<p>Hello
I am interested in applying to Cosmos, Ysp, carleton, and maybe City of Hope.
Do these summer programs require prior research experience?</p>
<p>I know that most research programs prefer applicants who have experience working in a lab/collaborating with professors/conducting research, but unfortunately I do not have any of those vital "stepping stones" to help me into such summer programs because I was rejected from Cosmos last year (applied to UCD biomed as a freshman, did not make good decisions, was so stupid I did not even arrange plans to study at atdp or other summer sessions)</p>
<p>Right now the entire "science competitions/research" section of my application is left utterly blank because I have not participated in summer programs in the past. I know I am an average-below average applicant because my uw gpa is 4.0 (just like most other Cosmos applicants) and I do not take subjects at school that reflect my ability to succeed in advanced level science/math(was not in the public school system the year during which the district took our STAR results to determine our future placement). I only take H English, H Chem, and H Trig this year, not AP stats or Precalc like many students in my grade. </p>
<p>Even though I have officer positions in 2 medical clubs, I did not get into the actual science competition club at school, so no scibowl, usabo, scioly, etc.</p>
<p>How do I convey my passion for chem/bio/math with this total lack of legitimate achievements? -___-
Last summer, all I did was participate in a job shadowing opportunity where I observe dental procedures such as extractions, root canals, fillings, and implants, and assist the dentist in sanitizing and preparing the tools. This year, I spent months working on Exploravision, but since the competition results have not come back there is no point in including that, is there?</p>
<p>I have no accomplishments that demonstrate my "exceptional talent" in science.
Any suggestions on what I can do?
Thank you for your help and sorry for this long post!</p>