Internships and summer programs in science

<p>I would really like to either get an internship in research over the summer, or attend a program dealing with science/research. The only problem is, I have been looking at ones that are highly prestigious (NIH, RSI, TASP, etc.) and I don't think I will be able to get in. Does anyone know of some competitive programs or internships that aren't as impossible to get accepted into? I live in MA, but I am willing to pretty much go anywhere else if room and board is provided. Please list any that you know of, thanks.</p>

<p>anyone????</p>

<p>Use the search feature. I searched 'competitive science' and got this and many more:</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/218817-second-tier-nationally-recognized-rsi-mit-alternatives.html?highlight=competitive+science%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/218817-second-tier-nationally-recognized-rsi-mit-alternatives.html?highlight=competitive+science&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Yea, I did search for some...I really didn't find anything unheard of.</p>

<p>BUMP</p>

<p>So you've already heard of Jackson labs, Texas Tech Clark scholars, the Clark U program, Cornell nanobiotech and Girls on Ice? It gets pretty lean after that unless you're a URM.</p>

<p>I can't work at the Jackson labs since the program starts in early June and my school doesn't get out until 2 weeks after that.</p>

<p>I checked the website for the Clark U program, and they only have applications and info for summer 07.</p>

<p>Girls on Ice is something I hadn't heard about, but I just checked, and it has absolutely nothing related to what I want to do.</p>

<p>I probably will apply to the Cornell one, although I do want to apply to at least one other program because I have no idea if I will get in.</p>

<p>Vanderbilt offers research internship (you must be a Junior in high school). You get money too. I did it this summer and received $1200 after the internship.</p>

<p>You get put in a lab and you basically work 40 hrs/wk for 6 weeks. If you are interested contact me.</p>

<p>Wen,
That sounds a lot like an internship my D did at Oregon State U a few summers back. It was for 8 weeks and they got a $1k+ stipend depending of who they worked for. They had to make poster and oral presentations at the end. I don't know about the Vandy program, but the one here doesn't provide housing, so you pretty much have to be local.</p>

<p>ento oral presentations on what. ive been looking at programs like the one your D went to but i just dont really know what is expected.</p>

<p>entomom, how did she get that internship at Oregon U? Did she contact any professors, or did she just apply to a program? I don't live anywhere near Oregon, but I was just wondering.</p>

<p>Check out the Garcia MRSEC Summer Program at SUNY SB (polymer research)... they have tons of siemens and intel semi/regional/national winners there~</p>

<p>It's an Oregon-wide program called Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering:<br>
Saturday</a> Academy - ASE
She applied, was interviewed and was offered two jobs to choose from. Students do the poster and oral presentations on small independent projects that they conduct during the summer.</p>

<p>oh so the project isnt anything major, its mostly helping whoever they are working under?</p>

<p>how many people are applying to those kinds of summer programs? I"m a junior and plan to apply to them, but the problem is that i've never had a research experience, and my math/science grades are just so-so cuz they're hard in my school. I'm like ranked the 2nd or 3rd in school even they don't rank anymore. Also, i have a "disability"--i'm hearing impaired or deaf. PSAT score is high, math is 76.</p>

<p>How competitive are they? Can i get into one? please let me know, thx!</p>

<p>Some of them are extremely competitive, particularly the nation-wide ones (RSI, NIH, Cornell nanobiotech, Clark Scholars). The local ones like the program my D went to are less so, but still require applications and interviews. You should apply to several that you like in the hopes of getting into one. My D applied to 4 programs Jr. year and was admitted to one and she got into top schools last year. There is no way that anyone can tell you if you can get into one of these programs (but you knew that :)).</p>

<p>You might want to inquire at MIT Mites to see if your hearing disability would qualify you to apply, here is what their website says, note the last sentence about overcoming significant odds:</p>

<p>All individuals who are selected must be US citizens or permanent residents, and must demonstrate bright promise of ability and interest in science, engineering and technology. Additionally, they must demonstrate that they would benefit from and contribute to the program. These factors are assessed based on all or some combination of grades, PSAT or SAT test scores, extracurricular activities, essays and letters of recommendation.</p>

<p>Additional factors that are considered for selection as plus factors (not entry requirements) include whether: </p>

<p>the individual would be the first in the family to attend college; </p>

<p>there is an absence in the individual's family of science and engineering backgrounds; </p>

<p>the individual's high school has historically sent less than 50% of its graduates to 4-year colleges; </p>

<p>the applicant attends a school that presents challenges for success at an urban elite university (e.g., rural or predominantly minority); and/or </p>

<p>the individual is a member of a group that is under-represented in the study and fields of science and engineering (African American, Latino or Native American).</p>

<p>Members of all races and ethnicities are considered. We look particularly for students who come from challenging backgrounds and those who must overcome significant odds to pursue their dreams of becoming an engineer or scientist.</p>

<p>Honestly, you don't really have to do it through a program. Are there any research institutions near you? Almost any college would work. Just look at their departments and find people doing research in an area you're interested in. Then e-mail/contact them with a resume and cover letter. Most places accept interns even if it's not a formal program.</p>

<p>Yeah, any kind of lab experience is impressive and can give you an edge in college, whether you're running your own experiments or learning techniques by helping a professor/researcher.</p>