FAQs
Application Questions
When can I apply?
The 2026 application window will open on March 2, 2026 and close on May 29, 2026.
Is there an application fee?
No, the STEPP-ON-UP application is free.
I applied last year but wasn’t accepted, can I apply again this year?
Yes, we encourage former applicants to try again. Be sure to tell us what you have done to make your application stronger this year.
I do not meet the criteria for any of the URM categories listed on the application, can I still apply?
Yes, you are welcome to apply. As part of our efforts to support a more inclusive scientific community, we especially encourage individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds in science to apply.
When will I find out if I am accepted into the program?
Application deadline – May 30, 2025
Application review – June 1-30, 2025
Applicant Interviews – July 1-31, 2025
Cohort selected and notified – Aug 1, 2025
I live out of town, will I have to travel to San Diego to interview?
No, all interviews will occur remotely via Zoom.
Eligibility Questions
Is there a degree requirement to apply to the program?
Yes, proof of a baccalaureate or bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) is required to be eligible for the STEPP-ON-UP post-baccalaureate program.
Is there a GPA requirement for eligibility?
A GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is required to be considered.
Can community college students, undergraduates, or graduate students participate?
This program requires a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university conferred prior to the program start date.
Do you need research experience to apply?
Students without prior research experience are welcome to apply. While research experience is not required, some laboratory skills will be helpful to prepare you for success in the lab.
If I have a lot of research experience already, can I still apply?
Yes. This program is designed for students to be exposed to both cancer research and treatment through laboratory research and clinical trials. Previous lab experience will help make your laboratory time more productive.
I am planning to go to law school (or business school, or other non-science-related graduate training), can I still apply?
This program is geared towards students with specific interest in graduate or medical education in a STEM, medical, or healthcare field. It will be research-heavy with a clinic/treatment focus. While we prioritize applicants who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D. program, we will consider applicants who have other interests as long as they align with cancer care and research.
Program Component Questions
How long does the program run?
The STEPP-ON-UP post-baccalaureate program requires a 1-year commitment, from Sept 2, 2025 – Aug 31, 2026.
What fraction of the time will be spent in the clinic vs. in the lab?
The breakdown is roughly 40/40/20 for lab/clinic/other (other covering professional development workshops, seminars, outreach, and regulatory work). However, this will vary from day to day and week to week throughout the program – some weeks will be all lab research while others will be clinic heavy. Learning to balance these different tasks is an excellent training experience for future physician researchers.
Will I get to pick my research mentor? How are trainees matched to research labs?
We ask that you list and rank your research topic preferences on the application. During the interview process, we will try to select faculty members who match your interests as interviewers. If accepted into the program, we will make every effort to match you to a lab that fits your interests and is also accepting students. Lab placements with specific faculty are not guaranteed.
How much actual time will I spend doing this internship?
This program is a full-time commitment. It is expected that you will spend at least 40 hours a week working in a combination of the lab or clinic. How you breakdown this time will be determined by the clinic hour availability and your research mentor’s lab schedule. Based on how experiments go, you may find that some days are spent entirely in the lab while others are more of a hybrid. You may have lab experiments that last longer than 8 hours in one day and then only a few hours the next. You may also find that you are asked to work occasionally for shorter time periods on the weekend (for example 1-2 hours to feed cultured cells). This is typical of laboratory research work and is a great real-life, hands-on experience for trainees.
How much time will be spent interfacing with patients?
On average, you can expect to have 1-3 days per week shadowing clinicians and staff in the Clinical Trials Office. The CTO times will vary and may be anywhere from an hour to a full day. In addition, you will have opportunities to shadow Moores Cancer Center physicians and we can work with you to facilitate those connections.
Can I participate in this program remotely?
No. This is an in-person, on-site program. It is research intensive and requires you to be in the laboratory doing experiments. When you aren’t in the lab, you will be assisting in our clinical trials office.
Is there a curriculum? What courses will I have to take?
This is not an academic post-baccalaureate program. This is a research-intensive laboratory and clinical experience program. While you may participate in professional development workshops as part of the program, there is no formal curriculum.
Will I receive a degree at the end of the program?
No. Post-baccalaureate programs are not degree-earning, but instead are a supplement to your bachelor’s degree that can help prepare you to transition to the next phase of your graduate education. STEPP-ON-UP is not a credit-earning program, you will not take any formal courses. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Why should I do a post-bacc program?
While we cannot advise on whether a postbaccalaureate program is the right path for you, here is an article from the Association of American Medical Colleges that might help you decide: Is a Postbacc Program Right for Me? Seven Benefits to Consider | Students & Residents
How much does the STEPP-ON-UP program cost?
Unlike many other post-baccalaureate programs, there are no tuition or fees to participate in STEPP-ON-UP. Participants will be paid a stipend to help cover expenses.
Is this a paid or volunteer position?
STEPP-ON-UP students will receive a stipend in exchange for their work in the lab.
The stipend will range from $36,000 to $40,000 for the year.
The stipend will range from $36,000 to $40,000 for the year.
Will I get any time off?
STEPP-ON-UP trainees may take up to 2 weeks of vacation throughout the year-long program. You will work with your research mentor (and/or in-lab supervisor) to schedule this time around important experiments.
Is housing provided?
No. UCSD campus housing is not available and this program does not provide or arrange housing for participants. We can provide you resources on how to find housing and connect you with other STEPP-ON-UP students once accepted into the program.
Are healthcare benefits provided?
At this time, we are unable to provide healthcare benefits.
Do I need a car? Is parking provided?
San Diego is a car-centric city; however, the new trolley line runs from downtown to UCSD and has a stop at the Moores Cancer Center. We recommend taking public transit or biking to campus. Paid parking is also available on site.