What is CasePREP?
CasePREP is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported post-baccalaureate research education program at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine (SOM) in Cleveland, Ohio. CasePREP is designed as a one-year, research intense program for recent college graduates who intend to go to graduate school in the biomedical sciences to earn a PhD. Applicants chosen for CasePREP, called Scholars, will be hired by CWRU as entry-level research assistants. Scholars will be matched with CWRU SOM faculty for full-time research with that faculty member’s research group. CasePREP Scholars are expected to take graduate-level courses in the Fall and Spring semesters as well as present their research at local and national conferences. CasePREP Scholars are also expected to apply to graduate school while in CasePREP, typically by the end of the fall semester.
Why should I consider CasePREP?
CasePREP is a great program for college graduates who need additional, intense research experience to be competitive for the graduate school admissions process. CWRU SOM is considered an “R1” or research intense institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. A typical CasePREP applicant will have had some research experience but it may have been limited depending on the research options available at the undergraduate institution of the applicant.
CasePREP is also a great program for applicants who have research experience but struggled a little academically because of extenuating circumstances such as financial hardship, illness, disability, or personal loss. Juggling graduate-level courses with full-time research demonstrates to graduate admissions committees that you are resilient and ready for the rigors of graduate school.
Finally, for many applicants, CasePREP is a great program for personal and professional development. Adulting is hard. The one-year transition from undergraduate to graduate work provided by a post-baccalaureate program like CasePREP is associated with high retention rates and completion of degree.
Overall, the program encourages applications from individuals who have had limited exposure, experience, and access to research opportunities, including:
- First-generation college students
- Students from economic backgrounds of limited means
- Students attending small liberal arts colleges or universities with fewer research resources
- Students with demonstrated academic potential, resilience, and a strong commitment to pursuing research careers in the biomedical sciences
What expenses are covered by CasePREP?
Scholars are CWRU employees. The 2026-2027 salary is expected to be $39,000. CasePREP will also cover expenses for travel to ABRCMS, a national conference where Scholars present their research. Other expenses covered by CasePREP may include standardized test fees and graduate school application fees.
Does CasePREP provide housing?
No. CasePREP Scholars are salaried CWRU employees. CasePREP will send the CWRU SOM housing guide for information on where graduate students and medical students typically live while studying at CWRU.
Does CasePREP provide benefits?
As CWRU employees, you will be eligible for the CWRU Tuition Waiver Program which will cover the expenses of the courses registered while in CasePREP. A description of additional CWRU employee benefits can be found on the CWRU HR website.
Who is eligible for CasePREP?
To be eligible for CasePREP, you must:
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident
- Have a four-year degree by the start date of the program or have a four-year degree that was conferred no longer than 36 months at the time of application
- Not have a graduate degree (e.g., Master’s) or other professional degree or be in a graduate or professional degree program at the time of application
I want to earn a medical degree (MD). Am I eligible for CasePREP?
No, NIH PREPs are for applicants who want to earn a PhD. Applicants who want to earn a dual MD/PhD may be considered.
How many applicants will be chosen for CasePREP?
CasePREP is currently funded to support six Scholars per year. The number of slots available may vary by year.
Will I earn a certificate after the completion of CasePREP?
No, CasePREP is not a certificate program.
I want to go to graduate school but not in the next year or two. Would I still be considered for CasePREP?
CasePREP Scholars are expected to matriculate into a PhD or MD/PhD program within one to two years of completion of the program. You will not be considered for CasePREP if you do not intend to apply to graduate school while in CasePREP.
When does CasePREP start and end?
CasePREP typically starts at the beginning of July and ends at the end of May. This year, we expect CasePREP to start late July or early August 2026.
Are there other NIH-supported PREPs?
Yes, there are other NIH-supported PREPs.
I am not eligible for NIH-support PREP. What are my options?
National PROPEL may be an option for you.