So I’m applying to a summer program and one of the questions on the application asks you to explain what you would be able to contribute to the program/why should you be chosen (I didn’t have much trouble answering the essay question ‘why would you want to attend this program’). I’ve been stuck on the for a bit, because the program I’m applying to is centered around STEM, but I haven’t had any research experience or done any science fairs. I’ve taken AP science and math classes, but I don’t think that would help me stand out, as I’m sure all other applicants have done so as well.
Would it be acceptable to write something like ‘helping to create collaborative teamwork’ or being a ‘motivated learner’? I know it’s incredibly cheesy and awfully unconvincing but it’s honestly all I can think of. How could I write something that stands out more?
Please comment advice about answering this prompt! Thank you!!
I have the exact same issue - those prompts are so hard to answer without sounding cheesy. Are you able to draw examples from previous experiences? For example, for one of my prompts I wrote about I would bring a source of perseverance and motivating attitude to the program, and backed it up with the story of how I brought my robotics team back from the edge of dissolution to a major award. Almost everything you say will sound cheesy, but with evidence, you can at least sound credible.
What program are you applying to btw? If it’s well known, you can try doing research on what other accepted students have written.
@insertcleverpun thanks for the tip- I’ll try looking those up! unfortunately I haven’t had any exciting experiences in science:/ your anecdote sounds really interesting! I feel like the only experience I could draw on is my AP bio class, which is kinda lame. Are there any other ways I could make my essay stand out?
I’m applying to UF’s SSTP:)
Do you have any other non-science type anecdotes you could draw on? Maybe volunteer work or another extracurricular? Also, maybe you could talk about what got you interested in science and then relate that for why you want to do research and join the program. Even if it’s just citing AP Bio, you could explain how you found x lab or x topic so interesting and want to be part of its discovery process, and then transition to explain how the program would help you jumpstart that ambition. You can further cite some part of the program you’re super excited about, like the amazing research topics (if you research past projects), the great group of people, etc.
Also, on another note, you may want to consider applying to multiple programs to better your chances of getting accepted (that’s what I’m doing :P). I’m specifically applying for a lot of free programs that don’t require deposits or any monetary commitment. If I get accepted to multiple (that would be amazing XD but there’s a very small chance of that happening), I’ll just politely reject other offers. This at least offers you a better statistical chance…
Hope this helps!
@insertcleverpun thanks for the advice! 
I think I might include something about the labs since the program I’m doing is pretty centered around experiments and things like that.
I’m currently looking for more good summer programs too–I feel like free programs are more competitive so they likely look better on applications. There are so many things I want to do during summer but such little time!
Good luck to you in applying for summer programs- you definitely seem like an exceptional candidate! 