Applicant FAQs

How to Apply/Application Questions
Letters of Support/Letters of Recommendation
Immunizations
Appointment Information
Questions About Mentors
Expenses/Stipend/Tuition
Predoctoral and Postdoctoral General Questions
NIDA - Statistical Genetics of Addiction FAQs (NIDA Applicants only)
Summer Program FAQs (R25E Summer Applicants only)

How to Apply/Application Questions (Summer, Predoc and Postdoc Fellowships)

Is MD Anderson Cancer Center and/or the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program a school or degree granting institution?

No. We are a training institution, not a school and we do not grant degrees.  

How do I apply for a fellowship?

Select a fellowship located on the How to Apply page and follow the instructions listed on the respective pages.

When are the deadlines?

The deadlines are listed on the web page of each respective fellowship and within the body of the application instructions.

Do you offer short term fellowships all year round?

No.  We currently offer short term fellowships during the summer.  We will begin accepting applications from undergraduates, graduates and medical school students for our next summer program in January of 2014. Please visit our website in January or February of 2014 for application instructions and deadlines. In the meantime, read more about our past Summer Short Term Experiences of 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Are part-time students allowed to apply for the Predoctoral fellowships? 

The intent of the R25T fellowship is to support the trainee full time to work on their dissertation and course work to get them to the finish faster and more efficiently. So, no, a part-time student would not be eligible, as it would not be in the spirit of the award.

Do Applicants who are currently employed at MDACC need to submit their GRE scores and transcripts with the application?

Yes.

Do the transcripts and GRE scores need to be official copies, or can the applicant provide copies that they have? 

Copies are allowed through the application phase. Once the trainee is appointed, we will need an official transcript.

What if I don't have GRE scores?

Please indicate on the application check list, which scores you DO have (if applicable) and if you do not have ANY scores, please indicate this on the checklist as well. 

Why do I need to submit my application to apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org and not an individual?

The apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org is our program's main e-mail address and serves as a central location.  Your application and letters of support are less likely to be lost when sent to this e-mail address.

Is there a term limitation on postdoctoral fellowships?

Yes. Initial postdoctoral research fellow appointments at The UT MD Anderson Cancer Center are renewed annually at the discretion of the faculty mentor for up to three years. Thereafter, the appointment may be renewed annually for another two years with written justification from the mentor on the basis of career advancement and achievements by the postdoctoral appointee. The appointment term clock continues regardless of mentor changes within the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The appointment policy limits an individual to no more than five years in the postdoctoral title at MD Anderson, or a total of six years in postdoctoral appointments at any combination of institutions. After this time, the postdoctoral fellow must be appointed to a faculty or classified position or leave the institution. Regardless of the estimated length of the program, individual appointments are for periods of only one year and advancement criteria must be met to receive an offer for an extension. The senior vice president for academic affairs or designee will grant exceptions to this policy only after receiving evidence of departmental review and support. Any postdoctoral fellow could request for a one-year extension to the five- and six-year terms for child-rearing or family medical responsibilities by submitting a justification in writing.

I'm applying for a donor-funded fellowship.  Do I need to already have a VISA to apply?

No. You can apply without having it but you cannot start your fellowship without it. For more information, please contact the VISA and Immigration Services Administration (VISA) Office at 713-792-1112 or by e-mail at visa@mdanderson.org.

Will you consider applicants for postdoc who are mid-career (been out and working for a while)?

Yes. Please indicate your intentions in the research and career statement.

Will you consider applications whose degree is not in a biomedical or behavioral science field?

Yes, as long as the applicant has an interest. Predoc and Postdoc applicants must make a viable application.  

Letters of Support/Letters of Recommendation Questions

What is the difference between a Letter of Support and a Letter of Recommendation?

A Letter of Support is provided by the prospective mentor(s) affirming that they are committed to supporting your proposed training.

A Letter of Recommendation is a letter from external recommenders (not including those provided by your mentors) and are preferably from a professor who has taught or supervised the applicant for at least one year. We require three letters from these external recommenders.

How are Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Support to be addressed and submitted?

1. All letters should be addressed to Dr. Shine Chang, Director, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention Research Training Program.
2. All letters should be signed and on letterhead. Electronic signatures are acceptable.
3. Recommendation Letters are NOT to be included with the stitched application submitted by the applicant.
4. Recommendation Letters are to be sent directly by the recommender (not the applicant) to apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org.
5. Letters submitted without these features may result in your application being considered incomplete.

Why can't I submit the Letter of Recommendation directly to the addressee (Dr. Shine Chang)?

