EDGE FAQs
You do not have to be a UNC Chapel Hill student, but you do need to be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or permanent resident.
Yes, you need to commit to 2 years to gain the full benefit of the program.
- Early January 2024: Application Period Opens
- Late February 2024: Applications due
- Early April 2024: Acceptances Announced
- June-July 2024, 8 weeks (exact dates TBD): Year 2 Students Program Dates
- July 2024, 3 weeks (exact dates TBD): Year 1 Students Program Dates
If you have a major schedule conflict, please contact the program coordinators before applying, as it may be better for you to apply for the summer 2025 – summer 2026 cohort.
Yes. You can apply to EDGE Genomics at any stage of your undergraduate education, however, preference for slots will be given to students who are freshmen and sophomores.
There is no minimum GPA requirement.
You need to submit a college transcript, though an unofficial transcript is fine.
No, though you do need to have taken an Introductory Biology course, either a college course or AP Biology.
We will accept 15 students for each 2-year cohort.
See the Year 2 Research Projects section on the EDGE Genomics page.
We have many research mentors who are interested in hosting EDGE Genomics students in their labs. Year 2 students will rank their top choices for mentors, and in the spring, we will match student preferences with faculty who have space in their lab for the following summer.
Yes. In their first year of the program, EDGE Genomics students will receive an $1800 stipend. In their second year of the program, EDGE Genomics students will receive a $4800 stipend. For both years, EDGE Genomics will provide housing and meals separate from the stipends.
Yes, you could choose to go home on weekends. EDGE Genomics will have optional social events on weekends that you might want to participate in.
Any research and professional development training (including EDGE Genomics) will contribute to a stronger application to college or professional/graduate school.
Sabrina Powell, EDGE Genomics program director sabrina_powell@med.unc.edu