<p>Hey everyone, just thought I'd let everyone know about a program I participated in a few summers ago, especially since not many people seem to know about it. I've gotten a lot of help from this site in the past...just thought I'd start paying back :)</p>
<p>Its called TAHSS, at Tufts:
Teachers</a> and High School Students Program (TAHSS) | Tufts University School of Medicine</p>
<p>You basically get assigned to an PAID 6-week internship, and also are taught two classes by Tufts medical students- Gross Anatomy and Physical Diagnosis. </p>
<p>I was hesitant to apply because it was listed as being a minority outreach in the past- something I definitely don't fit under. However, I was told during the interview that they now consider everyone equally, so anyone can apply! There was a good number of students in the program- maybe 30-40? Majority are black students, but there are definitely a good number of asians, whites, etc. as well. You have to live near Boston, since it is not residential.</p>
<p>The type/quality of internship you get assigned to is really varied though, and the older you are, the more exciting the internship (I know someone who saw babies being delivered every single day..O_o). If you are a senior, you'll probably get one of the more 'legitimate' ones- helping doctors, lab work on live mice, etc. but there's also more 'huh?' ones- writing bibliographies/'help out' with someone else's research, research on local community safety, day care... but its really what you make of it. You do get time to do your own research near the end, write a paper, and give presentation at the very end. It'll also probably feel more worthwhile if you're a junior/senior because you're more likely to get better internships, but younger people do get them too. There was two returning students who had done it the previous summer and applied again, and had a different experience each time.</p>
<p>Classes are taught informally by medical students, and they can be a lot of fun (if you pay attention and learn). There's no homework, and its basically introductory material to what you would possibly learn in medical school. During the Gross Anatomy class we were able to go to the lab and observe/learn from a REAL CADAVER- which was awesome. But the classes are definitely not 'official' in the sense, and you can either gain a lot from it or gain nothing.</p>
<p>People are really nice, I made a nice group of friends through the experience! There's a lot of opportunities for bonding, the group goes out for dinner, Duck Tour, etc.</p>
<p>Now, regarding college apps. Its definitely not RSI/intense research, but personally I do think that its a worthwhile experience, especially because it doesn't cost anything- in fact, you get paid. It might be a better way to spend your summer more hands on, rather than doing something like Harvard SSP and taking college classes. But, just my opinion. Its probably not the most prestigious program, it really is what you make of it. Its a good learning experience. And for what its worth, I was admitted to an Ivy League school early, if that's important to you. </p>
<p>Apps are due at the end of the month (Jan 24), so at least apply! Let me know if there are any other questions, or if any of you end of participating. I would love to know what you think of it as well.</p>