Letters of Recommendation are to be sent to our central e-mail address (apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org) to prevent the document from getting lost or misfiled.  If your Letter of Recommendation is sent directly to Dr. Chang and she is out of the office, we will be unable to confirm receipt in a timely manner and that could result in the denial of your application. 

Please clarify what is expected of the potential reviewers we submit and what our affiliation with these reviewers should be as well as when this list is to be submitted.

The program directors need suggestions for potential expert reviewers of your research and educational proposal who are not associated with you academically or personally, so that they have no conflict of interest and can review your application without bias. Thus reviewers should not be those providing letters of recommendation or former mentors, etc. In addition, NIH employees are not allowed as reviewers.

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Immunizations

Why do I have to get an immunization?

It is mandatory that ALL trainees submit the MD Anderson Required Immunization Form signed by a physician or licensed health care provider. All blanks must be completed. ''See attached" is not a valid entry. Employee Health no longer accepts immunization records without the fully completed MD Anderson Required Immunization Form. Discover applications will be returned if this requirement is not met. Employee Health will review immunization records within seven days of an appointment start date.

I had a TB test performed last summer, in July, do I have to get it updated?

Yes, your TB test must be current within one year of your appointment start date.

My immunizations are already listed on the transcript, do I still need to complete the immunization form?

Yes; this is Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA) policy.

Is it necessary to get the Hepatitis B vaccine series? 

If you will be handling blood and human fluids, then yes, you will need to have to take the series.

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Appointment Information

What is the minimum and maximum amount of time that a postdoctoral trainee can be appointed?

The minimum is six months. The maximum is two years and is renewed annually pending research progress and availability of funds. 

I'm a Full Time UT MD Anderson Cancer Center employee and also a part-time doctoral student at UT School of Public Health.  Am I still eligible to apply for the pre-doctoral fellowship or would I have to reduce my time at MDACC to PT status?

Unfortunately, if you apply to our pre-doctoral fellowship and get awarded, you will have to leave your employment status.  Per UT MD Anderson Cancer Center policy, you cannot have both trainee position and full or part-time employment.

We have a trainee that was an Adjunct Faculty at another institution and wants to return to MDA as a postdoctoral fellow while waiting for his NCI K07 award. Can this trainee revert from Adjunct Faculty to postdoctoral fellow? 

Yes. As long as the department supports it.

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Questions about Mentors

Can I add mentors after submitting the pre-application?

Yes.

Do the mentors have to be from different departments or just different disciplines?

Mentors can be from the same department. The idea is that they offer you different perspectives, expertise, opportunities. We want you to benefit by the input and advice of multiple people.

Are Instructors eligible to serve as primary mentors? 

Yes; however, an assistant professor or above will have to serve as a secondary mentor.

Can we use the same letters of recommendation from a previous review?

Only if they're updated and the referee has given permission to use the (updated) letter for a new submission.

Can we submit new letters of recommendation during the second phase of the application reviews? 

It is not required; however, you are welcome to submit fresh letters, especially if there were recommendations made during the first phase of the review and you feel it will help your submission.

If mentors send their letter of support via e-mail, does it still need to be on official letterhead and signed?

Yes it must be on official letterhead and signed with an electronic signature. 

I am having difficulty locating potential mentors, many that I've contacted have not responded or have stated that they're not interested in a postdoc fellow at this time. What should I do?

Please email the complete list of faculty members that you have contacted & the contact results to apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org and we will forward your information to our training program directors to assist. 

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Expenses / Stipend / Tuition, Etc.

What is a STIPEND?

The word "Stipend" is the same as "Salary" or "Pay", within MD Anderson.  These terms are synonymous and are commonly used interchangeably. According to M. D. Anderson's Payroll Department, whether you are an Employee or Student who gets paid a "Stipend", taxes will be withheld. 

How much are fellows paid and is their status part-time or full time?

Stipends are stated in annual amounts, full time. The amount of the stipend varies. Students are paid up to 20 hours during the Fall and Spring and can be full time during the Summer.

Are taxes withheld from my paycheck?

Yes, however, the amount taxed depends on the allowances you designate on your W-4 form. At New Employee Orientation, you will be asked to complete a W-4. For assistance with tax withholding calculations, visit the online IRS Withholding Calculator.

NIDA - Statistical Genetics of Addiction FAQs

The NIDA fellowship is open to foreign nationals holding Visas, do I need to have an existing Visa?  

No.  Read more about how to obtain a visa.

