GradFIT

In a nutshell:

  • Who: First-generation or from underrepresented background undergraduates completing their sophomore year or above with an overall 3.0 or higher GPA.
  • What: A five-day, intensive academic preparation camp
  • When: May 20 - 24, 2024 (tentative)
  • Where: University of Nevada, Reno campus
  • Why: A graduate degree can open the door to significant career opportunities. Our bootcamp will introduce students to their options, graduate life, and aid students in developing competitive applications.
  • No Cost to students: All costs are covered by the University - this includes program materials, lodging and meals for the five days.
  • Application deadline: March 1, 2024
  • Spots are limited. Applicants will be notified by late March if they have been selected to participate. 

Start your GradFIT application

Please note the GradFIT application uses the same portal we use for applying to graduate school. Create an account, then simply choose GradFIT under the Choose Enrollment Status dropdown.

What is GradFIT?

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.

GradFIT introduces students to the opportunities, challenges and expectations of graduate school and provides training and tips for the application process.

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. 

GradFIT participants will:

  • Be introduced to the University of Nevada, Reno and learn about The Graduate School
  • Tour the campus and laboratories 
  • Take a workshop on preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
  • Receive training on communicating with faculty advisors and writing a personal statement
  • Learn about graduate assistantships, fellowships and other forms of financial aid for graduate students
  • Have a panel discussion with current University graduate students
  • Day trip to Lake Tahoe

Outcomes for participants:

  • Increased awareness of the opportunities afforded by a graduate education
  • Preparation for graduate studies
  • Elevated confidence and the ability to develop competitive applications

GradFIT is available for those interested in Master's and Doctoral programs such as:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Hydrologic Sciences
  • Journalism
  • Life Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Statistics and Data Science 
  • Public Health
  • And others (not including professional degrees such as those in law and medicine)

Questions?

If you have additional questions about GradFIT, please contact Loren Pietsch, Director, Postdoctoral Affairs, Graduate Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives, at lpietsch@unr.edu.