Start Early. Once you know that you want to apply to summer research programs for an upcoming summer, start looking for programs and completing the application requirements for those that interest you. For many programs, you have to pick mentors you would want to work with if you are accepted, based on their research, and deciding this takes longer than you might think. Don't take these decisions lightly, as you may end up in the laboratory or working directly with the people you list in these sections. If a program requires official transcripts, be sure to submit your order within the time frame needed based on your institution.
Summer research programs exist to help undergraduates receive some of their first research opportunities. If you have very little prior research experience, that is a great reason to be applying to a summer research program.
Finding Programs. Simply using Google to search for terms such as "summer undergraduate research programs" worked best for me. If you know there is a specific area or university you would like to research in, add that as another search term to narrow your results. You could ask your professors, the Career Development Office at your university, or other students you know that have completed summer research programs in the past, as all of these groups of people will know of past research programs that may be happening again, as well as how to find new opportunities.
Many programs aim to help increase diversity in scientific research by sponsoring students from underrepresented groups such as women and racial/ethnic minorities. Do not be afraid to highlight your unique situation based on your identities in your applications, especially your personal essays.
Submit Multiple Applications. The more programs you apply to, the better chance you have to be accepted to one. However, apply to programs you truly are interested in, and only as many as you can handle the applications for. Of course, just as you did when applying to colleges, be certain that your qualifications meet the base requirements of the program. Outside of that, apply to any program that interests you, even if you think you might be missing an unspoken qualification - the program will quickly eliminate you if you are, but there is just as much of a chance that your are not. I thought that since I had not taken a formal neuroscience course yet that the Center for Neuroscience would never accept me for their program, but they did. I would have missed out on this wonderful summer research program if I had limited myself and not applied.
Two of the most important aspects of applications are the personal essay and recommendation letters.
Recommendation Letters. Just like your own sections of your applications, you want to ask for recommendation letters as early as possible to give your recommenders ample time to write your letter or fill out the form provided by your program. Know that you will have to have at least two letters of recommendation for most programs. Try your best to ask people to write you recommendation letters that best know you academically and personally, so they can write a detailed letter speaking to why you would be a good choice for the programs you are applying for. Usually for these programs, you will be asking professors for letters, but if you have prior research experience, you can ask those that mentored you during those experiences. Provide your recommenders with any information they ask for, but generally, information about your goals and you academic path are helpful. It is reasonable for your choices of recommenders to change between applications, if the programs you are applying for are different enough.
Personal Essays. The personal essay is your chance to shine. Your transcripts and resume show your academic and other achievements, but they do not always clearly show your future goals. You can represent yourself and why you are on the path you are in your personal essay. Explain why you believe the program you are applying to will benefit you, and how you will benefit them. If you can't explain why you want to be in a certain program, it may be one you do not want to apply to. Do not conflate your interests in your essays just to get into a program - if you know for sure that you do not want to be a medical doctor but are applying to a program where that end goal is what they are looking for, you should find a different program to apply to. Part of the personal essay is a chance for the program to determine if you are a good fit for them - this also means that they are determining if their program is the best place for you, and the more honest you are, the better they can make this determination. Again, starting early is best, as the sooner you write your essays, the more time you will have to go back to them and make revisions.
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