Summer Research Application and Acceptance Thread (REU, SURF, SURP, SIP, AMGEN etc.) 2016

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Members don't see this ad.
Lucca said:
The main research gap year program for research I've heard people do is NIH IRTA. What other opportunities are out there at the same level or better? Curious since I'm not close to graduating (I'm a junior) but plan on taking a year off.
Click to expand...
Theres the big 3 Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright then many countries have fairly well-known ones like DAAD, Luce, plenty of ones for Asia, etc. Usually the international opportunities are a bit more competitive. I've also known friends who just worked for labs in a particular medical school and they ended up getting in (not sure if it actually gave them a bonus).
 
A few of the undergraduate research programs (CNUP, Amgen Columbia...) I'm applying to need me to provide a list of potential mentors I would like to work with. Would it be helpful for my application to get in contact with those mentors? Do you think they have a say in the application process? I'm asking this because for one of the research programs I participated in high school, I got in basically because I'm family friends with the professor...not sure if this would be the case in other programs.
 
Hi all!
I am an international student (sophomore) studying in a small liberal arts college in the U.S.
I am applying to 20 places in this admission cycle (just because there are so few places that even consider international students :/)
I would love to hear from the older students (internationals and/or domestics) about their experiences in getting acceptances and what I should brace myself for.
Thank you and good luck to all the people applying! 🙂
 
When questions ask about what areas of research you are interested in, is there any harm in being too specific? For example, if I said "I'm interested in cancer research, especially the intersection of metastatic research and developmental/regenerative biology", would programs think I'm being too specific/inflexible about what my interests are?
 
Beyonce2.0 said:
When questions ask about what areas of research you are interested in, is there any harm in being too specific? For example, if I said "I'm interested in cancer research, especially the intersection of metastatic research and developmental/regenerative biology", would programs think I'm being too specific/inflexible about what my interests are?
Click to expand...

FWIW, when I spoke to the director of one program, they told me to be specific. In this case, they said that if I selected every lab (out of maybe 12) that it would show that I have a lack of focus and my application would be denied. But that may be just for that specific program.
 
idontwatchgreysanatomy said:
FWIW, when I spoke to the director of one program, they told me to be specific. In this case, they said that if I selected every lab (out of maybe 12) that it would show that I have a lack of focus and my application would be denied. But that may be just for that specific program.
Click to expand...
Probably depends on the focus of the summer program and whether there are labs under that program/institution that have the topic you describe. Do a quick google search of labs at the place you're applying to. Probably best to be specific but not too specific (e.g. I must work with Protein X in Disease Y using Technique Z would be much too specific).
 
Beyonce2.0 said:
When questions ask about what areas of research you are interested in, is there any harm in being too specific? For example, if I said "I'm interested in cancer research, especially the intersection of metastatic research and developmental/regenerative biology", would programs think I'm being too specific/inflexible about what my interests are?
Click to expand...

What you wrote is not very specific, you're fine.
 
Bioenchilada said:
Sure!

So, in terms of my stats, when I applied to SUIP(sophomore year) I had already done 4 semesters of research at my school in two labs similtaneously . My GPA was a 3.9(?) and my 2 rec letters were from professors that could really speak about my skills as a prospective researcher. I only applied to 3 programs that year and got into my third choice, which was fortunately at the University of Pennsylvania. I don't remember where I got rejected from that year.

In terms of my experience at Penn, it was truly amazing even though the research was in a field that I wasn't SUPER familiar with. The people were all really varied in terms of stats, but I remember the lowest GPA was like a 3.5, the average was a 3.85, and the acceptance was less than 5%. Something that I should point out is that most (~90%) of the people involved were minorities and everyone had done some form of research prior, as far as I'm concerned. It was definitely stressful at times since you're conducting research full-time, but it was an enriching experience nonetheless.

When it comes to Harvard, my stats were essentially the same (GPA was higher) and now I had a rec letter from my Penn PI. I was also admitted to Penn (again), Cornell, and Brown (basically?). Rejected from: JHU, MIT-Amgen.

The people at Harvard SHURP came from much more varied in terms of majors (more engineers) and there were even freshmen involved! Still, I think everyone was doing research and I think everyone but 1 person were minorities of some sort (myself included). There was a range of GPAs again, with the lowest being a 3.5 (I think?). Still, everyone was amazing regardless of credentials--their passion for research really showed.
Click to expand...

oh jeez. approx. 90% minorities??? I have basically the same stats as a junior, but I'm feeling a bit discouraged by that. I'm a first generation immigrant and told my story in the SUIP application, but not really sure how much that will count.
 
idontwatchgreysanatomy said:
This is my first go at applying for summer research positions. A little background: sophomore, public university, 4.0 gpa & spga, currently working on 3 research projects (one of which I am a Co-PI) but all are epidemiological. Hoping I can get into something. So far I've applied to:
- Boston University STaRS
- Harvard HRSP
- University of Cincinnati SURF/SURF MSTP
- NIH SIP/AMGEN
- UCSF SRTP
- OHSU CDB/SERP

Still need to finish applications for:
- Case Western Reserve SURP
- Mt. Sinai SURP
and I'm still looking at other programs.

