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Why apply to summer research programs?

• It will be an invaluable experience – you will learn some neat things!
• You will NETWORK.  NETWORKING IS IMPORTANT.
• It will enhance your resume and thereby your chances for admission to professional school.
• You will earn while you learn! Virtually all of these programs PAY YOU!

What's entailed in applying?
Typically, there’s an application to fill out along with 1 to 3 letters of reference and a statement.  A transcript is almost always required.  I’ve never heard of a program requiring an interview.  The deadlines for most of them span from about mid January to mid March.

How do I secure letters of reference?
Ask your science professors or faculty advisor.  If you’re not a science major, you should try to get one from a science professor you had recently.  You’ll be surprised how willing most professors are to give good letters of support – it reflects well upon the institution when their undergraduates are well represented at various summer research programs.  If you’ve already worked in a lab, then secure one from your lab mentor.  To make it easier for you, we’ve sent out a letter to every science faculty member informing them of Project 100 by 2000 – a Biology/Premed Club initiative aimed at increasing the number of undergraduate students securing placements in summer research programs across the country.  All you’ve got to do now is ASK.

What are the typical requirements to be accepted?
As far as academic requirements, you will be competitive with a GPA of about 3.0.  After my freshman year, I applied to about 15 programs and was accepted at about 5 of them.  I ended up going to one out of state.  They also vary as to the kinds of students they prefer.  For instance, some want juniors and seniors, some want sophomores and freshman, and some are aimed towards minorities.  I spent a lot of time on the personal statement which typically asks you to write about your past lab experiences, how you will benefit from such a program, your career goals, etc.

How much do they pay?  Is travel covered?  Meals?  Housing?
Typically, the stipends range from about $2000 to $4000 with the most common amount being about $2500.  Travel expenses as well as housing are usually covered.  Few programs cover meals.

What is the experience like?  How long does it last?
Usually, you work in a lab on your own project, depending on how experienced you are.  At my first summer program, I was fairly inexperienced – I couldn’t pipette and speak at the same time; I’d lose track or stutter!  So, accordingly, my project was guided by a research technician employed by the lab.   Often, there are optional lectures and most programs end with either a poster or an oral presentation of the work you did.  Most programs are 10 weeks but they range from 8 to 10 weeks and span from early June to early or mid August.

Any pointers?

Yes, four:

• ask for letters of reference now! (that is BEFORE the fall semester is over)
• type the applications
• apply to several programs, don’t limit yourself
• get your transcript requests in early – they take a week or two.
* * * Here's a collection of summer research opportunities.  The Hunter College Premed Club will not be held responsible for any inaccuracies / mistakes in the following data.
Any remarks / additions can be sent to premed112@yahoo.com.

* For the Elegibility Column: Fr = Freshmen; So = Sophomores; Jr = Juniors; Sr = Seniors
**For the Stipend Column: TA = Travel Allowance; H = Housing; M = Meals.

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The info in this page was collected and composed by Ignacio Munoz.

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This page was last updated on December, 1999. It is maintained by Roni Socher ronicuajo@hotmail.com