Scholar’s Year

Instructions and FAQs

The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) offers the unique Scholar’s Year program to students seeking the opportunity to participate in a robust research experience outside of the regular curriculum. Scholar’s Year programs are customizable to meet the student’s professional interests and improve the student’s ability to serve their patients and communities.

The Scholar’s Year allows students to take one year away from the regular Trek curriculum to pursue basic science, translational, or clinical research. Students remain enrolled in CUSOM and pay only minimal student fees and minimal tuition during this time, yet retain the benefits afforded to full-time students, including student health insurance, financial aid, federal loan forbearance, access to campus facilities and support, and malpractice coverage.

How does it work?

All CUSOM students in good standing are eligible to apply. Students must first identify a research project and mentor. The student must then complete the Scholar's Year application and submit it to an advisory committee for review and guidance. If accepted, the student may begin their work at the designated exit point during the Alpine-Summit curriculum.

The Scholar’s Year is a competitive program in which up to 6 students per year will be accepted.

What do I need to apply?

The application will ask you for the following:

• a high-level description of your project including aims, hypotheses, and methods
• a draft timeline of milestones to be met
• an explanation of how the program will advance your career goals
• a signed statement from your mentor showing support for your project and demonstrating understanding of their role

Deadlines

Your application must be completed and submitted by the end of calendar day on Monday, February 23, 2026 to be considered for the 2026 exit point at the beginning of the summer semester.

Participation

Accepted students will begin their Scholar’s Year curriculum at the beginning of the summer semester 2026, after they have completed the Foothills curriculum, ASCs, the spring Trails curriculum, and taken and passed Step 1. They will be enrolled in a Canvas course for each semester in which they participate in the Scholar’s Year and receive 2 credits per semester.

Students will be required to meet four times with Scholar’s Year leadership - once prior to beginning their year, twice in the middle to assure progress on their project, and once at the end of the year.

Completion of the Scholar’s Year

Students will be graded on a PASS/FAIL basis for each semester in which they participate in the Scholar’s Year based on whether they meet the expectations discussed prior to starting their year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information