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Graduate Application Mentorship Program (GradAMP)

Applicants must be applying to graduate programs in the current cycle to be eligible for GradAMP.

GradAMP 2025 applications open in August 2025!

Undergrad Mentee Application: Coming soon!

Grad Mentor Application: Coming soon!

The priority deadline for both applications will be in September. We will begin reviewing applications and accepting candidates on a rolling basis until all spots are filled. Thank you!

What is GradAMP?

GradAMP was begun by Jacobs School of Engineering graduate student Alex Chen in 2019 who directed the program for 3 graduate application cycles.  Since graduating in 2022, Alex Chen passed on the program to OAR^2 to institutionalize this opportunity for UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students. 

The goal of GradAMP is to help make graduate education more accessible by helping undergraduate students with the application process. GradAMP is a free mentorship program that offers help with to undergraduate students interested in applying to graduate degree programs!

The program pairs together graduate school applicants with a current Ph.D. student in their field in order to help them with both concrete aspects (essays, fellowships, interviews) and abstracts aspects (decision-making, time management, planning) of the application process. 

Recruitment

Recruitment for UC San Diego undergraduate mentees and graduate mentors begins in September of each year. UC San Diego graduate mentors can expect to mentor 1-2 UC San Diego undergraduate mentees. 

Undergraduate Mentee Information

Drawer Body

Graduate Mentors Information

GradAMP FAQ

How many students are participating?
In 2020 application cycle, there were ~57 and 55 mentors. The ration is MUCH more reasonable in 2021. The goal each year is to try to make the ratio closer 1:1 with all mentors having at least one mentee. The GradAMP program outreaches to departments to ensure that the program has enough participants to balance out mentorship opportunities. 
When will the mentor-mentee pairings be released?
Mentor-mentee pairings can be released withing a couple of weeks of the application closing date; however, depending on mentee-mentor matching, this may take a bit longer as the program tries to ensure everyone is paired. 
Will the program take place the entire academic year? 
Acceptances are released on a rolling basis from December to April. The program lasts until the application season is completely finished for the students; this includes interviews for graduate programs once the application has been submitted. 
Do all majors follow the same steps for applying to graduate school?
Generally, yest for PhD programs. One thing to note is that departments and graduate degree programs may have additional and differing requirements. While there may be a general application for the graduate program, some programs may require more or less. For example, some graduate programs may not require the GRE. Graduate program applicants must ensure to double chech and read the degree program requirements at the department's website to ensure that the applicant is submitting all required documents. 
Should I include my GRE scores? 
Check the degree program and department website or email the graduate program coordinator. Not all graduate degree programs require the GRE.
Should I reachout to potential faculty members before I apply? 
Yes and your GradAMP mentor can help you navigate this process.