2025 STEM Summer Scholars Institute

June 2 – July 25, 2025

To be considered for the 2025 Summer Scholars Institute, a completed application, and supporting documents must be submitted to the Indiana University Graduate School by Tuesday, December 31st, 2024.

Application and supporting materials:

• A completed online application form with essays

• A recent unofficial transcript (PDF) for all colleges/universities attended (If you have more than one transcript, combine them into one PDF file)

• An academic CV (PDF).

• Two letters of recommendation from faculty who are familiar with your interests (recommenders will send their letters to stem@iu.edu)

Step 1: Complete the online application (Apply Now!)

As part of the online application, you will upload your transcript, CV, and personal statement as PDF files. Please note that the application form requires each applicant to identify three faculty mentors, in priority order, for whom they would like to work during the summer. The list of faculty mentors available for the institute can be found by clicking this link: STEM Summer Scholars Institute Participating Faculty. The application also includes space to provide a rationale for why that faculty member should consider you as a mentee for the institute. This brief rationale will focus on the specific faculty mentor and their research areas and should enhance your personal statement. Your personal statement essay addresses four topics.

Essay Questions

For the essay, we ask that you use a maximum of 2 pages to address the following questions:

1. Why do you want to participate in the Summer Scholars Institute; that is, what do you hope to gain from this summer research experience?

2. What are your short and long-term career goals?

3. What are your academic (Master's, Doctorate, or another graduate or professional degree) goals?

4. List relevant personal qualities, previous research, and/or technical skills that may enhance your summer research experience. 

 Complete Online Application

Step 2: Request recommendation letters

You should select two recommenders, i.e., a faculty member or employer who can evaluate your potential for graduate school, taking into consideration your accomplishments, intellectual prowess, independent work habits, capacity for critical and analytical thinking, and ability to organize and express ideas clearly. These letters should be sent via email (as a PDF file) to stem@iu.edu by Tuesday, December 31st, 2024. Please be sure to include "Summer Scholars 2025 Letter of Recommendation - [STUDENT'S NAME]" in the subject line of the email. Applications cannot be considered until all materials have been received.

Questions

For additional questions, please email stem@iu.edu.