<p>^Thanks for the help proletariat2! I’m really interested in this one area, so I think I’m going to write about that anyways. :]</p>
<p>Exactly, I suggest you not worry about it too much and write about what you’re interested in. Chances are it’ll sound more genuine, too.</p>
<p>I agree with proletariat. I wrote about my passion about game theory and blah, and they simply saw me as strong in math, and matched me with the only math mentor.</p>
<p>I’m considering applying to the program for this summer but I’m more interested in social sciences research - can anyone give me some information on the non-science/math/engineering based experience?
Additionally I haven’t really done any formal prior research in the social sciences…is that a problem?</p>
<p>There were two Clark Scholars in the social sciences this year. One was in law and didn’t really do research, per se; the other was in psychology and studied executive function in rats. The psychology Clark Scholar (Cido on CC) spent a lot of time training her rats, and I think she really liked her project. Try talking to her for more information about that. There was a Clark Scholar in history last year, too, but I don’t know how you could contact him.</p>
<p>A lack of prior research experiences may lower your chances of admission, but it’s not really a problem if you think you’ll be able to catch on quickly. There were Clark Scholars this year who had never done research before.</p>
<p>By the way, two Clark Scholars were named Siemens Semifinalists today, out of five who applied - Torcher and one other person.</p>
<p>Can internationals apply for this?</p>
<p>^ Yes. (Nirvanatear was an international).</p>
<p>Nirvanatear is a Canadian, and last year I believe there were two girls from Turkey who were accepted.</p>
<p>Hey guys, I suggest you read some of the advice of alumni on past Clark Scholars threads. It’s generally pretty good!</p>
<p>Posted by danng on the Clark Scholars 2009 thread today:</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Well, our experiences are described in the preceding couple pages, so I’ll just summarize: Clark Scholars was absolutely amazing. We did awesome research, often under some of the most important scientists in our field yet still very much independent; we got to meet extremely interesting people (like nirvanatear, Torcher, m.sides, Cido, and blueducky on CC) with whom we spent late nights talking about the most random topics; we also got to explore the fascinating city of Lubbock, Texas!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, nobody did business research this summer; however, I believe two people did it the summer before, so it’s not unheard of. Dr. San Francisco and Ms. Durham are really good at finding interesting opportunities for people in all fields.</p>
<p>Thank you so much proletariat2. </p>
<p>You have been so helpful in explaining the Clark Scholars program. I can’t thank you enough! :)</p>
<p>Hey guys, the application is up! As are the photos from the Clark Scholars from this year, so you can see what we look like…maybe it will humanize us to you, haha…</p>
<p>(and by the way I look quite dashing with a labcoat on and a contemplative look on my face)</p>
<p>hahahah i love proletariat2 and you are doing such a good job promoting the program.
It really is an excellent experience, especially for biology focused people. The bio program is great at Texas Tech, and because the program director (Dr. San Francisco) is in the biology department, he sets up all the Clarkies with really great mentors. </p>
<p>This is not to say that the other departments are not as strong. All of the clark scholars seemed very very satisfied with their mentors and reseach oportunities. Overall, an amazingly fun and educational experience and its even free! </p>
<p>In terms of getting in, I would say that research experience helps. Some of the clarkies 09 had AMAZING stats…like many many many AP tests and perfect scores on SATs and ACTs (like proletariat2). I wasnt one of the kids with 10 AP tests under my belt, but I did have a lot of experience in different labs related to my topic. So, emphasize your interest in your field and like they say, “let your own voice shine through” in your essays. They are looking not just for perfect, book smart students, but also for students who are responsible, enthusiastic and genuinely interested in research. </p>
<p>Good luck potential clarkies 2010!</p>
<p>^Good point. I’d guess that demonstrating enthusiasm for research is probably more important than raw stats. [bragging]While I’d had perfect ACTs, 11 AP tests, and research experience<a href=“and%20one%20girl%20had%20already%20been%20a%20Siemens%20Semifinalist%20twice”>/bragging</a>, some of the people who did some of the best/most interesting work at Clark Scholars had absolutely no research experience coming in and were just really motivated and enthusiastic. It’s kind of hard not to be enthusiastic at Clark Scholars, with the amazing research opportunities and guidance! Basically, definitely don’t slack off on your narrative.</p>
<p>A word of caution - Clark Scholars is sort of like RSI (although, I bet, having a much more ‘humane’ admissions committee). Don’t put it down as a ‘safety’ summer program, but at the same time don’t be too bummed out if you don’t get a call in march or whenever you get notified. I wasn’t admitted to RSI, but I was admitted to Clark. If others from your school are applying, don’t worry, they are ‘school-blind’. The point is, Clark is like applying to a top 10 school, except it’s a top 10 summer program. IMO, the application itself is not nearly as thorough as some other summer program apps, so in the end it is in some ways a ‘crapshoot’. But hey - that’s life. </p>
<p>Go for it - do your best, and don’t worry about it after you send in the app.</p>
<p>^Um the applicant has to live in Texas to attend the program, correct?
Because i live in NJ, and still want to do it. Is that possible? Are transportation costs provided?</p>
<p>^Pretty sure that’s false, considering that one attendee last year was from Canada.</p>
<p>No, the applicant can live literally anywhere. Even … North Korea (ok, not sure about that). Transportation costs are not provided for obvious reasons. There are really no requirements for applying, other than being either a Junior or Senior.</p>
<p>^Sounds very nice but i wouldn’t be able to afford the transportation costs. And my parents would never let me go to Texas. NY is good (I live in NJ) but not Texas!</p>
<p>Well, the $750 stipend can help cover transportation costs.</p>
<p>^Hmm. Good call. I’ll have to talk about it with my parents. I doubt they’ll say yes. BUt i really wish i could go. :(</p>