<p>Hi All! I am a junior in high school(yeah, I know that many of you are already thinking that my chances are slim anyway) and I completed my formal application along with completed letters of recommendations as of mid-december 2013. Since this time, I have collaborated with former trainees, teachers and others regarding help. All of them said to email as many PIs as possible, and I have done exactly that. I have sent more than 80 emails to Training Coordinators, PIs, and fellows. The majority of my responses have been something along the lines of "Thank you for your interest in my research. I am sorry to say that I cannot offer you an internship slot as my lab does not have a slot this summer." I don't know whether they really don't have a slot or are simply trying to let me down nicely. I know this is a lot to ask, but I was wondering if any former or prospective trainees are aware of labs/PIs which still have internship slots open. I would appreciate any and all information regarding this topic. Have a nice day!</p>
did you get in?
It could be a combination of both - it could be that they really have no slots in their lab, or that they have no slots for high school students in the lab. Quite frankly, high school trainees require a huge outlay of time; they don’t know enough yet to be a huge help in the lab, so taking one on is almost 100% training. The PI himself/herself is unlikely to be the one willing to do this training, so it probably relies on there being a willing/able/draftable graduate student or even undergrad to do this mentorship.
I don’t agree with the advice to email as many PIs as possible, in the future, though. You want your emails to be targeted - it’s better to send fewer tailored emails (like ~15-20) than a whole bunch of generalized ones.
Yea I’m a high school applicant as well, and I’m having trouble finding a position. However, I recommend the HiSTEP program (if you fit the requirements). Look into it