How to Apply to STAR

How to Apply to STAR

Application Receipt Date: FEBRUARY 14th, 2025 by 11:59 pm PST

The application for STAR is a fillable PDF document. Please download the application and work with your mentor to complete all required sections and insert letters of support. Once completed, please save as a single PDF and submit via email to svmstarprogram@ucdavis.edu before the deadline. For further instructions on the application format and for tips on how to prepare an abstract, we strongly recommend reviewing the STAR Research Proposal Abstract page.

Download the 2025 STAR Application

Got questions? Send them to svmstarprogram@ucdavis.edu.

Qualifications:

  • First and second year veterinary students from any AVMA accredited veterinary school are encouraged to apply.
  • MINIMUM GPA OF 3.0 IS REQUIRED AT THE START OF 2025 STAR SUMMER SESSION.  STUDENT MUST NOT BE ON ACADEMIC PROBATION (UCD DVM STUDENT RESOURCE MANUAL)
  • Applicant must be willing to agree to all Conditions & Expectations if a STAR award is made. Applicant must also plan to attend all scheduled events, presentations and courses during the 10-week program.
  • Previous STAR award recipients are welcome to apply for a second year of funding.
  • Applicants with international STAR research projects are encouraged to apply for the SVM International Externship Scholarship to assist with travel funds.
  • Students who choose to apply for funding directly from Boehringer Ingleheim (not common) must also complete a UCD STAR application. Failure to complete this step will affect your stipend payment.

Prior to Applying:

  • Begin preparing now! February 14th, 2025 by 11:59 pm PST is the application deadline.
  • For more information, see the STAR Faculty Mentors Page which provides a comprehensive overview of the School's faculty expertise.
  • It is highly recommended that STAR applicants attend Research Roundup on September 17th or the Getting Started with STAR information session on November 12th, as well as visit several different labs prior to committing to a mentor.
  • Check the Students for STAR page for student-to-student connections with previous STAR students to answer questions about the program and provide information related to previous STAR experiences, mentors, labs and fieldwork.
  • Select and meet with a STAR faculty mentor who will agree to serve as mentor for the summer. Together, the student and faculty mentor identify research interests for fellowship funding consideration and complete the application together.
  • Carefully review the Conditions & Expectations to ensure fulfillment of commitment and responsibilities should a STAR award be made.
  • Click here to view helpful suggestions for preparing a STAR Research Proposal Abstract.

Application Process:

  • Application Receipt Date: FEBRUARY 14th 2025 by 11:59 pm PST
  • The application is a fillable PDF document. Students and mentors should prepare the application together. Do not approve the application on behalf of your mentor. Once all sections have been completed, please save the entire application as a single pdf and submit via email to svmstarprogram@ucdavis.edu. The subject line should include your last name and 2025 STAR Application.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the application is complete and submitted by the February 14th, 2025 deadline.
  • For further instructions on the application format and for tips on how to prepare an abstract, we strongly recommend reviewing the STAR Research Proposal Abstract page.

Review Process:

  • A select committee of faculty from the School of Veterinary Medicine reviews applications and ranks them on the basis of scientific merit and the career objectives of the applicant.
  • Applications submitted by students who were previous recipients of STAR funds will also be evaluated on their past participation in the STAR program.
  • Applications are funded based on numerical rank order and funding availability.
  • Review decisions will be finalized before Spring Break.
  • Students and mentors will be notified of the decision by email directly after the review decisions are made.  Successful applicants must return acknowledgement and agreement to all terms and conditions of the award within one week of notification.
  • Depending on the funding source, students will be informed of the specific expectations associated with the award.

Got questions? Send them to svmstarprogram@ucdavis.edu.