The summer research program essentially acts as an intensive research internship, providing the aspiring researcher with a swift and focused introduction to research techniques. These programs may be very competitive. The application procedure will likely include writing an essay and acquiring recommendations. Students should take note of application deadlines as they search. Plan to provide plenty of time in the application process to be respectful of the recommendation writers' schedules, and to get the application essay reviewed by peers or professors.
Instructions
1. Use the resources at your educational institution. Visit your school's student support center to ask about school-wide opportunities and any other summer research programs the office has information about. Ask the academic adviser in your specific major department, as well, since he may be aware of summer research programs that are sponsored by the department, or summer programs at other schools for which the department has received promotional information. Also consider visiting the study abroad office or scholarship office, since some research programs may occur overseas.
2. Look for research programs through professional organizations. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is a nonprofit, professional organization of medical education programs. According to their website, the AAMC "represents all 131 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools...and nearly 90 academic and scientific societies." AAMC provides students with an online directory of summer research programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Looking at directories that include information on graduate research opportunities can help undergraduate students prepare for future opportunities. The AAMC lists programs for specifically for undergraduates, according to their website, because their goal is to enhance medical education and practice "by supporting the entire spectrum of education, research, and patient care activities " at the institutions they represent.
3. Use university websites, academic advising services and government websites to find federal summer research programs. Students who plan on pursuing a career in government-funded scientific research, for instance, might be interested in viewing the Undergraduate Research page at The University of Toledo (UT). UT lists federal summer research opportunities by agency. Example resources from UT include the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) programs.
4. Look into private and federally-funded opportunities based on your personal and financial history. Opportunities may be available through the diversity office of your college or university, as well as through specific federal agencies on campus. The U.S. Department of Education, for instance, funds and operates the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, also known as the McNair Scholars program on select campuses. This internship includes a summer research program and is meant to help underrepresented students advance to the doctoral level in academic training.
5. Visit the honors department if you are a member of the college or university honors program. Special opportunities may be available through school honors programs. Also visit the academic advisers responsible for overseeing any honors societies or student organizations of which you are a member. Honors societies and student organizations may offer summer research programs for their members or for all students.
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