How to Apply
Applications Open | November |
Applications Close | January |
Award Notifications Released | TBD |
Signed Offer Letters Due | TBD |
Application Process (please read carefully)
1. Launch the Application: Click the 'apply here' link on the home page to launch the CATALYST Inquiry Form.
2. Read the required three (3) sections before completing the inquiry form: 1) Please Read Before You Apply, 2) Additional Documents Required If Selected As A Final Candidate, and 3) Onboarding Contingencies That Require Early Action
3. Complete the Inquiry Form and upload the required documents:
- Personal Information (e.g., name, email, etc.)
- Current Enrollment (i.e., your current school and enrollment dates)
- Upload Resume/CV
- Official Transcript(s)
- Screenshots, print-outs, and class schedules are not acceptable
- Statement of Research Experience and Interest (Max 5000 characters inclusive of spaces and punctuation)
Double-check these items before clicking the SUBMIT button. The Slate system will not accept revised documents.
4. Create your Slate Account. After clicking the SUBMIT button, you will receive an email from MD Anderson Education & Training (trainee@mdanderson.org), subject line: "Complete your Trainee Position Inquiry Request". Follow the instructions and click the hyperlink in the email to create a Slate account and request your letters of recommendation.
5. Complete the Application:
- Read the Application Instructions
- Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: In the Recommendations screen, enter the contact information for both individuals who will write your letters of recommendation. Ideally, recommenders should be anyone who has known you for more than a year and preferably a faculty mentor, professor, research lab manager, or other professional in academia. After the applicant enters the recommender's information in the Slate system, the recommender will receive an email notification from trainee@mdanderson.org, subject line "Recommendation Request from YOUR NAME for MD Anderson Cancer Center" and a link to upload the letter of recommendation to your account. All submitted letters must include a letterhead and signature. You will receive an email when the letter has been successfully uploaded.
- Complete the Additional Demographics and Future Plans form
- Complete the Internship or Graduation Requirement form
- Complete the Academic Awards and Honors form
Note: There is no submit button in the "Complete the Application" stage. To check the status of your application, log on to your Slate account and select 'Status' from the menu. Your application is complete when all sections are complete and both letters of recommendation have been uploaded to your account.
2025 Applications open in November
FAQ
Who is eligible for the CATALYST Programs?
Eligibility varies by program. Please visit the individual program webpages for more information. High school students must be 18 or older come the start of the program to be eligible due to institutional youth protection policies.
Can I apply to more than one program?
You may rank up to two programs (if applicable) to be considered for. Please carefully review the eligibility criteria of any program(s) that you are interested in before applying. If you wish to only be considered for one program, you may rank the same program as your first and second choice. Please do not submit multiple applications as each applicant may only be considered for up to two programs. Duplicate applications will not be reviewed.
I am still waiting to hear back from another program that I applied to, can I get an extension to respond to my MD Anderson offer?
Unfortunately, not as we are working with a tight timeline to process summer appointments. Applicants are encouraged to decide which program is more important. Please do not accept an offer from our program if you know you will accept another pending offer
What is a stipend and are taxes withheld?
A stipend is a fixed amount of money that is applied toward expenses. The word stipend refers to the funding you receive. If you receive a stipend, it will be paid on the 5th and 20th of the month. Stipends are considered taxable income, and federal taxes are withheld from stipend paychecks. Please note, if a holiday (July 4) occurs on a work day, the campus will be closed, and you will not receive pay for that day.
When are paychecks distributed?
If your program provides funding, you will receive your paycheck on the 5th and 20th of the month. Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is mandatory. To enroll in direct deposit, you need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Both of these numbers can be found on a canceled check, deposit slip, online banking app, or by contacting your bank directly. Failure to set up direct deposit, you will be mailed a 'paycard'. Paper checks are not distributed. Please check with your program for funding information.
Is housing available?
Housing is not provided; the trainee is responsible for obtaining their own housing for the duration of the program. The CATALYST team and respective
program leaders will provide accepted students with various resources to identify housing options in and around the medical center.
Need Help?
For IT and SLATE assistance, please email the application system team.
For any general application questions, please email the CATALYST Team.
For any questions relating to a specific program, please reach out to the point of contact listed on the program's webpage.
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