Application Information for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

The deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 cohort is March 1, 2025. Please carefully reveiw the following information.

Program Eligibility

Minimum 3.0 GPA (contact sdur@ksu.edu if questions/comments about GPA cut-off)
No prior research experience is required
Preference given to first generation and/or historically underrepresented students
Preference given to early career students (incoming freshmen, transfer students etc. Students with more than one year at K-State may be considered)

The following items are also required for the application:

Letter of Reference: Include a letter of recommendation on letterhead from a teacher or counselor, faculty member or academic advisor (include address and phone number). The name, position, address and phone number should be listed on the letter. The letter should include information about your academic preparedness, leadership qualities, potential success in a research program and information about your overall character.

Resume: Include information regarding academics, leadership, and community service.

Completion of the following essay questions* (2,500 characters, or 500 words, each):
- Tell us how your cultural background and interactions have shaped the person you are today as well as the person you hope to become. You may include examples of triumphs and challenges which have influenced you.
- What areas of research most interest you? Are there any faculty, labs, or research projects at K-State which excite you?
- What are your career goals and why do you wish to pursue them? How will DSP help you achieve your goals?
- What additional personal information do you wish to share with the DSP application committee?

*Note We recommend answering essay questions on a word document, then pasting answers into the form to avoid losing work.

Applications should be submitted through the on-line survey. Letters of recommendation can be emailed to sdur@ksu.edu.

Please direct questions to sdur@ksu.edu