The current leadership disputes this charge vigorously. Nonetheless, the complaint was voiced more than once. We therefore recommend that the Membership Committee establish and publicize clear criteria for membership and procedures for applying. Students include both US citizens and non-citizens. Domestic applicants are mainly from the Northeast and Midwest and have attended a variety of universities and colleges.
Most foreign applicants are from China.
It is not clear why this is the case as some Northeastern programs have experienced increased numbers of applicants. Currently 9 students in advanced standing are supported by individual NRSA fellowships, and four students have NSF or HHMI fellowships. This is a strong record that testifies to the quality of the students. The faculty express some frustration with a perceived low yield of the very strongest applicants. To reach beyond this plateau to attract and matriculate stronger applicants, Penn must look to the further development of its neuroscience faculty, particularly at the senior level.