This fellowship is available without regard to the applicant’s US citizenship status.  However, foreign nationals must be in the US legally and have valid and appropriate visas. 

For additional Frequently Asked Questions, visit our Trainee FAQ page.

Summer Program FAQs

How do I apply for the summer program?

Visit the SUMMER Short Term Experience in Cancer Prevention page and select "Apply Now" from the right menu and follow the instructions. 

Who is eligible for the summer program?

Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students are eligible for the summer program.  You must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident. Undergraduate students at all levels are eligible, but rising juniors and seniors are strongly preferred.  All applicants MUST be enrolled in a degree program for both the Spring and Fall 2013 semesters. Undergraduates who are transitioning to graduate or medical school in Fall 2013 are eligible, but must show proof of acceptance, or at least application to a graduate program, by the February 28, 2013 deadline.

Why are only US citizens or Permanent Residents eligible?

This fellowship program is supported by a National Cancer Institute R25E grant (R25-CA056452) that requires trainees to have US citizenship or permanent resident status. Applicants with visas are not eligible for the NCI-funded fellowships.

Can I apply to more than one Summer Program?

Yes. You can apply for more than one program (as listed on the MDACC Summer Experience page), but you will have to complete separate applications and upload the required documents for each application. 

What is the difference between the CPRTP program and the other summer programs?

If you visit each program’s webpage, you can read the details about how they differ.  Some offer mentored research experience and career development activities, but have different specifics for each program.

One of the biggest differences to note are the eligibility requirements: Our (CPRTP) Cancer Prevention Research Training Program is only open to US Citizens and Permanent Residents. We also accept undergraduate, graduate, and medical students. We do not accept high school students. 

What if I have questions about another Summer program?

Each Summer program has their own Program Coordinator.  From the MDACC Summer Experience page, select either Track 1: Competitive Programs or Track 2: Non-Competitive Programs, each program listed on these respective pages has a Program Coordinator and their contact information is on their Summer Program websites. 

I’m graduating from college in May 2013, but plan to take some classes in the fall, can I still apply?

No, students must be enrolled in a degree-granting program for Fall 2013. Just taking additional classes does not qualify.

I’ve applied to graduate school for Fall 2013, but won’t find out if I’m accepted until April 2013, can I still apply?

Yes, but your full acceptance to the program may be contingent on your acceptance to graduate school.

How long does the summer program last?

The program is a total of 10 weeks, from Monday, June 3 – Friday, August 9, 2013. Students must come in person to check-in the Friday before their start date, so Friday, June 3rd, before noon.

I’m not able to start work until June 10^th, can I still participate?

No, the dates of the program are set and all applicants must be available for the entire length of the program.

I noticed that the check-in for the program is June 3^rd, and our school year ends June 15^th. Would I still be eligible to apply even if the earliest I could join the program is June 15^th?

No, the dates of the program are set and all applicants must be available beginning June 3, 2013 and for the entire length of the program, no exceptions. 

I need to end a week earlier, on August 2nd, can I still participate?

No, the dates of the program are set and all applicants must be available for the entire length of the program.

How many hours per week are students expected to work?

All students will work full-time, or 40 hours per week. This is based on a Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm schedule.  Hours can be somewhat flexible to accommodate students’ commuting needs (e.g., 7:30am-4:30pm)

How can I tell if all of my application has been submitted?

After entering all of the required information into the Application Section (listed below), you will be prompted to "View Printable Application" and "Submit Completed Application". Once you click "Submit Completed Application" you will receive a message "Application Submitted Successfully". This means that your application has been SUBMITTED to our program in Discover. At this point, you will need to move to "Step 2:  Upload Documents" from the left menu, to submit your required supporting documentation. **PLEASE NOTE: YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE DENIED IF WE DO NOT RECEIVE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BY THE DEADLINE**

1. Biographical Information
2. Voluntary Information
3. Academic History - Colleges and Universities
4. Employment and Training Experience
5. Academic Awards and Honors
6. Disclosure

How can I tell if my application is INcomplete? Is there an APPLICATION SUBMIT button?

There is a "Submit Completed Application" link in Step 3: of the Application Form. After you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you will be able to submit your application in Step 3.  After you click the "Submit Completed Application" link,  you will receive a message that says "Application Submitted Successfully".  Please do not contact our department to ask if we have received your completed application. You can check to see if your application was submitted by logging on to your Discover account, selecting "Summary" from the left menu, and under the "Pre-Application Form Status", "Application Form Section" you should see "Overall Status: Submitted".  If you do not see this message AND all of the fileds in the application form do NOT have green checks, your application is incomplete and has NOT been submitted. 

