James Scholar Program
Overview Heading link
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.
Applications will be reviewed by a James Scholar committee made up of UIC faculty. Select students may be invited for an in-person interview with those same committee members.
Based on a review of the application and the personal interview, James Scholars will be selected.
Informational meetings
- Aug 24, 2023 @ 8:00am
- Aug 30, 2023 @ 10:30am
- Sept 18, 2023 @ 5:30pm
Dates
- Application Due Date: October 6, 2023 @ 12 pm Central Time
- Interviews: TBA
- Applicants Notified of Results: Dec 8, 2023
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 Heading link
Application Scoring
This is a breakdown of the points system and how each applicant is measured.
Worth 10 points
Prior research experience should be highlighted.
Worth 15 points
Five points for each of these categories, 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 50 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
Worth 10 points
In-person interview.