The application for the 2022-2023 school year is open from January 1, 2022 to December 1, 2021. The application closes March 1, 2022.
Application FAQs
When can I apply for BUILD PODER?
What do I need to complete my BUILD PODER application?
The four major components of the Application are:
- Unofficial transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
- At least TWO letters of recommendation
- Academic Course Plan Signed by department advisor or counselor
- Four short essay questions
What are qualifying majors for the program?
BUILD PODER trains students is a broad variety of basic, social, behavioral, and health sciences. The following are qualifying majors to the program:
Biological & Life Sciences
Anatomy; animal biology (zoology); biochemistry; biophysics; biology (general); biosciences; ecology & evolutionary biology; entomology & parasitology; genetics; microbiology; microbiology, immunology; molecular, cellular & developmental biology; neurobiology/neuroscience.
Engineering
Biological/agricultural engineering; biomedical engineering; chemical engineering; chemical, biochemical & environmental engineering; computer engineering & computer science, computer science & electrical engineering; electrical engineering; engineering; mechanical engineering, & materials engineering.
Health Professions
Epidemiology; cardiology; child & adolescent development; communication disorders sciences; environmental & occupational health engineering; family consumer sciences (dietetics & nutrition); health care/services administration; health education (fitness, physical education, sports psychology); health sciences; hematology; kinesiology (kinesiotherapy, exercise science); medical technologies; neurology; nursing; oncology/cancer research; ophthalmology; oronhinolaryngology; pharmaceutical sciences; physical therapy; preventative medicine & community health; psychiatry; public health/community health (health communication, community development); pulmonary disease.
Physical Sciences
Atmospheric sciences; biochemical sciences; biophysics; chemistry; chemistry and biochemistry; environmental sciences; geography; geography & environmental sciences; geological or earth sciences; marine biotechnology; medicinal chemistry; physics; physics and astronomy
Social Sciences
Anthropology (cultural & social); clinical psychology; human development; psychology; sociology; sociology/anthropology.
Other
Computer science; Information systems; mathematics & statistics
*If your major is not listed you may be able to enter our "experimental program" for non-science majors which has slightly fewer financial benefits.*
Letters of recommendation — How many do I need and how do I submit them?
Applicants are required to procure TWO letters of recommendation. The best letters of recommendation come from college professors. If need be we can accept one professional reference from an employer or supervisor.
We have changed the letter of recommendation process for the 2022-2023 application season.
Please read the following carefully:
Though the entire application isn't due until 5 p.m. on March 1, the RECOMMENDER'S INFORMATION page within the application portal needs to be completed several days before March 1 so that BUILD PODER can send a link to your recommenders to upload their letters. RECOMMENDERS MUST UPLOAD LETTERS BEFORE 5PM ON MARCH 1, 2022. Applicants will not get direct access to the upload link so this is a vital part of the process. If you start your application on the day of the deadline, we will not have enough time to send your letter writers the upload link.
Unless you are using a public computer, you can start your application and come back to it later. If you are using a public computer, we recommend you begin and complete your application several days before March 1, 2022.
Transcripts — what kind of transcripts do I need and where can I find them?
The BUILD PODER application only requires unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts are not necessary.
How to find your transcripts:
If you are a CSUN student:
- Be sure to use a Firefox Browser
- Log into your CSUN Portal
- Click on the academics tab
- On the right hand side, under “Chart my Academic Progress” click on Unofficial Transcripts
- Click on the yellow box that says “Regular University”
- Right Click on your transcript
- Go to “This Frame”, then click “Print Frame”
- Then save your attachment as a PDF, and it is ready to upload to your application
What kind of research in my field would be biomedical research?
Biomedical research encompasses a diverse set of disciplines. Take a look at our Faculty Mentor Pool to see what kind of biomedical projects you could potentially work on.
When should I begin my BUILD PODER application?
Applicants should start their application AS SOON AS POSSIBLE before the deadline.
Though the entire application isn't due until 5 p.m. on March 1, the RECOMMENDER'S INFORMATION page within the application portal needs to be completed several days before March 1 so that BUILD PODER can send a link to your recommenders to upload their letters. RECOMMENDERS MUST UPLOAD LETTERS BEFORE 5PM ON MARCH 1, 2022. Applicants will not get direct access to the upload link so this is a vital part of the process. If you start your application on the day of the deadline, we will not have enough time to send your letter writers the upload link.
Unless you are using a public computer, you can start your application and come back to it later. If you are using a public computer, we recommend you begin and complete your application several days before March 1.
Do I have to complete my application in one sitting or can I save my work and come back to it?
If you are using a public computer, you should finish your application in one sitting.
If you are using your personal computer, you will be able to pick up where you left off. You can visit previous sections within the application. However, once you complete it, you won't be able to change the application.
Once I have submitted the application, can I make changes?
No, the system does not allow for edits once the application is submitted. There is a final question asking if you are absolutely sure your application is complete. Please do not submit your application unless you are sure it is complete.
By when does everything for the application need to be turned in?
All application materials (application, transcripts, academic plan, and recommendation letters) must be received online by 5 p.m. on March 1, 2022 in order to be considered for the program. Your letter writers must upload their letter by the same deadline. Once you enter your recommender's information into the online application, build poder will email them a upload link.
When does the required Summer Jumpstart 2019 take place?
Summer Jumpstart 2022 takes place mid-July to mid-August, 2022 (exact date TBD) at the CSUN campus. SJS is required for all BP students. Students who cannot complete SJS in full will not progress in the program.
SJS is fundamental to the development of a research identity in students and creating a community of support within the BP cohort. Applicants who cannot attend SJS will not be accepted into the program. Students who are accepted into the program, but are unable to complete SJS will not be able to continue once the fall semester begins. Long absences during SJS will also cause elimination from the program.