Graduate Application Mentoring Program (GAMP)

The Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) Graduate Application Mentoring Program (GAMP) is a student-run initiative at the University of Michigan (U-M) that supports prospective applicants from non-traditional paths or historically disadvantaged backgrounds (as described in the Program section below). Prospective applicants are paired with current PhD students who mentor and guide them throughout the application process.

Please note: The PhD students who serve as mentors are volunteers, and make no guarantees that applicants will be accepted into the U-M IOE PhD program or any other academic program. The PhD students are not involved in the admissions process.

Timeline

  • ROUND 1
    Application closes: Closed
    Mentees/mentors matched by: September 20, 2024
    Contact period: September 23, 2024
  • ROUND 2
    Application closes: Closed
    Mentees/mentors matched by: November 8, 2024
    Contact period: November 11, 2024

Apply Here!

The application consists of questions to help us understand your background and the type of assistance you would like to receive from this mentoring program.

 


Get a mentor

We will attempt to match you with a current PhD student in the U-M IOE program if your application is received by one of the two deadlines. Once paired, you and your mentor can discuss ways to improve your application and other topics related to the graduate application process. You both can decide whether you will meet virtually or communicate through email. While mentors can provide assistance, they cannot guarantee that mentees will be accepted into the U-M IOE PhD program or any other academic program.

Types of assistance include but are not limited to:

  • General review of application materials
  • Comprehensive assistance with application materials
  • Advice about graduate degree programs
  • Advice about research and PhD life
  • Personal statement
    • Topics to include
    • Dos and don’ts
  • Statement of purpose
    • Topics to include
    • Dos and don’ts
  • CV
    • Headers/categories

First Year Results

In the 2023-24 cycle, 16 Volunteer Mentors and 34 students were matched with 1:1 engagements.

Mentee Feedback

As a first-generation university student, this program was a game-changer for me. The personalized guidance I received in crafting my application materials was invaluable. It not only strengthened my application but also gave me clarity on what universities seek in applicants like me. I highly recommend this program to fellow first-gen students seeking tailored support and guidance in their application journey.

Chart with title "How well do you understand the PhD application process?" Chart reflects that after using our mentoring program many people felt they were more prepared to apply to our program.

How well do you understand the PhD application process?

We asked mentees how well they understood the PhD application process before and after the program. There was an (average) increase of 4.25 pre-test to 6.2 post-test or a 46% increase. Also, (23/24) 96% of survey respondents applied to a PhD program and (21/24) 88% applied to an IOE PhD program.