On the application, where you list references, do the PIs actually see the reference contact information or do you provide it only to allow the reference to get the email to submit the rec letter?
IIRC from when D2 applied a few years ago, it’s both.
Your potential PI will see who you list as references and, of course, your recommender will include their credentials & contact info when they submit your letter. SOP.
(So no secrets. The world of scientific research is smaller than you think. I remember when D1 was apply to college to major in the same discipline her father held a PhD and academic research position in. When he started talking about contacting Dr. X at University A and Prof Y at University B to ask about specifics of the program, she complained, “Is there a college anywhere in the country where you don’t know someone on faculty?” He thought about it for a minute then answered, “Probably, but I know someone who will know someone on faculty and they’ll introduce me.”)
Any advice for finding the right PIs to contact? I know about the PI database, but it’s large and overwhelming. At the moment, I have contacted a couple of PIs that worked with high school students last summer (is this a viable tactic?)
Sounds reasonable.
Do you have any prior lab experience or particular skills that might be valuable in the lab? If so, that another area to pursue. Some PIs are looking for specific skills. (D2 got her offer because of her unique skill set and experience using some very specific software.)
Do you have any special interests? If so, that’s another avenue to pursue.
I actually don’t have any past experience, which may be a problem