demonstrate commitment to working in underserved communities
Application deadline is November 15, 2023, at 12pm.
For more information visit the EFT Program Website.
CDSJ:
The CDSJ (Community Development and Social Justice) Program provides AAP undergraduate juniors and seniors with a service learning opportunity that integrates research and community-based practice in preparation for graduate study in social welfare, public policy, urban planning, and public health.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
- Be an AAP undergraduate student enrolled full-time at UCLA
- Have junior or senior year standing at the time of applying
- Have the motivation to engage in independent research
- Express an interest in graduate or professional school in social welfare, public policy, urban planning or public health
- Demonstrate academic potential for graduate study
Application deadline is November 15, 2023, at 12pm.
For more information visit the CDSJ Program Website.
Arts In:
The Arts Initiative (Arts Initiative) Program is specifically designed for AAP juniors and seniors who have the passion for the arts and the desire to engage in interdisciplinary research within the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the arts are highly encouraged to apply.
Pre-Qualifications To Apply Include:
- Have junior or senior year standing at the time of applying
- Have a passion for the arts
- Have the motivation to engage in independent research
- Be interested in learning about graduate or professional school programs
Application deadline is November 15, 2023, at 12pm.
For more information visit the Arts IN Program Website.
Meet the Mentors
Humanities/Social Sciences
Daphne Sajor (she/her)
2nd Year Master of Public Health (MPH) Student
Community Health Sciences
What’s up everyone! My name is Daphne and I’m AAP’s Humanities/Social Sciences Graduate Mentor. I was born and raised in Oxnard, CA and graduated from UC Berkeley with a double degree in Social Welfare and Spanish. Coming from an under-resourced high school with unsupportive staff led me to want to create support systems for folks. During my time during undergrad, I leaned on student groups that helped me confront my imposter system, gave me mentorship and support to navigate my undergrad years. As a grad mentor, I hope to be a caring, supportive mentor and advocate for UCLA students and let them know that I’ll always be in your corner rooting for you!
Fall 23 hours:
Monday: 10am-1pm (Remote)
Tuesday: 12-5pm (Campbell Hall 1202)
Wednesday: 12:30-2:30pm (Campbell Hall 1202)
STEM
Gustavo A. Mártir Luna, M. A.
3rd Year PhD Student in Psychology
Hello everyone! I am Gustavo and I am AAP’s STEM Graduate Mentor. I come from a low-income Mexican American family and am the first one in my family to go to college—a badge I carry with robust honor. I am currently working on my PhD in Psychology where I study how the languages we speak, the ways we think, and how we identify affect how we make decisions in our everyday life. While I aim to become a professor, my main goal is to diversify graduate school. That is why I am here to help you get there! I have over 5 years of experience mentoring undergraduate students navigate the rigors of college and apply to graduate school. So, whether you are applying for a PhD in Biochemistry, a certificate in Data Analytics, or a degree in Computer Science, schedule an appointment with me and I’ll help you through every stage of the application process.
Fall 23 Hours:
Monday: 10:30am-12pm
Wednesday: 10am-1pm & 3pm-5pm
Thursday: 10am-12pm
FAQ:
Q: What kind of help can I get from graduate mentors?
A: Grad mentors are here to demystify the graduate school application process and provide mentorship and support throughout the process. Appointments can be made to talk about:
- Graduate school application & process
- Graduate programs available
- Funding
- Personal statements, statements of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE
Q: How long are appointments?
A: Appointments are 30 minutes.
Q: Can appointments be online via Zoom?
A: Appointments can be in-person or online through Zoom.
Q: Do I need to know about graduate school in order to meet with a mentor?
A: No! Grad mentors are here to talk and provide information to students about what graduate school is, what program may be a good fit, and what the application process looks like.
Q: I already began applying to graduate school. Is it too late to meet with a mentor?
A: No! Wherever you are in the graduate school process, we’re here to help! Mentors can help with revising personal statements and statements of purpose or assist with requesting letters of recommendation.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You can schedule an in-person or Zoom appointment here: https://www.aap.ucla.edu/units/gps-exploration-services/#appointment-services
Workshops
Taking The MCAT
Have questions about the MCAT? Try watching this recording of a live workshop hosted by Graduate Mentors David Ho & Alex Soto.
Writing A Research Proposal
Need help putting together your research proposal? Check out this video recorded by Dr. San Juan to help you get started.
Other Resources:
Need Help With Your Graduate School Application?
Whether you are a currently enrolled student or an AAP alumnus, GPS is available to help make your transition to graduate school smoother! We can offer you practical information that will assist you with the application process. We have handouts and downloadable course materials for your convenience. Applying to graduate school is an exciting and terrifying adventure; don’t do it alone!
Graduate and Professional School Resource Library
**Currently being transitioned to an online resource library**
The GPS Graduate and Professional School Resource Library has graduate and professional school application resources that you can borrow free of cost at any time during the year. For more information about the resources available, please stop by our office in 1202 Campbell Hall or call us at (310) 794-4186.
GRE Fee Reduction: Graduate Record Exam
You may qualify for a GRE fee reduction!* Visit the Educational Testing Service (ETS) website for more information and qualifications:
*Note: This process could take a couple of weeks so please plan ahead.
Pre-Med/Pre-Health Student Manual
Put together by students for students, consider checking out our AAP Pre-Med/Pre-Health Manual.
Graduate Student Mentors
Brian Zamora
Hannah Legaspi
Christian Tirado
Bethlehem Michael
Daniela Conde
Alexis Andino
Daphne Sajor
Amanda Davis Juarez
Karla Murillo
Fernanda Castellon
Alika Masei
Monica Alferez Merino
Gustavo A. Martir
Rizza Estacio
Tiffany Do
Student Workers
Montserrat Juarez
Student Assistant
Alani Morales
Student Assistant
Mia Calvillo
Student Assistant
Staff
Carolina San Juan, Ph.D. Director, GPS |
Stephanie Lopez Assistant Director, GPS |
TBA Office Coordinator, GPS & McNair
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