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Before filling out an Inquiry form, gather the information and materials listed below. You cannot save a draft of the form and return to it later; be prepared to complete the form and upload all documents in one sitting.
Gather the following information:
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Demographic information
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Names and email addresses of two professional references.
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CV, resume, or bio-sketch (If more than one page, combine into a single pdf)
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Official transcripts that include Fall 2025 semester courses/grades
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Honors and awards received
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Statement of research experience and interest.
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Please note that you are allowed to apply to a maximum of two programs on an Inquiry Form ranking your selections in order of preference.
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Once you have uploaded the documents and submitted the Inquiry form, you will receive an email notification with a PIN number needed to set up an account to request letters of recommendations from references.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The following is the list of documents that must be uploaded to complete your application. Please review each definition carefully. Failure to provide the appropriate documents may delay processing or result in the withdrawal or rejection of your application.
CV/Resume
A written description of an individual’s educational background, research experience, and professional accomplishments.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts, must include evidence of enrollment in a degree program for the
Fall 2025 semester. Transcripts should include degree/program information, your full name, the institution’s name, major, semester start and end.
The following documents are not accepted as proof of enrollment:
Computer printouts
Class schedules
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Fee/Payment Receipts
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Screenshot of documents
Statement of Research Experience and Areas of Interest
A summary of your study or research accomplishments, current work, and future direction and potential of the work you expect to undertake if accepted into the program. You can copy and paste from an external source or type directly in the space provided in the Slate form.
Letters of Recommendation
After you have submitted the Inquiry Form you will need to create an account to request recommendation letters from your references. Applicants must identify at least two (2) references willing to submit recommendation letters directly to their Slate account.
The letters must come from qualified individuals who are in a position (i.e., advisors, professors, teachers, etc.) to comment on an applicant’s knowledge, capabilities, and performance related to the program they are applying for. Applicants are responsible for monitoring the status of the letters to ensure they are submitted by references before the application deadline of January 14, 2026
Final candidates will receive an unofficial letter to confirm an offer of an appointment. Acceptance of the offer must be confirmed by March 4, 2026. Once an offer is accepted, candidates will need to provide additional information and documents critical to the screening process and final approval of a trainee appointment. Those documents include the following:
Credential Evaluation
If you are enrolled in an accredited degree program at an institution outside the US, a credential evaluation is required to confirm the US equivalency of their program AND to confirm current enrollment at an accredited institution.. A copy of the credential evaluation must be uploaded to the Slate system. The credential evaluation must also be sent directly from the credentialing company to RTP-EAS@mdanderson.org.
Only evaluations obtained from an approved credential company will be accepted.
Review the list of approved credentialing companies here: Approved Credentialing Companies. Request your evaluation as early as possible to avoid delays.
Immigration Documents
Students who are non-US citizen or permanent residents, will be required to upload copies of any and all of their immigration documents immediately upon receipt of an unofficial letter of appointment. Prompt attention to this step will avoid delays in the onboarding visa process.
Document examples:
Current and past passports;
U.S. Visa stamps with entry/exit stamps;
Employment Authorization Document (EAD);
I-94 Arrival/Departure Records;
Form I-20s,
DS-2019s,
I-797A Approval/Receipt Notices,
green card, etc.
Immunization Compliance
Immediately upon accepting an unofficial offer of an appointment, all final candidates must perform prompt action towards initiating and completing the immunization compliance process. This step is not required to apply to the program but must be completed no later than May 15, 2026.
You will be required to provide evidence of receiving vaccines for preventable diseases as specified by MD Anderson. CastleBranch.com is the company that manages this process and will determine if further vaccines and/or blood work are recommended. An administrative fee of $29.99 is required for this service. A CastleBranch representative will review your immunization records/medical history to determine if further vaccines and/or blood work are recommended. To avoid delays, create your account with CastleBranch and submit all required documents as early as possible. Review the list of required vaccines here: Required Immunizations
