@prijas210 No that’s not bad at all. From looking at last years thread it seems it was quality over quantity that countd in the long run. I would’ve definitely emailed a lot less more if my interests were specific, but they are really broad, so I’m emailing as many people aligned with my broad research interests.
@csunshine91 Tell me about it. :)) What are your research interests?
NOTE TO EVERYONE: I just a response from someone in the NIA (National Institute of Aging) and they require that you are not only 16 years old but if from out of state you MUST live with a legal guardian. So I had to check the NIA off my list. :((
*I just received a response
I GOT 13 responses from my emails!!! and I have ONE person wanting a interview!!! the other 12 said either there’s no more room or an automatic email saying they are out of office so maybe…
There was one PI who said “I think I got this by mistake”. BRUH, I found your name on last year’s list. Oh well…
@Tobster18 I sent a lot to the NCI PIs and NIDCR, because I want to become a DDS/PhD when I grow older. Also, I had a bunch for bioinformatics.
A PI sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you all.
“It would be beneficial if you included your scientific techniques in addition to your projects to your resume. Often we use keywords, like Flow cytometry, Western blotting, bioinformatics to find our candidates on a database. Also, do mention in your cover letter whether you have accommodation in the Maryland/ DC area. Many of our visitors from the west coast have family in the area and that will put you in a more favorable position than someone who will be seeking accommodation.”
Also, are you guys sending replies to the people who said no?
@csunshine91 I was but I can’t keep up with all the people saying no. So I just stopped.
@csunshine91 Thanks for the info, and congrats on the interview! And I haven’t gotten enough emails back that I have to worry about too many replies. I sent out another ten this morning, just as backups, in case my interview doesn’t go as well as hoped.
@csunshine91 So far I’ve gotten like 15 responses back. I only emailed 30 people. 6 of them said they will keep me updated and one specifically seemed really interested in my app, and said he would email me next week if he chooses me. So no interviews, but 6 maybes.
I’m kinda scared for the interview. I have no idea what they are going to ask and I’ve never done one where something relies on it (I’m in Academic Decathlon where one of the topics is interview so I have had practice but nothing really came out of it other than a score).
Also, Im on pacific time and NIH is on east coast time, so I’m really not sure when this interview is going to be since I dont get out of school until 3, which is 6 their time.
@csunshine91 Same.
Are either of you applying to other programs?
I’m lowkey scared since the people who said they will consider my app as they make the decision in the next few weeks aren’t asking for an interview.
Like one specifically said " Thank you for your interest. Your research paper was very well written and your research interests are very important. I will be reviewing student requests with my staff at the end of the month and will let you know. Thanks again for contacting me." Should I take that lightly or does it seem like they are actually considering me? :-SS
It sounds promising to me. It does seem like it might be a pre-interview step.
Before I was offered an interview by this PI, I got an email from her that said, “Your background and training fit very well into our program, and I am also very impressed by your research experience as a high school student…”
So maybe give it a week or two…?
Not really, my backup is doing research at the MUSC (medical university of south carolina) or other local universities.
@WCEdmonds I’m applying to RSI (LOL it has a 2% acceptance rate so not really expecting anything) and a Stanford program.
How about you? Also, what state are you guys from?
South Carolina. So the most suitable place for me to do research with NIH would be at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) since its in North Carolina, but I’m not really interested in any research over there.
I’m from NYC, and didn’t apply to RSI, but I’ll probably apply next year, since I’m in 10th grade now. I spent a week at UMass Amherst last summer, and a professor offered me a chance to do research there this summer, but I would have to pay quite a lot to stay there. That’s my backup. I had been planning to do the Rockefeller program, but I missed the deadline. 
@Tobster18 NIEHS has some cool things in genetics, cancer, neuro, and immunology…
That’s what I hate about having such a late birthday. I was born in September so in 10th grade, I missed all the programs that required being 16. UGHHH so annoying. Oh well, hopefully, I will have amazing plans for my last summer.
Do you think I should attach my research paper when emailing. I just described it a tiny bit in the email and cover letters but didnt attach it.
@WCEdmonds I know, I’ve looked through some PIs over there and emailed a few. But it just seems like a lot more interesting research in my opinion is done at the main campus.
@csunshine91 Oh, that’s too bad! Did you ever read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers? It has a chapter devoted to the topic of birthdays and how they affect future prospects. 
I definitely don’t think it would hurt to include your paper. I haven’t published any papers yet, but am in process of conducting research that seems quite promising.
Just curious: what sort of schools do you both go to? Do you have a research program, or are you just doing it all independently?