Can I submit my supporting documents if I have not completed my application?

No. You will not have access to the "Upload Documents" section in your Discover account UNTIL your application is complete and submitted.

How can I tell if all of my documents have been submitted?

Log on to your Discover account, select "Summary" from the left menu, under the "Document Status" section you will see a list of documents and the document status. Submitted means the form has been submitted. 

Why was a document returned to me in Discover?

Usually a document is returned because the form that you submitted was blank. Although we will not be able to check EVERY document submitted by an application. Occasionally, we will check a few documents prior to the deadline, from time to time and if the submitted document was blank, we will return it to you.  The documents that are fillable will have the words "Get Form" next to them.  You will need to download the form, save it to your PC, enter all of the required information and upload it to your Discover account. 

Will I receive a confirmation email, once I submit my application?

Yes. See below for a sample emai (Check your SPAM folder)l:

THIS IS AN AUTO-RESPONSE EMAIL - PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO SENDER.

You have successfully submitted your pre-application form to the DISCOVER System ™, the online application system for educational opportunities at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

DISCOVER ID: T00001246W0

First Name: Jane

Middle Name: Sally

Last Name: Doe

Email Address: janedoe@yahoo.com

Department Name: Cancer Prevention Research Training Program

Application URL: https://www2.mdanderson.org/sapp/Discover/default.aspx

The next step is to log into the DISCOVER SystemTM and start uploading or faxing the required documents to complete your pre-application. Instructions on how to upload or fax in documents are found within the

Documents section in your account. Please keep your account information updated on a regular basis to ensure you receive important messages from our staff.
If you experience any technical difficulty signing in or using the DISCOVER System ™ send an email to DISCOVER_support@mdanderson.org or contact our phone support at 713-794-4636.

Why didn't I receive a confirmation email that my application was submitted?

You will need to check your "Bulk Mail" or "Spam" folder in your mailbox.

Will your office notify me if I am missing any documents or if my application is incomplete?

No.  It is your responsibility to logon to your Discover account to see if your application is complete or if your supporting documents have been submitted however, if you are confused or have other detailed questions not answered on this page, we will be more than happy to check for you, at your request.

PLEASE NOTE:  Due to the heavy volume of summer program applications, we will not initiate contact with you to inform you that you are missing documents or that your application is incomplete. 

In addition to the Discover application, what other documents are required?

You must complete and upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

1. Additional Demographic Data Form (select "Get Form" from Discover to download)
2. Curriculum Vitae- CV (Resume)
3. Future Academic Plans (select "Get Form" from Discover to download)
4. Personal Statement (select "Get Form" from Discover to download)
5. Letters of Recommendation (Qty: 2)
6. Unofficial Transcript of Highest Degree  

What happens when I select "Get Form" to download the Additional Demographic Data Form, Future Academic Plans and Personal Statement?

Click "Get Form" to view the form, save it to your computer, enter the information (the Additional Demographic Data Form and Future Academic Plans forms are both fillable), save the it to your computer, select upload in the Discover System, select the file from your drive and upload. 

What if I accidentally upload the wrong document or need to make changes to a document?

Simply revise the form that's saved on your computer and upload it again. Once you upload it, we will automatically be able to see the document on our end, but please note that we will not be reviewing applications and supporting documentation until Friday, March 1, 2013, after the application deadline.

Can I view documents after I upload them?

You can view any of your documents and application, even after submission, by logging on to your Discover account, selecting "Step 2: Upload Documents" from the left menu, and select "View" next to the document. We strongly encourage you to view each document after you upload it to ensure that your document was uploaded properly and that you do not have missing information. 

Can I make changes to my application after I press "Submit"?

No. Once you press "Submit" you cannot make changes.

The Personal Statement form is not a fillable form, but has instructions, how do I submit a Personal Statement?

You are to provide a 500 to 1000 word description of why you are interested in MD Anderson’s Summer Experience and what you hope to achieve by participating in the program. Include any specific information about prior research, goals for future research and investigation and how you would benefit from the Summer Experience. These statements will be read by the selection committees of each competitive program and in part used to guide selection of applicants. Your document can be uploaded as a Word or PDF document.

**For applicants to the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program: please add the following to your personal statement. (This section not included in the personal statement word limit)**

CANCER PREVENTION MENTOR PREFERENCES

Visit our How to Find a Mentor page and search for potential mentors using one or both of 2 methods:

1) Click the “Faculty Profiles” link and search by keywords (e.g., smoking cessation, health disparities), or
2) Click on each department's webpage and search the “Faculty & Staff” link by reading the profiles of the faculty in that department.

