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<h2>In a nutshell:</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Who:</strong> First-generation or from underrepresented background undergraduates completing their sophomore year or above with an overall 3.0 or higher GPA.</li>
<li><strong>What: </strong>A five-day intensive academic preparation camp (primarily designed for students who have not yet applied to graduate school)</li>
<li><strong>When:</strong> May 18 - 22, 2026 (out-of-town participants arrive Sunday, May 17)</li>
<li><strong>Where: </strong>University of Nevada, Reno campus</li>
<li><strong>Why: </strong>A graduate degree can open the door to significant career opportunities. Our bootcamp will introduce students to their options and graduate life, and aid students in developing competitive applications.</li>
<li><strong>No cost to students:</strong> Most costs are covered by the University. This includes program materials, lodging and meals for the five days. Transportation to Reno, Nevada, is not provided unless you are from a GradFIT partner school</li>
<li><strong>Application deadline:</strong> March 31, 2026</li>
<li>Spots are limited. Applicants will be notified by early April if they have been selected to participate.</li>
</ul>
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<p class="text-align-center"><a href="http://unr.my.site.com" title="GradFIT Application" class="button button-secondary">Start your GradFIT application</a></p>
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<p class="text-align-center large-body-copy"><span>Please note the GradFIT application uses the same portal we use for applying to graduate school. Create an account, then simply choose </span><strong>GradFIT</strong><span> under the </span><strong>Choose Enrollment Status</strong><span> dropdown.</span></p>
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<h2>What is GradFIT?</h2>
<p>Our five-day, intensive academic program is designed for first-generation college students and students from underrepresented backgrounds who are completing either their sophomore year or above undergraduate education.</p>
<p>GradFIT introduces students to the opportunities, challenges and expectations of graduate school and provides training and tips for the application process.</p>
<p>Participants will attend academic lectures, tour the campus and labs, meet with current graduate students, attend workshops to develop competitive applications and learn about career choices afforded by a graduate education. </p>
<h2>GradFIT participants will:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Be introduced to the University of Nevada, Reno and learn about The Graduate School</li>
<li>Tour the campus and laboratories </li>
<li>Take a workshop on preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)</li>
<li>Receive training on communicating with faculty advisors and writing a personal statement</li>
<li>Learn about graduate assistantships, fellowships and other forms of financial aid for graduate students</li>
<li>Have a panel discussion with current University graduate students</li>
<li>Day trip to Lake Tahoe</li>
</ul>
<h2>Outcomes for participants:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Increased awareness of the opportunities afforded by a graduate education</li>
<li>Preparation for graduate studies</li>
<li>Elevated confidence and the ability to develop competitive applications</li>
</ul>
<h2>GradFIT is available for those interested in Master's and Doctoral programs such as:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Business</li>
<li>Education</li>
<li>Engineering</li>
<li>English</li>
<li>Hydrologic Sciences</li>
<li>Journalism</li>
<li>Life Sciences</li>
<li>Physical Sciences</li>
<li>Psychology</li>
<li>Public Health</li>
<li>Social Psychology</li>
<li>Social Work</li>
<li>Statistics and Data Science </li>
<li>Public Health</li>
<li>And others (not including professional degrees such as those in law and medicine)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Questions?</h3>
<p>If you have additional questions about GradFIT, please contact Loren Pietsch, Director, Postdoctoral Affairs, Graduate Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives, at <a href="mailto:lpietsch@unr.edu">lpietsch@unr.edu</a>.</p>
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