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Table 2 Selection Criteria for EXITO Scholars

From: BUILD EXITO: a multi-level intervention to support diversity in health-focused research

Phase

Assessment Criteria

Evaluation

Eligibility

Established by NIH: Citizenship status; Enrollment status

PSU Evaluation Committee

Application Review

GPA (2.5 minimum)

Scoringa by Site Evaluation Committee, 0–2 scale. 3 reviewers per applicant; those receiving divergent scores (2-point difference on 2+ criteria) reviewed by 4th member.

Exhibits curiosity/passion for learning

Experience with research, mentoring, and/or leadership

Interest in pursuing biomedical/social science career

Demonstrates tenacity, grit, and/or academic determination

Fit between student’s overall life experience with BUILD EXITO goals

Essay 1: Influential experiences

Scoring by Site Evaluation Committee, 0–5 scale

Essay 2: Research and career aims

Strength of Letters of Recommendation (2)

Interviewing Applicants

Question 1: What challenges and barriers have you faced academically? What steps have you taken to overcome these challenges?

Site Evaluation Committee assess responses for:

- Engagement

- Passion for/interest in research

- Passion for/interest in addressing health disparities

- Academic commitment

- Promise/Spark/Grit

Question 2: What health issues have you observed or experienced in your community that have inspired you to find solutions? How do you believe that BUILD EXITO can help you address these challenges?

Selection

Holistic evaluation of all criteria

Site Evaluation Committee

  1. aEvaluation rubric uses a point system reflecting the values of the project and the considerations most important for selecting and retaining BUILD EXITO Scholars. This rubric can be modified to suit the needs of each site and applicant pool. Sites are encouraged to establish a minimum number of points needed for advancement to the interview phase of the selection process