BEST summer research internship?

[Trollol]

---

Members do not see this ad.

In your opinion, which one would you want to attend the most?

Edit: If it's "other" - please list here!

I'm trying to decide which ones to apply to... so many out there. I'd probably try to find some lesser competitive ones (for example, City of Hope and Mayo accept a larger number than most programs)

 

[Trollol]

I demand more votes!

 

[Silly Harlot]

Which pay?

 

[Trollol]

Which pay?

Good question - I think they all pay at least $3000, but I know some pay ~$5k (Janelia for example), and I think there's even a program that pays $8k.

NIH SIP pays pretty well:
http://oma.od.nih.gov/manualchapters/person/2300-320-7/Appendices/Student09.PDF

I'd get $2.2k per month for 10 weeks, so about $5500.

 

[Silly Harlot]

In my opinion, it would be a toss up between the highest paying programs and the ones that were closest to my interests. But I know others would be more interested in prestige or publications.

 

[Sean1218]

Does anyone know if they accept applicants from Canadian universities?

 

[Mbeas]

University of Cincinnati SPEP!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Amrazzz]

University of Cincinnati SPEP!!!!!!!!!!

Whoa! I'm doing SURF there as well

 

[RedSoldier]

Which ones are generally considered most prestigious? Which ones are likely to produce publications?

 

[Trollol]

I think the NIH is generally considered really impressive and recognizable, but the Amgen ones are probably the most selective...

As for publications, it's probably similar for all of them - mostly depends on the specific lab and project you take on.

Lots of votes for Mayo SURP - I definitely want to apply to this. Anyone want to comment?

 

[Trollol]

Anyone?

 

[Ponger]

Which ones are generally considered most prestigious? Which ones are likely to produce publications?

Who is listed on a publication is always up to the discretion of the PI. Therefore its impossible to say what programs are more likely to produce more publications with any certainty.

 

[NickNaylor]

I spend two summer at UTSW's SURF program. It was an incredible experience, and I got a publication out of it. Although I'm sure all of the summer programs are somewhat comparable.

 

[Trollol]

Thanks Cole.

I'm actually amazed that no one chose Amgen... I always thought the Amgen Scholars program was one of the most prestigious summer programs an undergrad can get into.

 

[Hejman]

In your opinion, which one would you want to attend the most?

Edit: If it's "other" - please list here!

I'm trying to decide which ones to apply to... so many out there. I'd probably try to find some lesser competitive ones (for example, City of Hope and Mayo accept a larger number than most programs)

]

Cold Spring or Janelia...either would get my vote. Although Janelia is really special...amazing architecture, amazing people, amazing food and amazing research. They have great seminars monthly that are open to the public. If you live in the area, check it out 🙂

 

[rxnfiend]

I am currently in the NIH SIP and I must say the opportunities here are incredible! Not only do I get to do amazing research, but there are endless seminars for every type of person, journal clubs, poster opportunities, and other summer programs. Not to mention one of the most cutting edge hospitals I have ever seen in my life. There are literally beds with patients with obscure diseases 100 feet away from the lab that is treating them. Talk about an awesome environment...

 

[Hejman]

I am currently in the NIH SIP and I must say the opportunities here are incredible! Not only do I get to do amazing research, but there are endless seminars for every type of person, journal clubs, poster opportunities, and other summer programs. Not to mention one of the most cutting edge hospitals I have ever seen in my life. There are literally beds with patients with obscure diseases 100 feet away from the lab that is treating them. Talk about an awesome environment...

It sure is amazing in terms of pay and environment, but how much can you learn in the span of eight weeks, especially if you are not going to apply it ever again? This is why summer programs are not incredibly effective as research experiences. At the NIH SIP, much time in the first two weeks or so is spent getting the badge, other red tape issues, going to seminars, meeting people in the lab, and reading up on research. I didn't find it as "amazing" as you tout it to be. But that's just my opinion.

 

[rxnfiend]

It sure is amazing in terms of pay and environment, but how much can you learn in the span of eight weeks, especially if you are not going to apply it ever again? This is why summer programs are not incredibly effective as research experiences. At the NIH SIP, much time in the first two weeks or so is spent getting the badge, other red tape issues, going to seminars, meeting people in the lab, and reading up on research. I didn't find it as "amazing" as you tout it to be. But that's just my opinion.