Please select at least 3, and up to 6, potential mentor choices. List them below, in order of preference, including their name, department, and the reasons why you chose them.

EXAMPLE:
Mentor Choice #1
Department
Reasons

How do I submit an unofficial transcript?

Colleges and universities typically issue "unofficial" transcripts to students and "official" transcripts to those other than the student.  Contact your institution to find out how you can request an unofficial transcript. If you receive the unofficial transcript in an attachment via email, upload the unofficial transcript in the Discover System OR if you receive a hardcopy of your unofficial transcript, scan it, save it to your computer and upload it to your account in the Discover System (Step 2: Upload Documents).

What if I cannot get an unofficial transcript?

Unofficial transcripts are required and your application will be rejected without it. 

How many letters of recommendation (LOR) are required?

2 are required.

Do you require the 2 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) to be from a specific source?

We recommend that at least one of your letters come from a college science professor. If you have not yet taken your science courses or do not have a professor to ask, request a letter from another professor who knows your academic work. In general, both of these letters should come from a professor who knows you academically and professionally, if applicable. The stronger the letter, the stronger your application will be.

Are all documents and Letters of Recommendation letters due by the February 28th deadline?

Yes, your application and ALL documents including your 2 letters of recommendation are due by the February 28th deadline.

How do I request letters of recommendation?

You are to contact the two individuals that you have in mind, prior to requesting letters of recommendation. Log on to your Discover account, select "Request Letters of Recommendation" from the left menu, select "Add Provider" and enter all of the required information. The Discover System will automatically send your recommender an email with a link to submit their Letter of Recommendation directly to your Discover account.

What information will I need about the recommender to enter in Discover (to request my Letter of Recommendation from them)?

You will be required to enter the Provider's (recommender):

• First Name
• Last Name
• Email  (PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS IS CORRECT)
• Phone
• Country
• Professional Title
• Institution
• Relationship to you

I requested Letters of Recommendation from two people but they stated that they were never contacted by the program regarding details about submitting the recommendation?

When you request letters of recommendation via the Discover System, the provider will receive an email that includes a url with a direct link to your application, which will allow the provider to automatically upload their letter from their computer to your account.

What if my recommender has problems uploading their letter of recommendation to my Discover account OR did not receive the email from Discover?

• Confirm that you entered the recommenders email address correctly into Discover,
• Ask the recommender to make sure the Discover message was not routed to the "Bulk" or "Spam" folder, and/or
• Request that your recommender submit their letter of recommendation via email to apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org. Make sure that the letter is on letterhead, dated, addressed to our program and signed.

What are the Letter of Recommendation requirements?

For detailed instructions, log on to your Discover account, select "Request Letters of Recommendation" from the left menu, and select Click here to view detailed instructions (or see below):

• Letters must be dated no earlier than one year prior to the application date and must be sent directly from faculty, mentors, or others who are in a position to comment on your ability and qualifications relevant to the type of position sought. Applicants may not personally forward the recommendation letters.
• Please click on the "Add Provider" button below to add the name of a new provider. The form will ask you for the necessary contact information for the individuals that will be submitting letters of recommendation on your behalf. Once you have saved the contact information, an email will be sent to the recommendation provider with instructions on how to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
• Please note the following:
  • • The recommendation provider must have a valid email address and phone number.
    • The status of each letter of recommendation may be viewed when you log into your account and navigate to this page.
    • You will not be able to view the letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf in this system.
• In the event that the provider has not sent a letter of recommendation, and you wish to send him or her a reminder, click on the "Resend Email" button next to the recommendation provider's name.
• If a letter of recommendation is returned by the system or the department/program to which you are applying, a notification will be sent to your email address on file. It will be your responsibility to contact your provider to request that he or she resubmit the document. If you have any questions contact the department you are applying to for more details.

Do I need to contact a potential mentor?

No. You do not need to contact any potential mentors at this time, but in the Personal Statement section of your application, you will list out any mentors you are interested in working with.  If you are selected, we will work with you and your list of mentors to setup phone interviews and determine the best match based on both your and the mentor’s preferences.

Where can I locate the names and other information of a potential mentor?

Visit the How to Find a Mentor page and search 2 ways: 1) Click the “Faculty Profiles” link and search by keywords (e.g., smoking cessation, health disparities), or 2) Click on each department’s webpage and search the “Faculty & Staff” link by reading the profiles of the faculty in that department.

