This might be dumb but for the “courses taking and taken” section on the app, is that just science and math courses? thanks!
No problem 
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I sent SO MANY EMAILS (50 maybe and I met someone who sent 1,000 and got 2 offers) and I got a mentor who was very familiar with my high school so that really worked for me. I was very lucky that I got it as a rising junior.
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I tried to make the emails short, sweet, to the point, and make sure my interest was clear. I the attached my cover letter and resume at the end of the email.
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I did not have prior research experience but I’m involved in many medical related EC’s but I highly doubt that really mattered to my app since resumes and CVs are mainly a formality.
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I LOVED IT SO MUCH My mentor , PI, and entire Lab were so friendly and I learned so much from them. They also told me hilarious stories and I could talk or ask them about anything. For social life, just be open and talk to people that look like interns. I met so many great people and we got so close over the summer - I still talk to them now. And as for research itself, I was fortunate enough that I actually got to do and finish my own project. I know a lot of interns do the busy work/ shadow their lab and don’t really get to do real research. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I am still going to the lab 4 days a week after school
Yeah I only put math/ sci related courses
@Halie48
1) Could you give an example of an email you sent?
2) Did you read any of their publications before sending out emails? If so, how did you incorporate it into your email?
3) What was your cover letter like? I only wrote about my passion, so it didn’t mention much research experience, and it ended up being 2 pages 11 pt font, so I am afraid it is too long and nobody has the time to read it…
4) This may seem silly, but how exactly do you interact with your mentors? You see, I am a bit socially awkward, although not to the point where I only talk when necessary. I often don’t understand what behavior is right for a situation, especially in a professional setting.
Thank you so much
Also, how early did you start sending emails and how early were you accepted?
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My email format was basically… Hi Dr. ____ My name is _ from _ high school. So I was searching for _ and found your _ and found it _. Something about why you would want to work with them I was wondering if you had an opening in your lab for this summer and _
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Publications are meant to have very scientific jargon so it kinda reads like Russian if you are not familiar with the field of research so just read the beginning paragraphs of the papers
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Mine was just one page large margins and 12 pt font. I wrote about how my extracurriculars and dedication tied to how well I could do research as well as quoted some people from my school that also did SIP before me.
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Well my PI and entire lab in general were so welcoming and nice and we had lab hang out/ chill time everyday which was really fun. Just be somewhat formal at first and show that you are willing to work hard, and remember that PIs are people too
Um emails were really early like way before the apps came out, and I got the acceptance in February I think. The PI directly forwarded me what he sent to the office that takes care of intern stuff
@Halie48 I am a freshman in college and received 3 maybe’s so far (they said they would get back to me when it’s closer to March-April). Should I continue to send out emails just in case they ended picking someone else?
Do you know which research areas take in the most highschoolers? I really love neuroscience, and was hoping that I could get an internship in that area, so do you have any idea of how likely one of the neuroscientists would be willing to offer a slot for highschoolers?
@twelfthofnever that sounds awesome omg 
Usually they do remember that they have already chosen a student but I would just email them a friendly reminder around that time
@SearchForGenius I’m pretty sure every lab can take in students, its just a matter of how much funding they get or weather the lab is willing to teach/ have a project for an intern, and I met many students last summer doing neuro research so just look for PIs in NIMH or NICHD essentially
@uesmomof2 I interned at the NIH this past summer and I stayed at American University. I really enjoyed this because not only do other NIH interns stay here, but I also get to meet other interns around the area. It is also three stops away from the main campus in Bethesda and the area is very safe. However, you must be at least 18 to stay. If anybody has any other questions, feel free to ask!
@twelfthofnever @deeznuts Last year I sent over 30 emails after submitting my application and that doesn’t even count the emails I sent before I submitted my application. Definitely take time to write them and personalize it to pertain to that PI. I attached a resume each time I sent an email. Most PIs didn’t email back. Don’t forget that they are very busy with their research The ones that emailed me back either informed me that they didn’t take summer interns, already have the position filled, or would possibly consider me for a position. There was one PI that I emailed before asking to learn more about his research and I was able to talk with him for over an hour on the phone. I later informed him that I applied to the program and although he didn’t take summer interns, he shared my resume with his colleagues. Each email I would write would take me about three hours because I had to read/understand their research articles. It is a tedious and sometimes disappointing process but well worth it in the end! When you get accepted it will be even more rewarding because you know how much hard work you put in to get this opportunity!
@IDnurse How did you personalize or incorporate the research articles into the emails? Did you summarize your understanding, or just say you were interested? I am reading publications as well, but I am unsure how to go about this…
I’m currently planning on applying to NIH (I would love to research at the NICHD) and was just curious if you needed to have work/research experience? I currently don’t have either, as I have been dedicated to my studies, playing volleyball, balancing my other extracurriculars, and spending lots of time at the hospital. Would I just leave those things out of my resume?
Also, when writing the cover letter, should it be formal or more personal? What I have so far is pretty personal and I’m focusing a lot on my medical related ec’s, why I want to research with NIH, why I’m a good applicant, and my research interests. Is that a solid structure?
@SearchForGenius So I started the email out by saying who I was and what I wanted to specialize when I begin my career. I then specified a specific article that I read and added what I thought was interesting. For example, “I read your report on “X” and thought that it was interesting that the canine model allowed for the cardiovascular effects on ETx and LeTx to be fully expressed.” Then the next sentence was about me doing clinical and bench research and that I would like to expand my research through a summer internship program. The next paragraph I talked a little bit about my research. For the last paragraph, I referred back to the paper and why I thought the research that PI is doing is important. I then finished it off by expressing why I would be a good addition to their team. I said that I applied to the program and mentioned that I attached my resume for the person to see. Then I left my contact information and thanked them for their time. There were many times I didn’t get an email so don’t freak out if you don’t! There were also other times when PIs didn’t take in a summer intern in their lab but they still wanted to forward my information to a colleague in another department. It did take me a while to write up these emails because I needed to understand the scientific jargon. In a way, by taking the time to do that, I was able to really appreciate their work and I also learned new things! I hope that helped!
@cook10 You don’t necessarily have to have research experience but it sure does help. I know many scientists who only took in students that have already interned at the NIH because they knew that the students understood the rigor of the institutes and the research that was being conducted there. Are you a high school student or an undergrad? I would focus on the medical aspect but the other things could be helpful. If you are a high school student, they understand that you won’t have a lot of research experience and if I can remember correctly, they encourage that you add that extra stuff. I would watch the “applying to the NIH SIP” to make sure. It’s also a great tool for cover letter help and emailing PIs! As for your cover letter, make sure it is generic enough that PIs from different institutes could read and relate to. I think what you want to focus on is great! If you have any other questions, don’t be afraid to PM me.
I got a response!!! It was a rejection but it was a really nice one (even complimented my resume!) haha. Welp time to construct another 25 emails lol!
Hi I’m new to the NIH application process since I only just found out about it today :((
I haven’t looked up all the FAQ’s etc. yet but does anyone know if they require standardized testings (SAT, SAT 2, AP)? Or at least, did you include standardized scores in your resume/cover letter? Thanks!