Applications for i3 2023 are now open! Introductory Institute for new i3 Scholars will be held from June 18, 2023 – July 15, 2023.
For more information about the program structure and commitment, visit our About page.
The i3 admissions process is competitive; applications are holistically evaluated far beyond GPA. We seek students who have shown academic promise, including those who have demonstrated improvement over their college careers. Students from all majors and disciplines are encouraged to apply. The information sciences are interdisciplinary and connect with many other fields of study. Past i3 Scholars have majored in anthropology, information science, computer science, psychology, sociology, public policy, communication, business, economics, public health, history, English, and engineering, among others. Students across all years at US-accredited colleges and universities, as well as recent graduates, can apply.
Jump to: Who Should Apply? | Application Requirements | Application Materials and Instructions | Application Deadlines
Underrepresented Students
Students from underrepresented populations and students with a demonstrated commitment to social justice who are interested in pursuing graduate study and careers in the information sciences are encouraged to apply.
The i3 admissions committee considers a broad set of criteria including underrepresentation within the information sciences (ex: first-generation status, socioeconomic status, etc.) and/or a demonstrated commitment to social justice in order to provide as much opportunity for students as possible. Students are encouraged to explain in their application essays how they will use their background and lived experiences to make a valuable contribution to the information sciences.
Who Should Apply?
- Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college, including community colleges, or university in the United States OR students who have recently graduated
- Students enrolled in any academic major; undeclared or undecided students are also welcome to apply
- Students who have an interest in graduate school
- Students who are open to exploring the information sciences and its many interdisciplinary fields
- Individuals who can demonstrate a commitment to social justice in the information sciences
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients
Application Requirements
Application materials are submitted via the application form. This form includes:
- A number of questions about applicants’ academic interests and experiences
- Three short essay questions (instructions below)
- A space for applicants to upload their undergraduate transcripts (instructions below)
In addition, applicants should have a recommender submit a letter of recommendation to support their application (instructions below).
Application Materials & Instructions
Application Form (Required)
Applicants are required to fill out the application form. This form asks a number of questions and is also where applicants will upload their essay responses (instructions below) and undergraduate transcripts (instructions below).
Short Essay Question Instructions (Required):
The required application form (above) asks applicants to upload a single document with responses to three short essay questions. Please limit your response to 400 words per question:
1) Graduate school programs often provide students with unique opportunities to work on projects that require a high level of planning, collaboration, and attention to detail. Describe a challenge you have faced in your life that has prepared you for such projects.
2) The information sciences focus on helping people to discover better information, design and use better technology, and make better decisions to solve problems. Whether those problems are in business, medicine, education, the arts, or any number of other fields, information professionals are able to grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. What about the information sciences do you find interesting and would like to explore?
3) (3a) i3 is committed to exploring and expanding topics at the intersection of people, information, and technology through a social justice lens. Please tell us why you think that this is important and how you could contribute to this effort. (3b) Since 2011, i3 continues to build and sustain a long-term community of scholars from a myriad of all backgrounds. What approach would you take to building relationships and collaborating with students whose lived experiences that vary from your own?
Please submit your responses via one .doc/.docx or .pdf file and upload using the application form (linked below):
Transcript Instructions (Required):
In your application form, please upload a copy of your undergraduate transcripts, including any transcripts from previous transfer schools. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted (please do not pay for official transcripts). If your college/university uses e-transcripts, request that a copy be sent to yourself and upload using the application form.
Letter of Recommendation Instructions (Optional):
Submitting a letter of recommendations is now optional. Please share this link with your recommender and ask them to fill out the form and upload their letters.
A letter of recommendation is an opportunity to supplement your application to tell us more about you than we would know from a transcript, GPA, or essay. This can include former teachers, university faculty and staff, employers, as well as leaders within communities in which you are a part (e.g. community service supervisors, religious leaders, etc.). If you would like to apply but aren’t able to get a letter of recommendation, email i3info@utexas.edu and the Program Director will work with you.
We understand letters of recommendation can be challenging – we will accept letters after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only 25 Scholar placements are available. The application deadline has been extended to April 28, 2023; however, early applications will receive priority consideration.
Please direct all questions to i3info@utexas.edu