UPR-PRISE Application Requirements
Freshman (1st year)
- High school GPA of 3.40 or more
- Admitted to UPR-Ponce Biology department (enrolled in Biology I & II, Chemistry I & II, Pre-Calculus I & II)
- Two (2) references (to request letters of recommendation)
- Completed application
- Personal statement (research experience, future goals, program expectations, etc.)
Sophomore (2nd year or higher)
- GPA of 3.40 or more
- Enrolled in UPR-Ponce Biology department, 30 credits approved (General Biology 1 & 2, General Chemistry 1 & 2 and Pre-Calculus 1 & 2)
- Two (2) references (to request letters of recommendation)
- Completed application
- Personal statement (research experience, future goals, program expectations, etc.)
UPR-PRISE Benefits
The RISE (Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement) program supports student research activities at the freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior academic levels. Students receive financial benefits, as well as professional experience and training that will assist them to enter and succeed in graduate school.
- Salary of $12.00 per hour for up to 15 hours a week
- Paid undergraduate research experience during academic year and summer (in Puerto Rico or at research-intensive institutions in the U.S.)
- Paid travel to scientific conferences (local and national)
- Paid lab materials
- Specialized coursework (Research ethics, GRE prep, Laboratory skills)
- Conferences and workshops for professional and scientific development
- English editing service graduate school application assistance
- Community service
- Tutoring
- Early registration