Application overview

ASPIRE applications are open annually November 1 – February 20.

The ASPIRE program application is open to current full-time undergraduate students from any accredited college or university.

Program eligibility

  • Level of education: Applicants must be full-time First Years, Sophomores, or Juniors at an accredited college or university in the United States at the time of application submission. Students must be 18 years of age by the start of the program.
  • GPA: While the program does not have a minimum GPA requirement, the majority of our participants enter the program with a GPA of well above 3.0/4.0.
  • Professional effort: This is a rigorous research program in a professional setting. All trainees are required to pursue their research training full-time, normally defined as 40 hours per week, throughout the duration of the program.

Application materials

The following documents are required for a complete application:

1. Application

2. Current transcript

Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts from the program in which they are currently enrolled. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

3. Recommendation Letter

The online application requires one reference to submit a letter of recommendation. Upon submission of the online application form, an email will be automatically generated to your reference with guidelines and instructions regarding how to upload the letter. This reference must be a science instructor, professor, work supervisor, academic advisor, or sponsor of an activity or club in which the applicant has participated. The online application site provides applicants with a checklist on which they may view confirmation of the documents that have been uploaded to their application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify that the reference has submitted a letter by the February 20 deadline.

4. Personal Statement

Applicants must also submit a personal statement (500 words or less) addressing the following:

  • Your career and development goals, including how participation in this program may impact on your potential as a future researcher
  • Your research interests
  • How participation in ASPIRE will benefit you – Reason for applying
  • Your motivation for completing ASPIRE

5. Request for Scholarship Consideration (Optional)

The ASPIRE program is excited to announce the Clinical Research Enrichment Scholarship and Training (CREST) Award program. CREST Awards are available exclusively to Washington University undergraduate students who meet one or more of the diversity and equity requirements. The CREST Award provides full tuition plus monthly living stipends and housing allowance. Please contact us at crtc@wustl.edu to indicate your interest in the CREST award.

Scholarship applications are open November 1 – February 20.