MARC Scholars
The MARC Scholars Program is a research-intensive undergraduate honors program for UC Berkeley undergraduates who are committed to
- Pursuing a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. in the biomedical or behavioral sciences
- Becoming socially responsible leaders as research scientists. Each year we will select up to 4 students to become MARC Scholars. See our Application Information page for details on eligibility and how to apply.
Benefits to Students
The MARC Scholars will participate in a two-year program that includes academic, scientific and professional preparation leading to competitive eligibility for admission into Ph.D or M.D./Ph.D. programs. Benefits include:
- Paid, long-term, mentored research training in the laboratories of faculty who are committed to comprehensive quality training of undergraduate researchers.
- Generous financial support including a stipend ($11,628/year; $969/month), tuition/fee support ($2,297/semester), and health insurance (SHIP) coverage ($831/semester). NOTE: A MARC award is likely to affect your financial aid package. Please check with your financial aid advisor. Also, exact numbers are subject to change annually.
- Paid extramural summer research between your junior and senior year at another institution, including up to $3,500 for travel and per diem.
- Annual travel awards ($1,000/year) to present your research at national scientific conferences and lab supply awards ($600/year) to help support your research project.
- Individualized academic advising by Biology Scholars Program staff
- Personalized advising about graduate schools, the application process and assistance preparing applications
- Pairing with a Berkeley faculty member other than your lab mentor who has signed on to mentor a MARC research scholar
- Student-led service learning project to help you develop your leadership skills and your competencies as a socially responsible scientist
- Professional development and graduate school application workshops
- Research seminars and other opportunities to network with UC Berkeley faculty mentors
- Seminars and workshops on science career options and how to prepare for them
- Training in the responsible conduct of research
- Research symposia and retreats for you to present your research and network with research colleagues
| Student Expectations |
These are just some of the basic expectations. If you are selected, you will be given a more detailed list of expectations that you must agree to upon acceptance of an MARC Scholars position.
- Commit to the program for a full 2 years (June 1, 2013- May 31, 2015)
- Maintain a high standard of academic achievement (at least 3.0 GPA)
- Apply to graduate school (Ph.D. or M.D/Ph.D. program) within 1-2 years after graduation from UC Berkeley.
- Attend and participate in all MARC program activities (i.e. weekly meetings, seminars, workshops, symposia, extramural summer research, leadership project, etc.).
- Work in the lab between 10-15 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and a minimum of 30 hours/week in the summer during the 10 week summer program (May 28 – August 2 for 2013)
- Meet with the MARC Coordinators a minimum of 2x per semester and when requested. Keep them informed of any changes to your situation
- Although the UC Berkeley MARC Program is administered by the Biology Scholars Program (BSP), you do not have to be a BSP member to apply. Applicants who are selected will become BSP members and must also meet the expectations of being a BSP member, including attending a program orientation, the All Student Meeting each semester, and meeting with BSP advisors. Please visit http://bsp.berkeley.edu/ for more information about BSP.
