How to Apply to Summer Research Programs

By: DOCSDeveloping Our Careers in Science

Why Summer Research?

Gain laboratory experience Explore your career options Networking opportunities Travel and see new places Make new friends Build your resume A great opportunity that you

can possibly get paid for

Research Program 8-10 weeks Travel expenses paid

- housing usually paid as well

RESEARCH! ~ 40+ hours per week

Social gatherings Workshops/Speakers

Career Options Hot topics in science

End of the year symposium

Where has MSMC gone?

(2005 Summer Research):University of California, San FranciscoUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Southwestern University (Dallas, Texas)University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Stanford University

Pepperdine University

New York University

Harvard University

California Institute of Technology

Western Michigan University

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Application Checklist

Basic informationResearch InterestsTranscriptsResumeLetters of RecommendationPersonal Statement

Letters of Recommendation

Professors/Research mentors Seniority Science/healthcare experiences

Letter-writers should know who you are: Personal level Teacher-student level Ask directly whether professor is willing to

write an excellent letter Discuss “outside factors” not mentioned in

the Personal Statement Have them support what you address in your

Personal Statement

Personal Statement I Tell your own story and sell it

What’s unique and special about you Your dreams Why are you interested in science

Your motivation? Why science?? What you will bring to their program How you will benefit from their program

**Read directions carefully** Distinguish yourself

Concrete details/examples that set you apart as an individual Positive/confident outlook with personal experience Show your interest in their institution/research

“Why this institution?”

Personal Statement II Logical flow of ideas

Go in-depth Adopt theme/thesis (your hook) Use “Bookends”

Connect your conclusion with thesis/theme at beginning

Get to the point – clear and concise Proofread/revise at least 3x Have others critique it

Peers & non-bio-majors Professors REGINA MEISTER in the Learning Center