1. predoctoral students
2. medical students

Students from any major or discipline are welcome to apply. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in aging and mental health research. 

I am currently enrolled in a post baccalaureate premed program.  Am I eligible for START-MH?
No.  Eligible applicants must be either pursuing a doctoral or medical degree.

Does the program accept applications from undergraduates?
Unfortunately, due to a change in funding policy, the program can no longer consider applications from undergraduate students.

Do I have to be enrolled in a degree program to apply?
Yes, for your application to be considered, you must be enrolled to either a predoctoral program or medical school.

Do all of the fellows receive training in San Diego?
No. Training is available at a number of academic institutions across the country.

How can I find a mentor?
There are multiple ways students are matched with mentors. Applicants can apply with a selected mentor or can request to be matched with a mentor in their field of research interest and goals or a specific geographic area. Guidance in selecting a mentor can be provided by the START-MH program staff. 

Can I apply with a selected mentor?
Students can apply with a mentor, however, investigators serving as mentors must be researchers with a demonstrated track record in mental health and aging research. As demonstrated by their grant funding and publication track records.  Proposed mentors must complete and submit a Principal Investigator Mentor Form (click on Mentor Form) along with their NIH format biosketch.

What type of research will I be working on?
Fellows will work on specific projects developed by, or in conjunction with their mentor. Day to day activities will be determined by the mentor.

What criteria are used to select Trainees?
Applicants will be chosen on the basis of: academic achievement, research career plans, and interest in aging and mental health research. 

How are Trainees selected?
All applications will be reviewed by an Executive Committee comprised of senior leaders in the field.

When are recipients notified?
Selected applicants will be notified by Friday, February 22, 2008. Participants must accept the scholarship no later than Friday, February 29, 2008.

Can I fax or mail my application?
No, the application and personal statement must be completed and emailed to startmh@ucsd.edu. Transcript and letter of recommendation must be sent directly to the program.

Must all materials be submitted by the deadline?
Yes, although the application and personal statement are available on line, the transcript and letter of recommendation must be received by the START-MH office no later than the deadline application of January 18, 2008.

How is housing coordinated?
START-MH staff is NOT responsible for coordinating housing arrangements. From the stipend, students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, housing and travel expenses.