Graduate Mentoring

To schedule an appointment with a Graduate Mentor, please complete the Graduate Mentoring Appointment Request Form 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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.

The GM 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. GM offers the following cohort-based research programs:

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 Graduate Mentoring and Research Programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Need Help With Your Graduate School Application?

Whether you are a currently enrolled student or an AAP alumnus, Graduate Mentoring 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 GM 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.

Student Workers

Montserrat Juarez

Student Assistant

mjuarez@college.ucla.edu

Alani Morales

Student Assistant

alanim@college.ucla.edu

Mia Cavillo

Student Assistant

@college.ucla.edu

Staff