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James Scholar Program

Class of 2023 James Scholar Graduates

The James Scholar for Independent Study Program (JS/ISP) focuses on supporting and refining research skills among medical students as they develop into clinical physicians. The James Scholar Program is designed to support medical student researchers during their M2-M4 years, with research projects culminating in high-level activities, such as presentations at abstracted scientific conferences and academic meetings as well as publication of research papers.

Application Process Heading link

There is no formal application form. Students submit documentation in PDF format, satisfying the requirements listed in the information packet as their application.

Completed applications will be reviewed and selected by a James Scholar committee made up of UIC faculty.

Informational meetings

  • Sept 24, 2024 @ 12:15pm in-person
  • Sept 26, 2024 @ 12:00pm via Zoom

Past Meetings

Dates

  • Application Due Date: Mon, October 21, 2024 @ 12:00pm CST
  • Applicants Notified of Results: Wed, December 11, 2024

How to be a Competitive Candidate Heading link

Students interested in applying to be James Scholars should actively be engaged in research at the time of application as well as be in good academic standing. Research activities should be with academic faculty, having initiated these activities in the summer prior to their M2 year. Applicants should have an established relationship with the faculty member who can serve as a mentor over the course of program participation.

Application Scoring

This is a breakdown of the points system and how each applicant is measured.

Worth 0 points

  • Provide a signature attesting to your authorship. See Sample Cover Letter, below.

Worth 10 points

  • Prior research experience should be highlighted.

Worth 20 points

20 points total for these 3 topics, 1 page

  • Summary of interest in research.
  • Detailing how participation will affect professional development.
  • Plan for continuity of research.

Worth 5 points

150 words or less.

Worth 55 points

Materials not to exceed 5 pages. References listed as the last page, does not count toward the 5 page limit. Margins not smaller than ½ an inch, and minimum 12 point font.

  • Literature Review
  • Current Level of Collaboration
  • Proposed Methods
  • Relevant Analytic/Evaluation Strategies
  • Anticipated Results
  • Planned Outcomes & Outputs
  • Sustainability into Professional Career

Worth 15 points

Letter of support from your research mentor, 1-2 pages. The letter should cover:

  • Summary of Collaboration
  • Role in Supporting Student
  • How Project Extends Previous Work

Contact Us Heading link