I've applied to POE for about the past 3 summers. Basically, it's next to impossible to get into (at least in my opinion). It is highly competitive. Here is how the selection process works: Each MD mentor comes into the office and scans the applications for a student that would be a "fit" for their particular research. Often this is done via a search engine that scans the applications for key words (i.e. leukemia, ELISA, MRI, etc). Now, when I applied, I didn't have an "key words" in my application, and despite the fact that I was a solid student, I didn't receive a position. Oh, and I must add that they have a strong desire to give POE positions to minority students. I would have absolutely LOVED to get into POE....maybe as a med. student. Every year I get a "rejection letter" from them in July. Doesn't do me any good in July!
