There are 4-5 science-related internships which I would like to apply to for summer. Most of these require a few things: transcript, resume, teacher rec(s), and essay of why you want to participate.
Unfortunately, though I expect my GPA to go up significantly, it won’t be until after the deadline for these internships. At the moment, my GPA is extremely low (9-12 4.24 W 3.76 UW). However, I (think) I have an impressive resume, and have taken chemistry, biology, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics 1, and AP Physics 2 and therefore have considerable lab exposure. Should I still apply to these internships though I have weak grades? I’ll try to get great recs and write great essays…
That isn’t that low – my unhooked kid got into colleges like UChicago and Swarthmore with an equivalent GPA. I’d say apply, but have a backup plan if you don’t get in.
@intparent Oh ok, that’s good to know. I do expect it to go up significantly before I apply to colleges though. Also, do you think it would help that I’ve taken ap bio/chem/physics because I have experience then?
Also, if it helps to know, these aren’t some super prestigious internships at Harvard and Yale and whatnot, they’re local ones.
You don’t know if you don’t apply, right? You sound as qualified as any other HS student (probably more so than a lot), so go for it. Why not?
Ok, I guess I will just try it out 
Do you know if, in general, internships are more focused on your grades themselves or overall why your interest lies in this particular subject area (addressed in the essay)?
Well, they don’t ask for things they don’t want to look at. But you are worrying too much about the grades. Put the best app together you can and apply. If you don’t apply, you definitely won’t get one of them!
Don’t overthink this! Just apply. Have backup plans. The worst thing that could happen is that they say no. Not the end of the world!