NIH IRTA Post-Baccalaureate Program: Questions & Concerns With Application

[PreMedStudent92]

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I have been very interested in this program for a while now, but I haven't really looked into the application process on SDN until now.

I have two letters of recommendations, with an excellent third recommendation expected at the end of this semester. My intention was to wait until the end of this semester (after I graduate) to get that letter of recommendation before submitting my application.

From what I've read, it seems like many people are saying I should have submitted the application MUCH earlier, in the winter time, and that people applying in the spring might be too late. The website said to submit the application 3-6 months before expecting to start, so I thought I could afford to wait until mid-May before applying.

Is it true that I'm at a disadvantage for submitting my application this late?

Also, any tips for previous IRTA post-baccs on the application process? I'm curious about what an e-mail to a PI would be like.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[WedgeDawg]

Yes, it is an enormous disadvantage applying late because labs fill up on a rolling basis, just like the SIP. When I applied to SIP in March several years ago, I had to send emails to about 50 PIs to get a single response that wasn't either "sorry our lab is full" or "sorry we don't have money to take on another student".

 

[PreMedStudent92]

Should I still try or is it not worth the effort?

 

[DesertScouser]

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