Summer Programs That Don't Require Previous Experience?

I’m a rising sophomore who’s passionate about science, specifically biology, more specifically, molecular biology and computational biology. I really want to do some summer STEM-oriented programs next summer, but I don’t have any previous experience with research or any STEM ECs other than my school’s science club (I’ll be participating in the science bowl team this coming year, which has placed at state the last few years). I know a lot of the prestigious, good programs are very competitive, so I was wondering if there are any less selective but high quality programs, or programs I could get into with very good grades (UW 4.0 GPA, most difficult classes available to me), but without prior experience?

Hey! I’m also a rising sophomore that likes science, so I’ve looked into this. I’d love to do the NIH’s summer internship someday but it’s insanely selective - if you have a university near you, you could see if they have a summer program, and if they don’t you could always email a professor that teaches something you’re interested in and see if they know of any opportunities. In my experience professors love to see people interested in their subject and they’d be more than willing to help. Good luck!

@hsstudent13 Thanks for the reply! I’ve also heard about the NIH internship. It’s definitely a dream! Have you reached out to any professors near you? If you have how did it go?

I haven’t yet, because I have so many things I want to do for the next few summers (senate page program, state department internship, etc) - I just can’t find the time for something science-related! It sucks bc I’m interested in a few different career fields and I don’t want to commit. I might try a science internship next summer though. When do you think is the right time to start lining things up? I would only have half the summer available.

@hsstudent13 A lot of programs have application deadlines between January and March, but I’d start finding programs and writing apps in November or early December to make sure you have enough time. Most of the programs I’ve seen require essays or personal statements, which you’ll want to put some time into. If you’re planning to reach out to professors directly for an internship I’d recommend a similar timeline because the number of professors that will allow high schoolers in their lab is limited and some will fill up their lab space quickly. That said, you can probably wait until a little later in the early spring before reaching out, if that’s the route you want to take.