Table 2.

Selection Criteria for EXITO Scholars

Phase	Assessment Criteria	Evaluation
Eligibility	Established by NIH: Citizenship status; Enrollment status	PSU Evaluation Committee
Application Review	GPA (2.5 minimum)	Scoringa by Site Evaluation Committee, 0–2 scale. 3 reviewers per applicant; those receiving divergent scores (2-point difference on 2+ criteria) reviewed by 4th member.
	Exhibits curiosity/passion for learning
	Experience with research, mentoring, and/or leadership
	Interest in pursuing biomedical/social science career
	Demonstrates tenacity, grit, and/or academic determination
	Fit between student’s overall life experience with BUILD EXITO goals
	Essay 1: Influential experiences	Scoring by Site Evaluation Committee, 0–5 scale
	Essay 2: Research and career aims
	Strength of Letters of Recommendation (2)
Interviewing Applicants	Question 1: What challenges and barriers have you faced academically? What steps have you taken to overcome these challenges?	Site Evaluation Committee assess responses for: - Engagement - Passion for/interest in research - Passion for/interest in addressing health disparities - Academic commitment - Promise/Spark/Grit
	Question 2: What health issues have you observed or experienced in your community that have inspired you to find solutions? How do you believe that BUILD EXITO can help you address these challenges?
Selection	Holistic evaluation of all criteria	Site Evaluation Committee

^aEvaluation rubric uses a point system reflecting the values of the project and the considerations most important for selecting and retaining BUILD EXITO Scholars. This rubric can be modified to suit the needs of each site and applicant pool. Sites are encouraged to establish a minimum number of points needed for advancement to the interview phase of the selection process