How do I get into a summer research program?

[LACMA]

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Hi everyone 🙂

I applied to a bunch of research programs and so far have been rejected by most of them. I have a 4.0 GPA (at a small school) and pretty decent extra curriculars. I've had 1 year of research experience so far and have worked on 2 projects. We have presented them at a bunch of symposiums at our school and different universities in a couple different states. I was wondering what I have to do to beef up my application for next year since I probably won't get into any schools this summer. Of course I'm going to give my projects right now my all and will continue with them, but how else can I get research experience? Have any of you ever worked in 2 labs at the same time? Is it difficult?

 

[HybridEarth]

Most require or recommend a statement of interest and LORs. How are you doing in those regards?

 

[LACMA]

Also, I showed an advisor my essay and she said it was pretty good. I understand it's very competitive to get into these programs, but it's practically the same acceptance rate as med school and I basically feel like everything I've done so far isn't enough. I'm a sophomore too. How do they decide who to accept and who to reject? I'm also white, which probably doesn't play a HUGE role in anything, but can someone tell me a little more about their decision process?

Thanks!

 

[LACMA]

Thanks for replying!

Well, one of them is from my PI. I think his is probably pretty strong. The other one is from one of my bio teachers and I'm not that close with him, but I've done really well in all the classes I've taken with him and we crack jokes occasionally. LOL I feel like a teenager in that last sentence - obsessing over every little interaction I've had with them ahha.

 

[HybridEarth]

These programs typically want students who are doing it to help contribute to the lab. That being said, make sure your personal statement emphasizes why your skills are unique, what progress you have made on your own projects, and how you will contribute to the lab's success. The more specific you get, the better. Sounds like your LOR is good, so the best way to get noticed is with a well written statement of interest that doesn't make you seem like you're doing it for the "experience".

 

[LACMA]

Wow..... I totally wrote "this will be an amazing experience" or something along those lines. K lesson learned. I didn't emphasize how I could've contributed to the lab as much as I should have. Thanks so much for that insight.

 

[HybridEarth]

No problem, I learned that the hard way too but thanks to some guidance I landed a couple sweet gigs. Hope it helps 🙂