Empowering scholars for PhD achievement.
We regret to inform you that we received the official notice from NIH/NIGMS that NU PREP was terminated in April 2025. This means that our current admissions season is now closed, and we are unable to make offers moving forward. We are working to secure funding that would allow us to continue the important work of training the future generation of scientists and will update our website as we have new announcements. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at NU_PREP@northwestern.edu.
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The Northwestern University Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (NU PREP) is a one-year program that provides enhanced research training, academic support and mentoring to recent postbaccalaureate students who are planning to apply to PhD programs in biomedical research. Entry into NU PREP is competitive and based on past research experience, research interests and career plans. NU PREP offers training in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment that spans over 20 departments and two campuses.
This research-intensive program is supplemented with individualized advising, coursework and instruction in scientific communication skills, with opportunities to present research. NU PREP is designed to prepare its trainees for competitive admissions to graduate school and success thereafter.
Our Program
Program Components
Explore our curriculum, research and professional development opportunities.
Program Outcomes
Meet our program alumni and see how they've thrived after NU PREP.
Who We Are
Our success stems from the excellence of each person in our program. Meet our current NU PREP students and the faculty mentors supporting their journeys.