APPLICATION FORM FOR UNDERGRADUATE HUGHES SCHOLAR PROGRAM
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     ************  NOTE: FRESHMEN ARE WELCOME !!! *************

OVERVIEW:
  * WHO FILLS OUT THIS FORM?
    Undergraduate science, engineering and computer science students 
    interested in combining computers and biology as part of their degree.
  * WHY FILL OUT THIS FORM?
    The Hughes Bioinformatics program is directed at encouraging
    undergraduates at GWU to consider the new and exciting field
    of bioinformatics as a possible career or stepping stone to
    graduate school. These are some of the benefits:
    - Introduction to the field of bioinformatics (which includes
      both biology and computer science but is also linked to physics,
      chemistry and engineering).
    - Optional summer research internships with GWU faculty, some of 
      which are paid ($5000/student). The summer internship is a 
      great opportunity to engage in research with program faculty 
      and stay on campus (possibly taking courses).
    - The program is part of regular BS and BA degrees that satisfy
      pre-medical requirements. This is a good program for premed students
      to consider.
    - Students in the Hughes program will get stronger consideration 
      when applying to our Master's program in Genomics, Proteomics
      and Bioinformatics.
    - To read more about Bioinformatics: 
        www.bioinformatics.gwu.edu (for GWU-related info)
        www.bioinformatics.org/faq (for general bioinformatics info)
  * NOTE TO FRESHMEN/SOPHOMORES:
      Are you intimidated by the terms "bioinformatics" and
      "research", and by the fact that you might be working
      alongside seniors? Don't! This program is very accessible to
      freshmen - the introductory course only needs a high school
      biology background; no computing background is needed at all.
      This is a great opportunity to learn something about a new,
      growing field full of career opportunities.

INSTRUCTIONS:
  * Fill out the application form (on paper) and drop it off
    in one of these two locations:
      (1) Main office of the Deparment of Biological Sciences, 340 Lisner Hall.
      (2) Prof. Simha's mailbox in the Department of Computer Science,
        Room 704 Phillips Hall (Academic Center).
  * There is no official deadline, but we are likely to begin
    reviewing applications November 15 and possibly awarding
    internship funds without waiting for all applications. APPLY EARLY!
  * You will notified BY EMAIL of admission and internship decisions.
  * Feel free to tell your friends about this program.

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PERSONAL INFORMATION:
  * FULL NAME:

  * STUDENT ID OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

  * DATE OF BIRTH:

  * EMAIL ADDRESS (please write this legibly):

  * POSTAL ADDRESS:



ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

  * CURRENT STATUS: 
     Are you a full-time/part-time undergraduate at GWU?
     Which of Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior best describes your status?

  * MAJOR(S): 
      What is/are your major(s)? 

  * GPA:
     What is your current GPA?
     What is your GPA for each of the last three semesters?
     If you feel your GPA is not competitive but have an 
     explanation or offsetting reason, state that here:


  * ABILITY TO TAKE COURSES:
      Which of the following courses are you able to fit into your schedule?
       * CS 177: Introduction to Bioinformatics (3 credits, offered Fall and
         Spring, Mondays 3.30-6pm).
       * Introduction to Bioinformatics Lab Techniques (3 credits,
         offered Summer Session I, time to be determined).
       * Research Project in Bioinformatics (2 credits,
         offered Summer Session II, time to be determined).

  * INTERNSHIP:
      Do you wish to apply for the internship stipend?

  * RECOMMENDATIONS:
      We do not require recommendation letters. However, your
      application will be more competitive if you can get GWU
      professors to write recommendation letters for you. We will
      accept up to two such letters, in any printed format, to be
      submitted along with or after your application.


OTHER INFORMATION:

  * How did you hear of this program?


  * Had you heard of "bioinformatics" before this? Where? In what context?


  * Did you take science or computer AP courses in high-school? Which ones?

  * Tell us briefly why you are interested in this program
    and why we should consider you?




  * Tell us about your career goals: what do you want to do in the
    10 years after graduation?