Frequently Asked Questions

Program Eligibility

• I recently completed my graduate degree. Can I still apply to the program?

  No. If you have completed, or are working towards a graduate degree (e.g. JD, MD, MBA, MPH, etc.), then you are not eligible for the program. The only exception to this rule is if your undergraduate degree program will award you both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree when you graduate. Individuals enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program that provide students with the necessary prerequisites for medical school are eligible to apply.
  

• I am a permanent resident, am I eligible for the program?

  No, unless you are in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and think you will be sworn in before the program starts.
  

• Is the program only open to racial and ethnic minorities?

  No. The program is open to individuals who are members of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic disparities in health, and/or individuals with experience or a strong interest in working to address health issues disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minorities or other underserved communities.
  

• I do not have an academic background in political science or in government. Can I still apply to the program?

  Yes. Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars come from a variety of academic backgrounds, including biology, economics, nursing, and philosophy.
  

• I graduated three years ago, but have yet to start graduate school. Am I still eligible to apply for the program?

  Maybe. If you graduated three years from the start of the program in May, then you are eligible to apply. For example, if you are applying for the 2012 Program you must have graduated no earlier than May 2009 to be eligible.
  

• Do I have to be a U.S. citizen in order to be eligible?

  Yes. If you are in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, and think you will be sworn in before the program starts, you may apply.
  

Transcripts

• May I submit an unofficial copy of my transcript?

  No. In order for your application to be considered complete, you must submit an official transcript.
  

• My school does not provide an electronic copy of my official transcript. Can I submit an unofficial transcript instead?

  No. You should obtain a hardcopy of your transcript, scan it, save it as a PDF, and then upload the PDF to your application.
  

• What if I've attended more than one college or university? Do I need to submit transcripts from each?

  If the transcript from the school your currently attend includes both the credits AND the grades received at the other school(s) you've attended, then you DO NOT need to submit separate transcripts. However, if your current transcript does not show the grade(s) received at the other school(s), then you need to submit transcripts from each school you attended.
  

• My school does not give copies of official transcripts to students. How should I submit my transcript?

  If your school will not release an official copy of your transcript to you, then you may have it sent to Mr. Jomo Kassaye, program manager at Howard University at the address below.
  Howard University Center for Preprofessional Education
  c/o Jomo Kassaye
  2225 Georgia Ave. NW, Suite 518
  Washington, DC 20059
  
  

Letters of Recommendation

• How many references may I submit?

  You may submit up to three names as references. Each of your references will be contacted by a program staff member with instructions for submitting their recommendation. In order for your application to be deemed complete, you will need two letters of recommendation, of which at least one must be from a faculty member.
  

• Where do I mail in my letters of recommendation?

  Please do not collect your letters of recommendation. As the application instructions state, your references will be contacted within 7 days of you submitting your application with instructions as to how they should complete their recommendation.
  

• Can my references be given the instructions for submitting their recommendation before I’ve submitted my application?

  No. Your letters of recommendation are linked to your application record. This record is not generated until you submit your application. Therefore, without submitting your application, there is nothing to which the letters can be linked. You may, however, submit your application and continue editing it until the application deadline.
  

Application Deadline

• The website says all application materials are due by the application deadline. Does that include my letter of recommendations?

  Yes. All application materials, including your letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the application deadline. We encourage you to submit your application at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure your references have adequate time to complete their recommendation.
  

• I just found out about the program, and I won’t be able to get everything in by the deadline. Do you accept late applications?

  No. Late applications are not accepted. We hope you will consider applying next year, if still eligible.
  

General Questions

• Can I save and return to my application at a later time to complete?

  Yes. You may work on your application until the application deadline. Please be sure to select the submit option, otherwise your application will not be received for consideration.

• I turned in my application, when will I know if I have been selected?

  All candidates will be notified of their selection status by mid-February.