<p>So,I'm 15 years old and I've been thinking about applying to some internships over the summer, one of which is SIP at the NIH. Now,it allows high school students, however they said that you must be 16 or older by the start of the program. I turn 16 June 20, but I'm sure the program starts before that. So I'm asking, could they make some kind of exception if they really like my application. I'm really gifted in biology and chemistry so any of the work I can handle.</p>
<p>Help Please!</p>
<p>I hope you are “really gifted in biology and chemistry;” however, you may wish to consider if occasional humility sometimes enhances opportunities.</p>
<p>As to your question, it might be wise to research Maryland and Federal statues/regulations to ascertain if there are legal constraints to a fifteen year old working, before you ask for an exception that could be impossible to grant. </p>
<p>Oh ok, I didn’t mean to sound arrogant or anything, I was just giving the assumption that I would be a strong applicant.
Thank you and I will.</p>
<p>Thank you, fair enough. </p>
<p>@TopTier How would I let them know of the situation?</p>
<p>The only think you can do is contact the programs directly, include your credentials and ask if they would be willing to make an exception. If those opportunities don’t work out this year, you will have plenty of time to look for other things to this coming summer (ex. volunteer at a hospital, a summer science program etc.) and pursue those things the following summer. </p>
<p>ok, thank you for your input.</p>
<p>@Bioguye3: In addition to what happy1 indicates, do you have any NIH contacts – friends, neighbors, parents of classmates, spouses of teachers, parents’ friends, colleagues and acquaintances, little league coaches, scout leaders, and so forth – who would be willing to inquire on your behalf? My experiences strongly suggest that a respected “insider” asking such questions is often accorded a far more thorough and helpful hearing than is an entirely outside “cold caller.” </p>
<p>Well, my AP Biology teacher , which has research lab experience and has a master’s in biochemistry, could give me a rec. Or my math teacher, who is a graduate from MIT, could also give me a rec. However, I don’t think anyone I know has direct contact with the scientist. There could be in my family , I could go ask around.</p>
<p>Ask around; the point is bureaucracies have an ingrained tendency to say “no,” whereas friends, friends of friends, etc. are somewhat likely to have at least a limited propensity to say “yes.”</p>
<p>Ok, I appreciate the help!</p>
<p>Bioguye3,</p>
<p>If you live within commuting distance of the NIH, or have friends/family who do, within your greater social network there is likely to be someone who knows someone who knows someone at the NIH. So keep asking.</p>
<p>If you don’t live within commuting distance of the NIH, or have friends/family who do, a summer internship there probably is not going to be workable this year because of the difficulty of arranging summer housing for a 16 year old.</p>
<p>@happymomf1 Housing would be covered because my aunt lives like 30 minutes away, so then would I be good?</p>