Application Process Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and where should I apply?

The application portal opens in early November and closes in early February. Interested students can apply directly at https://admissions.mskcc.org/portal/apply-at-mskcc.

2. Can I apply for more than one MSK summer program?

Yes, each applicant can apply to two of the MSK summer programs listed here. While there are several offices that host these programs, the admissions committees and the faculty directors are separate.

3. Is there a deadline for submission of applications?

Yes, the application deadline for each program is posted on the program banner and usually takes place in between late January (QSURE) and early February.

4. Can I update my application from last year?

Applicants that have applied in previous years will need to reapply, request new letters from their recommenders, and upload an updated school transcript.

5. I have created an account, but now can’t log in, can you help?

If the applicant received an email saying: “Application with this email address is not found”, it is likely that a different email was used to create the account. Applicants must use the same email address that they used to create the account. Applicants with two accounts risk having application documents logged in two separate places and risk applications being deemed in complete. For further issues, see contact information in the last question of the FAQS.

6. I forgot my password, how can I reset it?

Log into https://admissions.mskcc.org/portal/apply-at-mskcc, click on “Sign In”, and the click on “Forgot Your Password” link to reset your password.

7. I’m having issues saving my applications or the application system is running slow. How do I fix this?

Some of these issues can be solved by switching browsers (chrome, Firefox), and clearing the browser cache and disabling pop-up blockers. For further issues, see contact information in the last question of the FAQs.

8. What are the application requirements?

9. Is an official transcript necessary for my application?

No, only applicants accepted will need to submit an official transcript after acceptance for that specific program. The applicant, however, is required to upload their unofficial transcript(s) directly into the application system before the application deadline. Please note that for every school that the applicant enters in the application, they must provide an unofficial transcript. If there are discrepancies between the unofficial and official transcripts, the program may rescind acceptance.

For QSURE, no transcript is required at the time of the application, but a letter that confirms academic standing is required along the application. An Official transcript will be required during on boarding. 

10. What are the requirements for the Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement?

The statement of purpose/personal statement should describe the applicant’s undergraduate experience, academic and professional plans, and reasons for wishing to participate in the specific program. If the applicant has done research before it is important to discuss the research done and how that research prepared them to excel at MSK. Statements could also include activities and experiences that the applicant considers important for a judgment of their abilities (including articles, theses, books, other published materials, patented inventions, academic honors, prizes, etc.). 

Furthermore, given that each program is discipline-specific, applicants must review the statement prompts and address their fit for that particular program and specific areas of research or faculty of interest within the program that they are applying to.

11. Can I submit more than the required letter(s) of recommendation?

No, the online application system will not accept more than two recommendation letters per program. It is important to note that the application is only considered complete once both letters of reference are received. While the system sends reminder to the recommenders, it’s the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with all recommenders to ensure that their letters are submitted on time.

12. Can I change my recommender(s) after I have submitted my application?

Making changes or updating the information of the recommender can only be done if the application has not been submitted by the applicant. After the application has been submitted, the applicant cannot make any changes. For further issues, see contact information in the last question of the FAQS.

13. If I change a recommender, will my original recommender be notified?

If the applicant replaces an existing recommender while their application is still pending submission, the applicant is responsible to notify the previous recommender that they are no longer required to submit a letter.

14. What should I do if my recommenders have not received a request for a letter of recommendation on my behalf?

There are a few reasons why a recommender may not have received the system-generated email request for a letter of recommendation.  If the applicant has not yet submitted their application, they should:

15. Who ensures that letters of recommendation are received?

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the letters of recommendation are submitted on time. The applicant should verify with that the recommenders have received the system email requesting their letter.

16. Is there a deadline for letters of recommendation?

All letters must be received within 36 hours of the application deadline. If the recommender is having issues uploading the letter, please have them email the letters in PDF format within the 36 hours of the application deadline directly to that program’s inbox (see contact information in the last question of the FAQs).

17. Can I submit my application before the letters of recommendation are received?

Yes, applicants are encouraged to submit their application as soon as they have completed it. Applicants do not need to wait for their recommenders to submit their letters in order to submit their application.

18. After I submit the application, can I make changes to my application?

No, after the applicant submits their application(s), they cannot make any changes.

19. How will I know if my application is complete?

The completed application(s) must be submitted by the program deadline. Program deadlines are listed in the main page. Applications that are incomplete after the deadline will not receive further consideration.

Once the applicant submits their application, they will receive an email confirmation about their submission. In addition, the applicant can log in into their slate account to check on the status of their application(s).

20. What should I expect during the review window?

Once the deadline of the programs is closed, all applications that are deemed completed will be reviewed by a team of reviewers that includes faculty and program directors. Interviews are not conducted for the summer undergraduate programs, however QSURE applicants may be contacted for interviews.

21. When will I hear about the decision of my application?

For QSURE acceptances are send in a rolling bases starting in January.

For the other summer programs, all applicants who submitted a complete application (all required materials were received within the deadlines) will receive a status notification on the application system for each of the programs that they applied to. 

All notifications will be sent by the end of March.

22. To contact the programs: