Graduate & Professional School (GPS) Exploration Services

VISIT OUR NEW DROP-IN HOURS 

To meet with a Graduate Mentor, please stop by our office in Campbell 1202 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We look forward to seeing you soon!

** Please note hours may vary slightly

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 throughout the quarter.

INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO A RESEARCH PROGRAM?

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024 AT 11:59 PM (PST)

* This is separate from the McNair and High AIMS applications

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:

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

Transfer Applications are due September 23, 2024, at noon. 

Application linked HERE!

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

The application deadline is 11:59 PM (PST) on November 18, 2024.

For more information, visit the Research Rookies Program Website.

To meet with Claudia Alvarenga, Research Rookies Coordinator, email calvarenga@college.ucla.edu.

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 and faculty mentors. UndocuBruins will also build their graduate school applications, curriculum vitae, and personal statements and learn 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

The application deadline is 11:59 PM (PST) on November 18, 2024.

For more information, visit the UndocuBruins Research Program Website.

To meet with Ingrid Munoz, Undocubruins Coordinator, email ingridm@college.ucla.edu.

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 is to “Transform the Academy.” Each year, the program maintains a cohort of 28 juniors and seniors from various majors in the Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, STEM, and applied or interdisciplinary Sciences. Additionally, UCLA McNair Alumni work in various 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)

The application deadline is November 15, 2024.

For more information, visit the McNair Research Scholars Program Website.

EFT:

The EFT (Educators for Tomorrow) Program assists new generations of educators 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 an interest in conducting independent research
• Demonstrate commitment to working in underserved communities

The application deadline is 11:59 PM (PST) on November 18, 2024.

For more information about the program and upcoming info sessions, visit the EFT Program Website.

To meet with Alika Masei, EFT Coordinator, email amasei@college.ucla.edu.

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. This program prepares students 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

The application deadline is 11:59 PM (PST) on November 18, 2024.

For more information, visit the CDSJ Program Website.

To meet with Thyra Cobbs, CDSJ Coordinator, email tcobbs@college.ucla.edu.

Arts In:

The Arts Initiative (Arts Initiative) Program is specifically designed for AAP juniors and seniors who have a passion for the arts and desire to engage in interdisciplinary research within the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences. Students 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

The application deadline is 11:59 PM (PST) on November 18, 2024.

For more information, visit the Arts IN Program Website.

To meet with Genesys Sanchez, Arts IN Coordinator, email gsanchez@college.ucla.edu.

Humanities/Social Sciences

Ashley Elias

2nd Year Master of Urban and Regional Planning Student

Hi everyone! I’m Ashley, AAP’s Humanities/Social Sciences Graduate Mentor and a second-year Master’s student in Urban and Regional Planning. My graduate studies focus include equitable housing solutions, tactical urbanism and urban design. This summer, I interned at the nonprofit design firm City Fabrick, focusing on community engagement , data management and site analysis. Since 2017, I’ve been involved in community organizing with Unión de Vecinos, the Eastside local of the Los Angeles Tenants Union. I completed my undergraduate studies in Political Science at UC Riverside, where I served as a Chicanx Peer Student Mentor, supporting particularly first-generation students like myself who were navigating higher education for the first time.

As a mentor, I’m committed to supporting students in their academic journey by offering guidance on research interests, graduate school applications, and navigating the complexities of higher education. My goal is to ensure students have the tools and resources to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. Feel free to schedule an appointment with me—I’d love to help you with any aspect of your growth, both academically and professionally.

Fall 24 Drop-in hours: 

Tuesday: 10am – 2pm

Wednesday: 10am – 2pm

STEM

Ian Tronstad

1st Year Master of Quantitative Economics Student

What’s up everyone! I’m Ian, and I’m AAP’s STEM Graduate Mentor. I am a first-year Master of Quantitative Economics student. I hope to work in data science after I graduate and use my skills to support communities and companies alike. My other Economics interests include Industrial Organization, Urban Economics, and Behavioral Economics. I am a transfer student and a proud Double Bruin; I just got my B.S. in Mathematics/Economics last Spring. I have been itching for an opportunity to work within AAP during my few years at UCLA, so I am excited to finally be able to work with y’all to fulfill your higher education dreams! Just like many of you, I’ve spent many hours stressing about internships, research experience, and getting to know faculty advisors. I’m here to tell you that you are fully capable of achieving all those things – you just gotta get yourself out there and believe in yourself. If you have any questions about UCLA’s graduate Economics programs, STEM graduate school applications in general (including PHDs), gaining project/research experience, getting faculty advisors, etc. feel free to stop by the AAP GPS office during my drop-in hours or reach out to schedule an appointment with me!

Fall 24 Drop-in Hours:

Tuesday: 12pm – 2pm

Thursday: 12pm – 2pm

Friday: 10am – 2pm

Education/Social Sciences

Daniela Conde, M.A.

6th Year PhD Student in Education

Piyali, hawka~ hi everyone! My name is Daniela Conde (she/ella) and I am the Education/Social Sciences Graduate Mentor at GPS, currently a PhD student in Education here at UCLA. I study settler colonialism and Indigeneity in higher ed; more specifically how Indigenous Latine professors think about and practice anti-colonial anti-racist and Indigenous pedagogies.

My homelands are Puebla, México but I’m mainly based in LA and SD. I’m mexicana Indígena migrante and first in my family to graduate from high school, college and go on to graduate school. My undergraduate experience at the University of San Diego was especially impactful because of such loving femmetors/professors within the Ethnic Studies department who connected me to organizing and activism spaces on and off campus as well as research opportunities. With their support, I continued on to get a master’s degree in Education from TC/Columbia University.

As a Graduate Mentor, I am more than willing to support you wherever you are in your graduate and professional school application journey. Whether you just started thinking about graduate school, to brainstorming programs together to reviewing drafts of your statement of purpose. Feel free to stop by Campbell Hall or to schedule an appointment with me~!

Fall 24 Drop-in Hours:

Monday: 1pm – 5pm

Tuesday: 1pm – 5pm

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

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, 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.