Applications for NPRE SUMMER 2025 Opens January 1, 2025

Program Dates: June 9–August 1, 2025

Final Application Deadline: April 15, 2025

Orientation: Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Graduation Ceremony: Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:00 AM

Have you ever wondered what it is like to have a career as a scientist?
Are you a Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology/Immunology, or Neuroscience, major or pre-major?
Are you seeking opportunities to promote your success as a science major at UTSA?

If so, come join the NDRB Prefreshman Research Experience (NPRE) and prepare for research opportunities that will help you to reach a scientific career!

The NPRE program is a mentor-led, 8-week summer laboratory experience that includes weekly seminars on different research topics as part of development workshops. The program seeks to promote the retention of students pursuing science degrees and contribute to the future generation of science professionals.

Program Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled at a high school in San Antonio or surrounding area.
  • Currently enrolled as a high school senior graduating in 2025.
  • Admitted into UTSA as a Freshman in the upcoming fall semester
  • Demonstrated outstanding general academic achievement with a particular focus on science coursework.
  • Able to participate in all program activities as required * during the eight-week period (June 9-August 1, 2025, generally from 10 am to 2 pm).
    * Note: No more than three absences total are permitted throughout the duration of the program. College tours/orientations and vacations should be scheduled so as to avoid any conflicts. If an absence from program participation is required, the student must make arrangements with their direct mentor or the mentoring lab’s Principle Investigator.

Application Requirements

This application may be completed by using a desktop computer, laptop, mobile device, or tablet. Please be aware that in order to upload some of the required documents, you will need to have PDF, Word, or JPEG image versions of the document. Before you begin, please gather all the required documents listed below and have all the documents scanned and ready to upload in order to complete the application.

  1. NPRE Application Essay written by the student that answers the prompts below (100-200 words).
    • Why I want to participate in the NPRE Program.
    • Why the NPRE Program is important to me.
    • What I like about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
  2. NPRE Program Nomination Form from a Math or Science teacher.
  3. An unofficial transcript from a school counselor.
  4. UTSA Acceptance Letter and/or Registration Confirmation for Orientation.

Additional Registration Information:

  • If you are a parent/guardian applying on behalf of your student, you must use the student’s email address.
  • If you are applying for more than one student in the same program year, you will need to complete a new application for each student. Additionally, each student will need their own unique email address and all MUST use a different email address from their parent’s email address.
  • After submitting the application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam/junk folders to verify that the application was submitted.
  • Application reviews will begin after the final application deadline. We will send an email to each student with a decision once all applications have been reviewed, and no later than May 1, 2025. In order to accommodate the maximum number of students, accepted applicants will have 48 hours to accept or decline entry to the program once the offer letter has been sent.

Once you are ready to begin the application, click the "Apply Now" button below.
If you have issues completing your application or submitting the required documents, please contact Stephanie Villalon for assistance.

Apply Now

Faculty interested in hosting a student for this summer program have until the application deadline to volunteer to host.
Graduate students and postdocs are invited to participate in the administrative preparation of this summer's program.
Please email Stephanie Villalon with any questions or comments.