When will I be notified about my application status?

We will send you an email on Friday, March 1st with your application status.  You will receive one of the following emails:

• Application not accepted
• Application Pending Final Review

What does "pending final review" mean?

It means that your application has been selected to be reviewed by our program's review committee. 

When will I know whether or not my application has been accepted?

Students will be notified of acceptance or decline some time before Tuesday, March 26, 2013.

If my application is declined, will you inform me of the reason why it was declined?

No. Applications are declined for a number of reasons including preset criteria established by the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program. If you are declined, we encourage you to re-apply next year and register with our social media sites linked on our CPRTP home page, to receive information on any upcoming fellowship opportunities. 

What happens after my application is accepted?

You will be notified of the next steps upon acceptance. Typically the mentor matching process begins and our office will begin processing your paperwork.  

Will I be required to submit any additional documents, even after acceptance?

Yes. You will need to complete and submit Employee Health Clearance documents and upload them to discover.  When a student is accepted into the program, you will receive a background code from CertifiedBackground.com. You will need to log on to Certified Background with this code and pay $20 to use the system. This system will take care of all vaccination documentation and employee health information that is required to be an student employee of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

When is the information from CertifiedBackground.com due?

The information on CertifiedBackground.com is also due on May 1, 2013.  CPRTP will monitor your progress to ensure you have completed the documentation. If the CertifiedBackground information is not complete by May 1, you will not be able to participate in the Summer Experience. 

How many positions are available?

The number of positions available are undisclosed, however because the UTMDACC summer programs receive a high number of applicants and are extremely competitive, you can apply to multiple programs.

Can I work part-time?

No, the program is a full-time, 10 week experience. If you are not able to work with this schedule, you should not apply.

I’m taking the MCAT/GRE this summer; can I take off a week to prepare?

As a short term trainee at MD Anderson, you are not eligible for any time off during your 10 week appointment.  In cases of illness or emergency, you may be eligible for unpaid leave.  If you are not able to commit to the full-time, 10 week program, you should not apply.

Are SAT/GRE/MCAT/ACT scores required for the Summer Program?

No tests are required for this Summer program, but we do request that you provide all test scores in the appropriate places in the application documents.

I am an international dentist and I do not have SAT, GRE, MCAT, nor ACT scores, however, I have a TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. I don't see a space to enter the TOEFL score on the application. Is this score accepted? Where do I put it?

There is a space on the application form for "additional information", please provide this TOEFL score (or any other test scores you'd like to provide) in this space. 

My family takes a 2-week vacation every summer; will I be allowed to take this time off?

No, you are not allowed more than 4 days total absences from the entire program. If you are not able to commit to the full-time, 10 week program, you should not apply.

Why do I have to complete an immunization for and get a TB test?

All MD Anderson employees are required to have a TB test performed before starting work.  It is mandatory that ALL accepted applicants submit the required documents at CertifiedBackground.com as instructed. 

I had a TB test performed last summer, in July, do I have to get it updated?

Yes, your TB test must be current within one year of your appointment start date.

My immunizations are already listed on the transcript; do I still need to complete the immunization form?

Yes; this is Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA) policy.

How much are students paid for the summer program?

Stipends are determined by your academic level and will range from $1,400 – $2,167 per month. The rate at which you are paid is non-negotiable and is determined by MD Anderson’s department of Trainee & Alumni Affairs.

What is a STIPEND?

The word "Stipend" is the same as "Salary" or "Pay", within MD Anderson.  These terms are synonymous and are commonly used interchangeably. According to MD Anderson's Payroll Department, whether you are an Employee or Student who gets paid a "Stipend", taxes will be withheld.

Are taxes withheld from my paycheck?

Yes, however, the amount taxed depends on the allowances you designate on your W-4 form. At New Employee Orientation, you will be asked to complete a W-4. For assistance with tax withholding calculations, visit the online IRS Withholding Calculator. Links to Form W-4 and the IRS Withholding Calculator are on the Payroll Services Site.

Is housing provided?

Housing is not provided, but there various housing options available for out-of-town students.  The student pays for housing from the paid stipend and will also need to provide their own deposit and move-in costs up front.  The department of Trainee & Alumni Affairs at MD Anderson has a webpage with housing information located at: http://www.mdanderson.org/education-and-research/education-and-training/trainee-resource-guide/housing.html. Additional housing options and information will be posted here as they become available. 

For additional Frequently Asked Questions, visit our Trainee FAQ page.

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