Apply for DSP

Application Details: 2026-2027 Academic Year

The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 cohort is March 1, 2026. Please carefully reveiw the following information before submitting your online application.

Program Eligibility

• Minimum 3.0 GPA (contact sdur@ksu.edu if there are questions about the GPA cut-off)
• Preference given to students with no prior research experience, but all K-State students may apply
• Preference given to early career students (incoming freshmen and transfer students), but all K-State students may apply
• Preference given to first-generation and Pell-eligible students, but all K-State students may apply

Required Items

Letter of Reference

• Include a letter of recommendation on letterhead from a teacher or counselor, faculty member or academic advisor (include address and phone number). The name, position, address and phone number should be listed on the letter. The letter should include information about your academic preparedness, leadership qualities, potential success in a research program and information about your overall character. Email letters of recommendation to sdur@ksu.edu.

Resume

• Include information regarding academics, leadership, and community service.

Transcript

• Unofficial transcripts are permissible.

Essay Question Responses* (2,500 characters, or 500 words, each)

• What areas of research most interest you? Are there any faculty, labs, or research projects at K-State which excite you?
• If you were a character in a book, how would you write your origin story?
• What are your career goals and why do you wish to pursue them? How will DSP help you achieve your goals?
• What additional personal information do you wish to share with the DSP application committee?

*Note: We recommend answering essay questions on a Word document, then pasting answers into the form to avoid losing work.