Research Apprenticeship in Biological Sciences (RABS)

The Cornell University Research Apprenticeship in the Biological Sciences (RABS) offers a small number of serious, research-oriented students the rare opportunity to join a top-notch laboratory at one of the world’s leading research institutions. During this innovative, intensive, and highly selective program, you'll become part of the renowned biomedical research community at Cornell's Ithaca campus, studying under the guidance of distinguished Cornell faculty members as you pursue research in an area of your choosing. You'll develop your research skills, becoming familiar with the lab procedures, protocols, techniques, and equipment used in cutting-edge facilities. And you'll attend seminars on topics such as biology, medicine, and science ethics. All the while, you’ll work closely with some of Cornell’s leading professors, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate researchers. Unlike other didactic research courses for minors, RABS is designed for students who want laboratory research as their only focus and are serious about a completely immersive experience into the life of a biological research scientist. Strong candidates must have demonstrated their interest in research through previous research activities in industry or at a university/college. Application process includes: online application, 3 personal statements, application fee, transcript, grade report, standardized test scores, letter of recommendation. Need based financial aid is available with the completion of an additional scholarship application. Candidates must have taken at least one AP biology class and, if tested, must have scored four or five on the AP exam. You need a thorough grounding in cell biology in order to understand the science of the work. No application will be considered without a letter of recommendation from your research mentor. Please submit a summary of your work (or papers/posters that resulted from it) and a letter of recommendation from your mentor. If you have taken a didactic research skills course, please include a letter from an instructor who personally knows your work. RABS applicants should submit a recommendation from their AP biology teacher as well as from another teacher and/or guidance counselor. If AP biology is not available in your school, you should include in your application a teacher's letter of recommendation addressing your knowledge in cell biology.