<p>Hey guys,
So I'm currently a high school sophomore, but since I'm gonna be 16 by the summer, I'm really looking into summer internships/ programs. Since I am an aspiring med school student, I'm really interested to something medically related.
I have great grades and decent ECs.</p>
<p>1) Do you have any recommendations for any programs that would fit me?
2) I have looked into NIH's Summer internship program; does anyone have personal experience with it? I am aware that its highly competitive, but does that change for high school students?</p>
<p>Any discussion is welcome...</p>
<p>NIH is highly competitive, my kid didn’t get even a nibble when she applied a couple of years ago. Think about summer programs this way: it is sort of like applying to colleges. Have a couple of reaches, but also pick out a safety or two that you would be satisfied with if you don’t get into your top choices. The complicating thing about doing that for summer programs is that the timing doesn’t always match up between programs… one program wants a decision before you hear back from another one. Also, it is harder for sophomores to find programs (quite a few are targeted for after junior year).</p>
<p>In addition to looking at summer programs, I’d suggest you read Cal Newport’s book “How to be a HIgh School Superstar”, and think about your summer options in light of his way of thinking about ECs. A summer program might not be your best way to spend a summer. Just something else to think about.</p>
<p>Interesting, thanks for the advice.
I’ll search up the book</p>
<p>Full disclosure: I have no first hand experience with NIH.</p>
<p>That said, when I looked at them a few years ago, the internship program office seemed more like a “putting a bow on the deal” finishing touch vehicle for legitimizing an internship. It seemed to me that the student was to have a definite interest in a specific line of research, find someone within NIH who was doing research in that area, and negotiate the possibility of working together over the summer. Once you and the researcher have agreed in principle that you would like to work together, you both approach the internship office together (via email, I gather), and they put the formalities in place.</p>
<p>This same approach could be used with companies or research units in universities or national labs. Note that for NIH, when I looked into it, there was no accommodation or help in finding room, board, or transportation. You would need to fend for yourself and get to work on your own. There are several sites- Bethesda is near a metro stop, so if you have any friends or relatives in the DC metro area, this may be very workable, even at 16.</p>
<p>This approach does work, and is really probably as good as, or better than, looking for published official programs.</p>
<p>Thank you @ItsJustSchool
I am actually located pretty close to NIH, so there’s no problem with transportation.</p>
<p>Does the intern have to be experienced with lab research? I mean other than my science projects, I havent done anything. However my grades are top-notch, and I am in a medical magnet program, and the passion is there.</p>
<p>My understanding is that you come to agreement with an individual researcher. Whatever s/he needs to feel comfortable in mentoring you is what you need to have. Most likely all you need is eagerness and a willingness to learn and to work hard.</p>
<p>Thanks Again! @ItsJustSchool</p>