Getting into a Summer Program: The Application Process Keisha John, PhD

Outline Introduction Finding the right program/ group for you Statement of Purpose Resume Letters of recommendation Final tips Questions

MD, MD/PhD or PhD Do your own research, talk to your peers, mentors and advisors

Graduate School Passion Impact Career goals

Summer Program Research Experience Try out a potential graduate mentor or program Learn a new technique Contribute to the science enterprise In the end science is a language and through each experience you are learning a dialect or a small part of the alphabet

Summer Research Application Process What are we looking for? Fit, Interest, Passion and Previous Success

» Motives Mission and goals align with program Think big what is the impact of your work and potential » Right audience Modify the length and amount of detail appropriately Zoom out enough Watch for jargon Writing Strategies

Scores Resume or CV Personal Statement Letters of Recommendation (1-3)

Purpose of documents Highlight- background and professional experiences and accomplishments Leadership/potential Communication, interpersonal, and outreach skills Commitment to program mission and values Best and complete picture of you Resume/CV

Components Name Education: Relevant Experiences: Grants and Scholarships: Awards and Honors: Service: Publications: Presentations: Resume/CV

What are you highlighting? Degree, school, age, gaps….. University of Virginia Ph.D., STEM Ph.D., STEM University of Virginia University of Virginia Ph.D., STEM Ph.D., STEM2014 University of Virginia Resume/CV

Research Experience List your role, location, time, advisor, project, accomplishments Undergraduate Research Assistant University of Virginia Advisor- Dr. Farmer Project- Study the role of pigs in the pen. Accomplishments Resume/CV

Grades Especially in courses relevant to interest Scores

Aka- Statement of Purpose or Academic Interests Passions Experiences Goals Be intentional Personal Statement

Important questions to ask yourself before writing the statement: Why are you fascinated by your research area? What examples of leadership skills and unique characteristics do you bring to your chosen field? What personal and individual strengths do you have that make you a qualified applicant? How will participating in this program contribute to your career goals? What are all of your applicable experiences? For each experience, what were the key questions, methodology, findings, and conclusions? Did you work in a team and/or independently? How did you assist in the analysis of results? Personal Statement

Who are you? What are your interests / career goals? What have you done? How will this program help you pursue your interests? Personal Statement

Personal yet professional relationship- they know you! What piece of your story have you given them the responsibility to tell? Do they know their mission? Diversity- interactions, institutions, departments… Letters of Recommendations

Relationships take time and effort Letters of Recommendations

Final Tips and Next Steps Start working on your application now Ask your peers, family and mentors to review your documents Submit your application on time You control the outcome......

Questions

Keisha John