I had previous research under my belt so it was not hard diving in, especially because I was given my own project so I had to hit the ground running (more like sprinting haha). And it only took me 3 days to get my badge, you must have had bad luck. 😳

Also, I have taken advantage of the doctors in close proximity for unique shadowing opportunities that will prove very useful. I have also followed residents around during their rounds which get some VERY interesting cases, especially in infectious disease. So in my opinion, it is a great program! But to each their own.

 

[Trollol]

I am currently in the NIH SIP and I must say the opportunities here are incredible! Not only do I get to do amazing research, but there are endless seminars for every type of person, journal clubs, poster opportunities, and other summer programs. Not to mention one of the most cutting edge hospitals I have ever seen in my life. There are literally beds with patients with obscure diseases 100 feet away from the lab that is treating them. Talk about an awesome environment...

I had previous research under my belt so it was not hard diving in, especially because I was given my own project so I had to hit the ground running (more like sprinting haha). And it only took me 3 days to get my badge, you must have had bad luck. 😳

Also, I have taken advantage of the doctors in close proximity for unique shadowing opportunities that will prove very useful. I have also followed residents around during their rounds which get some VERY interesting cases, especially in infectious disease. So in my opinion, it is a great program! But to each their own.

Wow, that sounds really awesome! Was it hard to make friends and such? NIH actually has the largest # of summer interns by far among the programs in the poll (1200 students as opposed to 20-100 for the others).

 

[Hejman]

Wow, that sounds really awesome! Was it hard to make friends and such? NIH actually has the largest # of summer interns by far among the programs in the poll (1200 students as opposed to 20-100 for the others).

Oh its really hard is you aren't from a school in the area. The majority of people in the SIP are high school students from the area, and college students from DC/VA/MD. Some people come from CA, but its rare. Plus, most people come from state schools.

 

[wuhanese]

i went to janelia last summer, and i know someone who's been to janelia and CSHL. her opinion was that janelia > cshl

at janelia, you'll work your ass off but you'll be around very brilliant and intense scientists. great experience for a summer

i'd also vouch for MSKCC, Stanford, UCSF

 

[justdoit31]

I selected other- I don't think you have to do a program it is about doing what you are passionate in so if that is an internship so be it if it is just something through your college do that too- I did a History study abroad with a research project/presentation at a National Museum and every interviewer I had was amazed and it made me stand out- maybe not as prestigious as a program but I have no doubts it served me well in the application process.

 

[Emerica]

I really want to do one of these programs this summer, but i have not been able to find a research position this semester and I have tried extremely hard. Is it possible to get into one of these as a freshman with no research experience but an intense interest in science and an intrinsic motivation to conduct research and learn the techniques?

If so, which of the programs do you think I could get into?

 

[TraderDoc]

I don't mean to be biased being I did AMGEN at UCSF. But AMGEN at either UCSF, Columbia, Berkley, Washington, or Stanford would be the most prestigious due to the competitiveness of sheer applicants for spots. AMGEN also has programs in Europe as I know a guy who works close to my lab in Stockholm, Sweden (my deferral year before med school) who was an AMGEN scholar at Cambridge and he said that the program is recognized by many universities in Europe. In terms of benefits, I don't think any other summer programs can pay you as much and the location, location, location of these programs cannot be beaten! A summer in New York, San Francisico, or Seattle, would be so amazing if you think about it. But don't let this make AMGEN your only consideration. Yale also has an amazing program in BioSTep.

 

[DrCaliBoy]

I don't mean to be biased being I did AMGEN at UCSF. But AMGEN at either UCSF, Columbia, Berkley, Washington, or Stanford would be the most prestigious due to the competitiveness of sheer applicants for spots. AMGEN also has programs in Europe as I know a guy who works close to my lab in Stockholm, Sweden (my deferral year before med school) who was an AMGEN scholar at Cambridge and he said that the program is recognized by many universities in Europe. In terms of benefits, I don't think any other summer programs can pay you as much and the location, location, location of these programs cannot be beaten! A summer in New York, San Francisico, or Seattle, would be so amazing if you think about it. But don't let this make AMGEN your only consideration. Yale also has an amazing program in BioSTep.

How was it? Do you know the stats of its competitiveness and what it has to offer?

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Amgen>Mayo>NIH>All the rest

I'd rather do NIH internship for a year than just a summer.