Hey guys, I’m starting this forum to discuss the Stanford SIMR program for the summer of 2018 and maybe get some info from previous attendees. I couldn’t find too much information on the acceptance rates nor the accomplishments of people who get in. They seem to emphasize how they provide the opportunity to work in a lab, so I doubt you need previous research experience, but I’ve never really done much related to biology. I’m more of the programmer type and will be applying to work in bioinformatics. Some of the people who’ve gotten in previously seemed amazingly accomplished while many others just seemed average, so the selection criteria is a little unknown. Also, how can I increase my chances if my grades aren’t that great? Essays? I mean it’s only been the past semester that’s been bad, otherwise I’m nearly a straight a student, but my current uw gpa of 3.63 seems a little on the low end.
So anyways, wondering if previous attendees could post some advice. Also, I opened this forum for other prospective applicants.
Hey everyone, I was part of SIMR last year. The acceptance rate is about 4-6%. From what I heard, stats don’t matter too much, and there are a lot of other factors that influence their decision, but the essays are by far the most important part. They will make or break your application.
@dbad101 How much does prior research experience matter? I’ve been working with a comp sci professor for about a month so far and obviously haven’t done anything too amazing.
Also, how much of a disadvantage will being outside the Bay Area be?
@“Prestigious Nerd” being outside of the Bay Area is a huge dampen on your chances. last year only about 10% of other students were outside of bay area, and most of them got in because they indicated they had a place to stay (i.e family member, etc) within the bay area during the internship. if you’re OOS, its unlikely you’ll get in unless you have some pretty outstanding achievements.
nevertheless, apply! i got in and i didn’t even submit any of my SAT/ACT scores. the application takes a holistic approach and definitely considers your ECs and essays just as much as, if not more than your grades
@turnipqueen I’m still in state and have family in the Bay Area (they live less than a mile away from Stanford). Will having family there increase my chances?
Also, do you think I should include a small note in my application about the bad first semester of junior year? I just don’t want to leave anyone wondering.
Also, I’m hoping to work with Anshul Kundaje and am really interested in his research. Even if I don’t get in, do you think it would still be possible to do an independent research internship with him?
@“Prestigious Nerd” i am not sure it’ll increase your chances because it still thoroughly depends on a holistic view of your application. if you want to leave a note about your junior year, you should only do so if you can completely explain why it happened (illness, etc).
you can definitely still get into a lab without simr! in my lab there were seven other interns who came in outside of a program just by emailing our PI. however i think SIMR will limit your chances if you specifically want to work in Kundaje’s lab specifically, because you do not get to pick your lab unless you had been working there prior to the program.
Thanks to whoever created this! I applied as a female Bay Area student with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, but I’m still not sure of my chances since they’re primarily looking for disadvantaged students, and I don’t exactly fall under that category.
hey guys! I’m also a female bay area resident (chinese american junior) who applied to this program and I’m feeling pretty nervous about my chances esp since i feel like my application is pretty lacking in comparison to some of the amazing stats I’ve seen from previous applicants. if my essays weren’t particularly unique or interesting but still genuine and honest, do i still have a good shot??
