Application

Genomic Analysis Training Program Application

Instructions for Submission

  • The deadline for submission of applications for the academic year (starting July 1) is in late January or early February of the same year. The review committee meets in early March, and decisions are announced after the review is completed. The application deadline for 2026/27 is January 31, 2026.
  • Application packets must be complete at the time of submission. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that letters of recommendation are received by the application deadline.
  • The applicant must be a US citizen or permanent resident to receive an award. Proof of status is required for those born outside of the US.
  • Each applicant must be nominated by a UCLA faculty member. This would typically be the applicant's graduate advisor if the applicant has already chosen a lab, or if not, a faculty member in whose lab the applicant has done a rotation. If you do not have a faculty sponsor, email Dr. Jeanette Papp at jcpapp@ucla.edu.
  • If selected for the award, the applicant's faculty advisor must have received approved mentor training before the award is granted.
  • The applicant's Statement of Purpose (for incoming students) or Statement of Research Interest (for continuing UCLA graduate students) should clearly and concisely reflect the applicant's research interest and work in genomic analysis in two pages or fewer. The statement should include a discussion of why the program would be a good fit for the applicant.
  • If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact Lorraine Hartman at LSHartman@mednet.ucla.edu
  • Application Form 2026/27. Download the linked form and follow the instructions to submit.

 

Genomic Analysis Training Program Application Checklist

The following items, except for any letter of recommendation, should be combined in the order below into a single PDF file and emailed to Lorraine Hartman at LSHartman@mednet.ucla.edu, with Subject “GATP Application”:

  • Summary sheet (this is included in the application form; this form can be completed and saved electronically)
  • Undergraduate transcripts (photocopy of official form is acceptable)
  • Graduate transcripts, if applicable (photocopy of official form is acceptable)
  • GRE scores optional (photocopy of official form is acceptable)
  • Account of scientific interests (2 pages or fewer):
    • For incoming students: you may use the Statement of Purpose from your Graduate Application
    • For continuing UCLA graduate students: Statement of Research Interest
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Copies of Published Scientific Abstracts and Manuscripts, if applicable
  • Letters of recommendation:
    • For incoming students: the three letters of recommendation from your Graduate Application emailed directly to Lorraine Hartman at LSHartman@mednet.ucla.edu from the Student Affairs Officer of the Department you applied to
    • For continuing UCLA graduate students: one letter of recommendation emailed directly to Lorraine Hartman at LSHartman@mednet.ucla.edu from your Faculty Research Advisor or, for applicants without a Faculty Research Advisor, from a rotation lab PI; additional letters of recommendation are optional.
    • It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that letters of recommendation are received by the application deadline.

Review Rubric

Each application undergoes holistic review by a six-member Executive Committee from a variety of research disciplines. Each Committee member assigns the application a score guided by the rubric below. The scores are compiled, and the committee meets to discuss the applications and make the offer decisions. Scoring is based on the following considerations:

  • Research Potential: Record of successful contributions to research, evidence or potential for independence, well-conceived dissertation research that has a significant genomic analysis component.
  • Academic Preparation: Good grades in STEM courses, and good quantitative preparation & potential.
  • Fit to Program: Strong interest in genomic research and a good understanding of how the program could be beneficial to the applicant.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters discussing the applicant’s research potential, current projects, and leadership potential.

Our program emphasizes projects that involve a strong quantitative genetic analysis component. Thus, the reviewers want to see that potential reflected in the applicants’ background coursework, and in the work that they are planning to do in their dissertation projects. We must also be responsive to the priorities of the NHGRI program that provides our funding.