How to Apply & FAQ

1.  Launch the Application: Click the 'apply here' link on the home page to launch the CATALYST Inquiry Form. 

2. Read the required three (3) sections before completing the inquiry form:

 1) Please Read Before You Apply,

2) Additional Documents Required If Selected As A Final Candidate

3) Onboarding Contingencies That Require Early Action

3. Complete the Inquiry Form and upload the required documents:

• Personal Information (e.g., name, email, etc.)
• Current Enrollment (i.e., your current school and enrollment dates) 
• Upload Resume/CV
• Official Transcript(s) 
  •    Screenshots, print-outs, and class schedules are not acceptable
• Statement of Research Experience and Interest (Max 5000 characters inclusive of spaces and punctuation)

Double-check these items before clicking the SUBMIT button. The Slate system will not accept revised documents. 

4. Create your Slate Account. After clicking the SUBMIT button, you will receive an email from MD Anderson Education & Training (trainee@mdanderson.org), subject line: "Complete your Trainee Position Inquiry Request". Follow the instructions and click the hyperlink in the email to create a Slate account and request your letters of recommendation.

5. Complete the Application

• Read the Application Instructions
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: 
  • In the Recommendations screen, enter the contact information for both individuals who will write your letters of recommendation. Ideally, recommenders should be anyone who has known you for more than a year and preferably a faculty mentor, professor, research lab manager, or other professional in academia. After the applicant enters the recommender's information in the Slate system, the recommender will receive an email notification from trainee@mdanderson.org, subject line "Recommendation Request from YOUR NAME for MD Anderson Cancer Center" and a link to upload the letter of recommendation to your account. You will receive an email when the letter has been successfully uploaded.
  • Letter Requirements
    • Written by qualified individuals who are in position (i.e., advisors, professors, teachers. etc.,)
    • Must comment on the applicant's knowledge, capabilities, and performance related to the program(s) they are applying for    
    • Letter must be dated
    • Signed (wet ink or docusigned) on institutional letterhead (must include title & contact info)
    • Please note: letters from prospective MDA mentors, peers, or family members/friends will not be considered.                     
• Complete the Additional Demographics and Future Plans form
• Complete the Internship or Graduation Requirement form
• Complete the Academic Awards and Honors form                                                                                                                                                                   

Note: There is no submit button in the "Complete the Application" stage. To check the status of your application, log on to your Slate account and select 'Status' from the menu. Your application is complete when all sections are complete and both letters of recommendation have been uploaded to your account.

Please read our FAQ's below!