And not research related but I also applied to the SMDEP programs for UW, Yale, and UCLA.
Anyone have any success with these programs or can suggest others? Best of luck to everyone.
Click to expand...
I did SMDEP at UVA last year. It was a great experience! You should also check out University of Chicago CAMP. it's similar to SMDEP.
 
premedabbey said:
I did SMDEP at UVA last year. It was a great experience! You should also check out University of Chicago CAMP. it's similar to SMDEP.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up, I actually canceled my application for SMDEP because it doesn't really offer that many new opportunities for me and because the stipend isn't enough to make it worthwhile.
 
Since I dont think this cycle is going to pan out for me I need to improve my app. I need some suggestions finding a research job in the NYC area. I'm not an undergrad I have a masters so I would need a program that welcomes non-trads. Thanks!
 
whatsupdr said:
Since I dont think this cycle is going to pan out for me I need to improve my app. I need some suggestions finding a research job in the NYC area. I'm not an undergrad I have a masters so I would need a program that welcomes non-trads. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Cold emailing PI's for a position or a meeting works. I'd look at medical school campuses research since that could potentially help you with connections.

NYC Public Health department has research oriented internships, I'm not so sure about other "internship" like experiences.
 
Boston's Children emailed me yesterday while I was in physio.... I was shaking as I opened the email.
...
Apparently my transcript uploaded weird and they needed another copy.
False alarm.

Harvard did the same thing to me today.... I don't know why they're messing with me so hard but I'm not a fan
 
aristrutz523 said:
Boston's Children emailed me yesterday while I was in physio.... I was shaking as I opened the email.
...
Apparently my transcript uploaded weird and they needed another copy.
False alarm.

Harvard did the same thing to me today.... I don't know why they're messing with me so hard but I'm not a fan
Click to expand...

Man, you're going to be a wreck during your app cycle lol
 
So I've applied to DeBakey Summer Surgery, University of Cincinnati SURF, Vanderbilt SSA, and Emory's hospital internship program. This is technically my first year at college but I can claim sophomore status because I did a year of dual enrollment. However, I took mostly gen eds that year so I've only had one year (two semesters each) of bio and gen chem. I go to a small liberal arts university that doesn't have any research going on, so the only experience I've had is in chem and bio labs (so basically nothing). I have a 4.0 GPA and what I feel like are strong LORs, but I'm not URM. What do you guys think are my chances? I'm so worried about not getting in to any of them....
 
Hey friends, anyone else get accepted to the Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine? I really want to find out more about the program, but there's not much about it on the internet. Big problem here is that they want a response by 1/29, which means I'll have to forgo the research abroad programs and Amgens that I'm also applying to. I would honestly commit to this Harvard program in a heartbeat if someone out there told me that they had a great experience with it.
 
2redpartyhats said:
Hey friends, anyone else get accepted to the Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine? I really want to find out more about the program, but there's not much about it on the internet. Big problem here is that they want a response by 1/29, which means I'll have to forgo the research abroad programs and Amgens that I'm also applying to. I would honestly commit to this Harvard program in a heartbeat if someone out there told me that they had a great experience with it.
Click to expand...

When did you get an email/acceptance?
 
Hi guys, I'm new to this thread. I'm an international med student and have been accepted by both Yale and Oxford for a 6-8-week summer research. Both are unpaid opportunities.
For Oxford, it would be related to hematology but for Yale, I could choose my own topic of interest.
It is not a summer institute or training program but simply supervised by a professor and learn techniques.
I have done research in the UK before (not Oxford) and haven't been to the US but seems like then name of Oxford looks better on my CV for future research opportunities?
Also, I am planning to apply for the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Caltech SURF program because they look more organised and intensive. Also, I could interact with other interns but at Oxford or Yale I don't think I would have other opportunities except for talking to people in the lab.
Should I apply to the other programs and wait for the results or just accept the offers since they are already quite decent?
 
How do you guys go about preparing for interviews for these summer programs? I have an interview with someone from DAAD RISE, who said he wants to have a "casual conversation". I'm just wondering what the interview with him might entail, good questions to ask, etc. Thanks!
 
Beyonce2.0 said:
How do you guys go about preparing for interviews for these summer programs? I have an interview with someone from DAAD RISE, who said he wants to have a "casual conversation". I'm just wondering what the interview with him might entail, good questions to ask, etc. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Probably just know your research plan very well and be ready to explain it succinctly and thoroughly in ~3-5 mins. Other than that, Be Yourself(TM)
 
Beyonce2.0 said:
How do you guys go about preparing for interviews for these summer programs? I have an interview with someone from DAAD RISE, who said he wants to have a "casual conversation". I'm just wondering what the interview with him might entail, good questions to ask, etc. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I second what Lucca said. I'd also add know a little bit about what the researcher does. You don't have to know all the details but read an abstract on Pubmed and express why you'd be interested in what he does. Show enthusiasm. Other than that have fun and figure out if you think you'd enjoy working with him as well!
 
premedabbey said:
Did anyone apply to any of Penn State SURF programs?
Click to expand...
This is very late, but I was accepted to/attended the SURIP program last year and would be happy to answer any questions (credentials, experience there, etc.).
Statwise, I was a sophomore with a 3.7 GPA with a summer + two semesters of research by the time I applied. My research lined up almost EXACTLY with a P/I there who literally showed me where everything was, talked a bit, and left me to my own devices.
That summer I was also accepted to UNM (backup) and UT Southwestern (SURF), and rejected from the three AMGEN's I applied for.

