Open for Students Admitted for Fall 2024 ONLY
The UMES STEM STARS Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for its second cohort of STEM STARS Scholars. The mission of the UMES STEM STARS program is to prepare exceptional students for success in PhD and MD-PhD STEM programs. Successful applicants will participate in the 2024 STEM STARS Summer Program where they will receive professional and personal development workshops, mathematics and science preparation, research experience, and the overall college experience. They will also be paired with a STEM STARS Faculty Fellow who will serve as their research advisor and mentor. All STEM STARS Scholars will participate in our living-learning community, living in the Honors dorm, Harford Hall. The inaugural cohort of STEM STARS Scholars will serve as peer mentors for the second cohort.
How to Apply
- Complete an application to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore using the UMES Standard Application, the Common App, or the Common Black College Application.
- Each applicant must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
- After applying to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, you must apply to the UMES STEM STARS Program. The application can be found here: UMES STEM STARS Application. Only students admitted for the Fall 2024 semester that have selected a STEM major can access the application.
- The UMES STEM STARS application will require each applicant to complete two essay questions. Guidelines for completing the questions can be found in the application.
- A letter of recommendation is required for each UMES STEM STARS applicant. The letter must come from a STEM instructor who has taught the applicant in a high school or college course. The letter must focus on the applicant’s academic performance and address the applicant’s character and ability to persist in an undergraduate STEM program. The applicant will need to provide the first and last name, email address, and title of the recommender in the UMES STEM STARS application.
Eligibility Criteria
- An unweighted high school GPA of 3.3 or higher and a grade of B or higher in STEM high school courses.
- Strong commitment to pursuing and earning a PhD or MD-PhD in a STEM discipline.
- Documented research and/or community service experience.
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident.
- The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is currently SAT/ACT optional. The SAT/ACT score is not a requirement for admission to the University, nor is it a requirement for acceptance into the UMES STEM STARS program.
Expectations of UMES STEM STARS Scholars
- Mandatory Participation in the UMES STEM STARS Summer Program (July 7, 2024, through August 9, 2024).
- Maintain Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or Higher.
- Mandatory Participation in UMES STEM STARS meetings, workshops, and seminars.
- Participation in a Research Project with assigned UMES STEM STARS Faculty Fellow during the academic year and summer (unless participating in a summer internship).
- Serve as a Peer Mentor for future cohorts of UMES STEM STARS Scholars.
