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Frequently Asked
Questions
Application Process
How can I verify that all of my application materials have been
received?
Please return to the
online application main page after
submitting your application. After you enter your username and
password a materials checklist will appear detailing whether or
not our office has received your application materials.
Whom should I ask to write recommendations?
You should ask someone that knows you well and who you believe
will give you a strong letter of recommendation attesting to
your character and capabilities. Though you may submit
non-academic recommendations, two (2) should be from academic
personnel.
Am I guaranteed acceptance if I meet the minimum requirements?
No, the HHMI Professors Program has a competitive application
process in which all aspects of a student's application will be
considered.
Will my research sample be returned?
No, all submitted materials become the property of the HHMI
Professors Program and will not be returned.
What if I have more honors and awards, organization memberships,
community service, or mentoring experiences than there is room
on the application?
Please choose a sampling of the items that are most recent, most
important to you, and for which your commitment was the
greatest. Also, make sure that you have not cross-listed any
experiences (e.g. mentoring and community service).
What if I don't have enough honors and awards, organization
memberships, community service, or mentoring experiences to fill
the application?
The application was designed to accommodate a variety of
students with different experiences. You are not expected to
fill every space on every list.
What if I have plans for the dates listed for Selection Weekend?
Unfortunately, because of the unique nature of our interview
process, we will be unable to conduct interviews outside of the
dates listed. If your plans are flexible, we invite you to
apply.
Can I save my work on the application and come back to it later?
Yes. Since the application is linked to your PAWS account, you
can log in to access your saved work. Once your application has
been submitted, you will be unable to access it again.
I already submitted an ACT score report to LSU Admissions. Do I
need to send another report to HHMI?
Yes. HHMI does not receive score reports from admissions. Please
note that a photocopy of your report is acceptable.
Is the HHMI Professors Program open only to minorities?
No. The HHMI Professors Program is open to all students who are
committed to promoting diversity and meet the other minimum
requirements.
Can I submit a paper application?
If you prefer a paper application, please contact us, and you
can come in to pick one up.
Financial Issues
Is the award guaranteed for the rest of my time at LSU?
No. With the fulfillment of various program requirements,
students may receive the award for multiple years.
Will I receive a stipend during OSI Summer Bridge?
No. Your financial award for Summer Bridge includes tuition and
room and board. The HHMI Professors Program stipend is only
offered during the academic year.
Appointment as an HHMI Undergraduate Mentor
If I am appointed as an HHMI Undergraduate Mentor, what
requirements will I need to fulfill to maintain my appointment?
In order to maintain your appointment, you must complete the OSI
Summer Bridge Program. Academic-year requirements include, but
are not limited to, 1) attending regular mentoring meetings with
program staff, 2) completing the applicable courses in the
UC0050-UC0080 series, 3) conducting undergraduate research, and
4) participating in community service activities.
What if my GPA improves to the point that I am no longer
eligible for the HHMI Professors Program?
Students who show substantial improvement in their GPAs may be
eligible to apply for HHMI's sister program, the LA-STEM
Research Scholars Program, which provides additional benefits
and is run together with the HHMI Professors Program.
What if I have summer plans that conflict with OSI Summer
Bridge?
OSI Summer Bridge is required for all LA-STEM students. If you
have questions about the extent to which your plans will
conflict with OSI Summer Bridge, please contact us.
Can I hold a job and attend OSI Summer Bridge?
We do not recommend students' having a job during Summer Bridge,
though there may be some exceptions for on-campus research
positions with few hours and flexible schedules. We expect that
during Summer Bridge, academics will be your first priority and
program activities your second.
Are there future Summer Program expectations?
Yes. Students are expected to secure a position to do
undergraduate research or work as a mentor each summer after
appointment. This requirement may be fulfilled by continuing the
research that they began during the academic year or by securing
a research or mentoring position at a summer program at another
university.
What kind of time commitment will I need to make to HHMI during
the academic year?
During the academic year, you will need to enroll in the
applicable course from the UC0050-UC0080 series and complete the
assignments for the course. You will also be expected to attend
meetings, perform undergraduate research, and participate in
community service activities. We estimate the time commitment to
be about 5-6 hours per week not including the research aspect,
which will vary depending on your lab and project.
What if I am unsure of my major?
Appointment as an HHMI Undergraduate Mentor is only available to
students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) disciplines. If you are sure that your major will
remain STEM, but unsure which specific discipline, please
include that with your application. If you are unsure whether or
not your major will remain STEM, please recognize that if you
are accepted and change to a non-STEM major, your funding will
be discontinued.
Will I have to live on-campus?
You will have to live on-campus for OSI Summer Bridge. During
the summer program, mentors live in one of the Honors
dormitories, East and West Laville. In order to take full
advantage of the program, mentors are encouraged to live in
these dormitories during the academic year.
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