Summer 2013 Research Programs

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onlyhope271

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I'm entering sophomore year as a Biomedical Physics major at my university. I really haven't done anything "productive" that I could put on a resume, and this summer I plan on mostly taking summer classes and working. Next summer I want to start research programs and I really want to be prepared for applications. I know that no one can really predict someone's acceptance into a competitive research program, but I've made a list of things (below) I plan on doing this upcoming academic year, so would I have a chance of being accepted into any research programs?

-Becoming an EMT (I've already signed up for classes)
-Doing research with a biomedical physics professor at my college
-Shadowing a local physician who specializes in cardiology
-Volunteering in the Habitat for Humanity organization

I know it's a lot to cram in for one year, but I have a lot of time on my hands right now, and I think I can do it.

Also, does anybody know of any research programs that aren't as competitive as most of them, just so I could have something to fall back on?

Thank you!!!
 
onlyhope271 said:
I'm entering sophomore year as a Biomedical Physics major at my university. I really haven't done anything "productive" that I could put on a resume, and this summer I plan on mostly taking summer classes and working. Next summer I want to start research programs and I really want to be prepared for applications. I know that no one can really predict someone's acceptance into a competitive research program, but I've made a list of things (below) I plan on doing this upcoming academic year, so would I have a chance of being accepted into any research programs?

-Becoming an EMT (I've already signed up for classes)
-Doing research with a biomedical physics professor at my college
-Shadowing a local physician who specializes in cardiology
-Volunteering in the Habitat for Humanity organization

I know it's a lot to cram in for one year, but I have a lot of time on my hands right now, and I think I can do it.

Also, does anybody know of any research programs that aren't as competitive as most of them, just so I could have something to fall back on?

Thank you!!!
Click to expand...

I have the exact same question. I will be a Sophomore this Fall so I wish someone would answer this question because I really want to get into a Summer Research program.
 
Here is a very large list of programs. Its not exhaustive, but it has A LOT.

Search this forum and you will find other good lists that probably have a lot of overlap with this one, but most of them will have at least one new program.

EDIT: Also, what makes you competitive for these types of programs, IMHO, is a high GPA, good research experience, and a reputable undergrad school. I say this because I feel like when I filled them out they did not really ask about your general EC's, just what research related experience you had and why you wanted to do research. I could be wrong though, as I only applied to a select few.
 

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Thank you! This list is exactly what I was looking for. So I see that high GPA obviously is a requirement but would you consider somewhere around a 3.5 high GPA?
 
Sushma Chaudhar said:
So I see that high GPA obviously is a requirement but would you consider somewhere around a 3.5 high GPA?
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FWIW, I applied to about 10-15 SURF/SURP/REU/other types of research programs, and was accepted to 2 programs for this summer. I applied with a 3.8 GPA and about 9 months lab work as a research assistant at my undergrad institution.

I used this website, and it proved extremely helpful: http://people.rit.edu/gtfsbi/Symp/premed.htm
 
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=874354

This thread gives acceptance rates to many of the SURF programs based on data that applicants collected this summer. Some give credentials they had before entering the program. Thought you might be interested!

I was accepted into UTSW SURF and Purdue Biochemistry REU this summer and I had no research experience at all. Take the essays really seriously! Let them know how bad you want it, and also, if you notice that any of the programs have research that you are really interested in, make sure you detail that too. I have a 4.0, but I really think my essays are what got me in.

Best of luck!
 
Salaam said:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=874354

This thread gives acceptance rates to many of the SURF programs based on data that applicants collected this summer. Some give credentials they had before entering the program. Thought you might be interested!

I was accepted into UTSW SURF and Purdue Biochemistry REU this summer and I had no research experience at all. Take the essays really seriously! Let them know how bad you want it, and also, if you notice that any of the programs have research that you are really interested in, make sure you detail that too. I have a 4.0, but I really think my essays are what got me in.

Best of luck!
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With UTSW, the gpa got you in. They talk about the essay but they are numbers driven big time...
 
Doctor246853 said:
With UTSW, the gpa got you in. They talk about the essay but they are numbers driven big time...
Click to expand...

There were over 1,200 apps for ~80 spots, and a huge number of applicants had great GPAs (many of them from schools that are a lot more well-known than mine). No doubt that GPA is important, but for summer programs, I cannot stress how crucial the essays are. I've heard this time and time again. And keep in mind: SURF is affiliated with the UTSW grad school, not med.
 
Salaam said:
There were over 1,200 apps for ~80 spots, and a huge number of applicants had great GPAs (many of them from schools that are a lot more well-known than mine). No doubt that GPA is important, but for summer programs, I cannot stress how crucial the essays are. I've heard this time and time again. And keep in mind: SURF is affiliated with the UTSW grad school, not med.
Click to expand...
I know, I worked with Patty in admissions.
 
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Ansar said:
Anyone know if they give special preference to URMs (similar to med school admissions)? 😳
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There are some really awesome summer programs where they only accept URMs. And many that give slight preference. They usually say on their webpage! Good luck 🙂
 
Oh I misunderstood. I thought you were talking about using the lors from last year for this year. For the smart program ( I did smart last year) you WILL get into that program. The caliber of students I've seen accepted to that program pissed me off. Not serious what so ever! The program itself is great and pays well too ($4,000) .As for UTSW it's all about your grades and statement. The others I have never applied to.
 
Doctor246853 said:
Oh I misunderstood. I thought you were talking about using the lors from last year for this year. For the smart program ( I did smart last year) you WILL get into that program. The caliber of students I've seen accepted to that program pissed me off. Not serious what so ever! The program itself is great and pays well too ($4,000) .As for UTSW it's all about your grades and statement. The others I have never applied to.
Click to expand...

Thanks doc!! Coincidentally, I applied to SMART (i.e. UNT) as a freshman. I got rejected. I applied with a 4.0, an excellent statement, and an endorsement. My resume was also very good. I had previously completed a pharmaceutical internship overseas. I called Zavala and she said that preference was given to sophomores--though they accepted some freshmen. What kid were these? 😱
 
Anyone know which programs are friendly to those of us who have no research experience.
 
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