RESEARCH

Pursuing Summer Research Opportunities: What You Need to Know

What is Research?The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.(Webster)

Why is Undergraduate Research Important for a Pre-health Student?Active vs. Passive LearningApplication of knowledgeRelationship with faculty members/principal investigatorsEnhanced application

Valuable Linkshttp://people.rit.edu/gtfsbi/Symp/premed.htmhttps://www.aamc.org/members/great/61052/great_summerlinks.htmlInformation When? Usually from Late May/Early June to August (8-10 weeks)Time Commitment: full-time (about 40 hours/week) spent on independent study projects with scientistAdditional benefits: weekly journal clubs and research talks; opportunity to present research at an end-of-summer symposium or a national conference

TimelineNovember: Begin searching for various summer research opportunities; narrow the list down to ten locations. Determine the areas of interest (i.e. Biology, chemistry, public health). Furthermore, begin deciding on the professors you will contact for letters of recommendation (most programs require 2-3 letters)December (before winter break): Contact the professors. Provide them with a resume and information on the programs to which you are applying.

Timeline (Continued)December (winter break): work on application essays. Most of them will require that you answer these questions:Please describe your interest in this program, including how your science and research background prepared you or piqued your interest, your academic accomplishments and your career plans and goals. If you are currently planning to pursue a research career as a Ph.D or M.D./Ph.D., what do you find attractive about doing research? Why have you chosen it as a career path?Describe personal challenges you have overcome, previous non-research work experience, personal and professional skills you will bring to the internship, difficulties you have encountered in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for a research career. List 2-3 faculty members you are interested in working with (or 2-3 topics you are interested in working on) and explain why.

Timeline (Continued)Early January: make any last-minute corrections on the personal statement. Most deadlines are late-January/early February. Mid-January: make sure that your recommenders have finished their personal statements. Most research programs will require them to either email the personal statement or upload it onto the application website. February: Most deadlines are during this monthMarch-April: Most responses are emailed during these months. MAPS Members Can Earn Points!

MAPS Members earn one point for each summer program they apply to (provided that they email an application confirmation letter)

They will earn an additional point if they are accepted into a summer program

Members can also email ChiChi Okani at Chidinma_Okani@baylor.edu for help with the application process or additional questions.