The application for PURPLE 2024 is now closed. The application for PURPLE 2025 will open in February of 2025.
Application
Please note that based on feedback from previous cohorts, this is an intensive program requiring a significant time commitment. If selected, students should plan their other summer commitments accordingly.
Applicant Eligibility: This year, we are recruiting nine highly qualified undergraduate students for the 12-week program. Competitive applicants will: A) Have a cumulative college GPA of >3.0; B) have taken at least one college statistics course; and C) show a demonstrated interest in pursuing graduate school or careers related to behavioral health, psychiatry, or psychology. We welcome students of all backgrounds and experience levels including, but not limited to, students who are BIPOC, first-generation, DACA, and/or refugees.
The application deadline is Wednesday, March 13th, 2024 by midnight (MST). Submissions received after this deadline will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure that your recommendation letter(s) are turned in to the appropriate e-mail by the March 13th deadline, along with your application materials. See page two for application details.
Timeline: Successful applicants will be notified by email if selected to interview with faculty mentors via teleconferencing in April 2024. All applicants will be notified of final application decisions, regardless of selection status, by the first week of May 2024.
Applicants are subject to complete a required toxicology test and pass a background check upon hiring. This will be paid for by the PURPLE program. Students are also required to provide proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or must file for an exemption.
Further information can be found in our Student Application Information Packet 2024.
Tips for Applicants
Before you start your application, here are some tips from the Director of PURPLE and the application review committee:
1. Know how to receive a strong recommendation letter (LOR). More often than not, the quality of your recommendation letters matters more than the number of recommendation letters you can collect. Make sure you ask someone to write your letter who knows your working ability well (e.g., a close mentor or professor whom you meet regularly during office hours) so you can get a detailed, personal LOR. Make sure to allow your writer plenty of time to get this written, and provide them with your CV/resume before they start writing to remind them of your greatest accomplishments.
2. Review your cover letter (CL) and Resume/CV with someone, and better yet, review it with multiple people! Sometimes, student life can be busy, stressful, and overwhelming, and you may not get the chance to sit down with a clear head to read over and revise your materials before submitting them. Don't make this mistake! Make sure to use the resources you have on your university campus such as the career center, advisors, or trusted friends. They can go over your CL and resume together to ensure no typos or grammatical errors snuck through. Keep in mind that your materials are the first impression you will leave for your reviewers. A good CL and resume/CV demonstrate attention to detail and put your best foot forward, while a sloppy CL and resume/CV can lead reviewers to skim over the application of an otherwise highly talented individual.
For more tips, check out these slides!
Yunliang (Lily) Luo, BS
PURPLE Co-Director
Email: PURPLE@ucdenver.edu
Email: PURPLE@ucdenver.edu