How to Apply to Summer Research Programs

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How to Apply to Summer Research Programs
By DOCS Developing Our Careers in Science
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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

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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

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Where has MSMC gone?

• (2005 Summer Research)
• University of California, San Francisco
• University 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

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Application Checklist

• Basic information
• Research Interests
• Transcripts
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement

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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

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Personal Statement I

• Tell your own story and sell it
• Whats 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?

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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 ?