The Presidential Scholars Program

The Goal Of The Program:

To encourage the enrollment of outstanding graduate students to all of our GSBS programs by providing financial supplements to the student stipends and academic enrichment activities. Up to 5 incoming students each year will be provided with a $5,000 annual stipend supplement for up to 5 years of study, and a one-time $3,000 amount to defray relocation and housing costs.


How The Scholars Will Be Selected:

The Steering Committee will select students for the Program, subject to final approval by the UTMB President, Provost and Dean of the Graduate School.


Applicants need not apply directly to the program; your GSBS application will be automatically considered for a scholarship. Applicants will be nominated from the pool of GSBS applicants to all UTMB programs in one of three ways:

  1. The Steering Committee will screen the overall applicant pool for students with outstanding GRE scores, GPAs and demonstrated research experience.
  2. The Admissions Committee of an individual graduate program or the BBSC Admissions Committee may nominate outstanding applicants to the Steering Committee
  3. An individual faculty member may nominate an outstanding applicant

Selection Criteria:

Most applicants selected for the program meet the following criteria
  1. GPA of at least 3.5 at their last degree granting institution
  2. GRE Scores: Verbal ≥ 630/162; Quantitative ≥ 700/155; Written ≥ 4.5
  3. Demonstrated research experience and aptitude

Selection Process:

Nominations must be accompanied by a completed application including letters of recommendation and at least two phone interview evaluation forms completed by UTMB faculty. Once a nomination is received, it will be reviewed by the Presidential Scholars Steering Committee and an additional phone interview by a committee member will be completed. Applicants will be reviewed and accepted into the Presidential Scholars Program on a rolling basis but emphasis will be placed on recruiting outstanding applicants in January and February. Once an applicant is offered a position in the Program, they will have 4 weeks to accept or decline.