Applying to 10 programs this summer, good luck everybody! 🙂
 
Deadlines for most REU/SURF approaching soon--good luck with those last minute submissions, guys! 🙂 It'll be a fun month waiting for the decisions.
 
futureprof2 said:
Deadlines for most REU/SURF approaching soon--good luck with those last minute submissions, guys! 🙂 It'll be a fun month waiting for the decisions.
Click to expand...

Waiting for my MCAT score and these decisions lol. Would not describe it as fun but school definitely is keeping me busy
 
Does anyone know if wanting to continue previous research helps with MIT's Amgen application for non-MIT students? Got on a few national posters as well as a publication in a journal with a 10+ impact factor from my research there last summer. I also got one of my rec letters from the PI of the lab at MIT, who is a pretty well-respected professor there (and co-authored the pub). I'm a sophomore with a 3.9+ GPA and two (going on three) semesters of research at a top university, if that matters.
 
mesopic said:
Does anyone know if wanting to continue previous research helps with MIT's Amgen application for non-MIT students? Got on a few national posters as well as a publication in a journal with a 10+ impact factor from my research there last summer. I also got one of my rec letters from the PI of the lab at MIT, who is a pretty well-respected professor there (and co-authored the pub). I'm a sophomore with a 3.9+ GPA and two (going on three) semesters of research at a top university, if that matters.
Click to expand...

Probably does. Having a name at the bottom of a letter that is involved with a program is valuable.
 
Lucca said:
Waiting for my MCAT score and these decisions lol. Would not describe it as fun but school definitely is keeping me busy
Click to expand...

well...by "fun" i meant it'll be anything but. That's a double whammy though, hope you get double the good news in a few weeks 🙂
 
When are decisions released normally for the Leadership Alliance Programs?
 
I wishes I heard about this summer programs a long time ago. Now, I'm unprepared and don't have anyone to write me a letter of recommendation. Is there any program that will accept graduating seniors?
 
I just had an interview with Northwestern yesterday and received an acceptance at the end of it! If anyone has any questions or wants advice on the interview I'd be happy to help 🙂
 
aristrutz523 said:
I think the most frustrating part of all of this is the fact that we're notified anywhere from late feb to april. That gives you NO TIME to come up with an alternative summer plan. -_____-
Click to expand...

I applied for funding at my own undergrad just in case I don't get in anywhere (likely with how competitive these programs seem to be!)
 
So, some programs release really early (early February) to fairly late (late April).

How far can we push for an extension? Most of my top choices don't release until late March, though many of my safer choices release within a few weeks.
If we ask our top choice about our circumstances, is it possible they'll get the decision faster?

I'm reluctant to ask "Hey can you hold my spot for 6 weeks till the AMGENs get back to me" 😛.
 
Did anyone apply to programs at the University of Cincinnati? The ROSE or SURF?
 
Wroke said:
So, some programs release really early (early February) to fairly late (late April).

How far can we push for an extension? Most of my top choices don't release until late March, though many of my safer choices release within a few weeks.
If we ask our top choice about our circumstances, is it possible they'll get the decision faster?

I'm reluctant to ask "Hey can you hold my spot for 6 weeks till the AMGENs get back to me" 😛.
Click to expand...

I doubt you can ask for 6 weeks, but 1 (maybe 2) is realistic if you explain your situation well (i.e. don't be like "places I'd rather go to are getting back to me in a few weeks"). And you can always contact the AMGENs to get an idea of where you stand because you're expected to make a decision from other programs within the week. It's been done before, and they understand.

This whole waiting/juggling game with these REUs is a true pain, but if you do find yourself with an acceptance somewhere, even if it is a so-called "safety", it's a huge honor. The more I look at the number of spots vs. number of applicants at these programs, the more I realize how much of a crapshoot they really are.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

velvetcoffee
Summer Research Application and Acceptance Thread (REU, SURF, SURP, SIP, AMGEN etc.) 2022
Replies
12
Views
8K
deleted1131299
D
E
SDN Article: Research Experience and Faculty References: Profile of the Accepted Applicant 2025
Replies
0
Views
263
Emil Chuck, PhD
E
Y
Summer Research Application Thread 2023
Replies
41
Views
5K
strawberries.08
strawberries.08
NateB02
Summer Research Application and Acceptance Thread (SPUR, SURF, SURP, SIP, AMGEN, LA etc.) 2021
2 3 4 5 6
Replies
291
Views
57K
researchqueen
R
yeehaw10
Summer Research Program Essay Questions
Replies
6
Views
2K
yeehaw10
yeehaw10
Top