There are many possible ways to spend your summer vacation, without the hassles of school or classes. It is tempting to spend the whole thing just relaxing, hanging out with friends or scrolling endlessly; this is an understandable urge. There are, however, a great many interesting things you can do as well, which will challenge you intellectually and otherwise, and at the same time improve your odds of getting into a top college. We’ve explored programs like this before, and today we’re going to look at another: the , hosted by Houston Methodist hospital. We’re going to look at what this program is, who it’s for, and how you can go about applying to it. There are many ways to spend your summer; let’s see if this program (or one like it) is the right fit for you!
What is the High School Emerging Researcher Experience?
Houston Methodist has long run a research summer program for undergraduate students, which serves to introduce them to medical research, and the realities of the discipline. Recently, they have added on to this for particularly advanced high school students, to give them access to the same opportunities.
High school students in this program will work under research mentors, who are part of the staff and faculty at the hospital. They will be on teams with the undergraduate members and actively contribute to research projects. The scope and subject of these projects is chosen by the research mentors. In addition to research itself, interns will take part in seminars, lecture series, discussions, and social events over the course of the program.
The program lasts for ten weeks, scheduled for June-July this upcoming summer. At the end of the program, interns have a chance to present their research and findings to each other at a symposium, both to have a chance to learn from each other, and to gain experience in presenting research findings.
Students must commit to the full duration, and for a full workday five days a week (with July 4 off). The internship is in person at the hospital in Houston; students are responsible for arranging their own transportation. There is no fee to participate in this program. Undergraduate students are awarded a stipend, but this is not available to high school students who are participating.
Applying to the High School Emerging Researcher Experience
This program is somewhat competitive for admissions, because they want to be sure that all students admitted are fully capable academically, and will be able to contribute to and benefit from the program’s offerings. Applications for the program open in early December, and are due by the end of January. Applications may be completed entirely online.
In order to apply, you must be a current high school junior or senior, and 16 years of age or older. You do not need to live near the program, or even in the state of Texas, but no housing or transportation is provided. For this reason, we advise applying only if you live near enough to the program to get there for the entire duration. You must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5.
The application itself may be found . Note that there is a single application for all positions and internships, and you must indicate you are specifically applying for the high school one. Each program requires different application essays. You must upload both a resume and a transcript. We advise getting an official transcript from your high school to upload.
The program asks that you answer the following essay prompts:
- Explain why you would be a great candidate for the summer undergraduate research internship program and how it would benefit your career goals. (250 words)
- Please describe any previous research or laboratory experience you may have. (250 words)
- (Optional) Please explain any challenges you have experienced in your academic career and how you overcame them. (250 words)
These essays are of key importance. Your grades and resume are how you demonstrate your preparation and intellectual fitness for the program as a whole, but the essays are what will differentiate you from all of the other applicants. We’ll give some brief notes on how to answer each, and what they’re looking for when they ask these questions.
The first essay addresses the undergraduate research internship program because the high school program is technically a subordinate part of that. When answering this question, you should focus on your interests in science, research, and medicine. The first half of the essay should focus on the first part; why you are a great candidate, based on any past experiences you have in the field.
You do not need to have done medical research before to be a great candidate (though you should certainly share if you have done so). Instead, you can discuss other opportunities you have taken part in related to science or medicine. Then, show how this program is the logical next step for you, and neatly complements your interests in the field.
The second prompt is less of an essay, and more of a factual recounting. If you have worked in labs in any other summer programs prior to this one, detail that. If you have learned the basics of lab safety and techniques in high school, detail that. Do not overstate or downplay your experience.
The final essay is optional, but should add context to your transcript that they might not otherwise have. If your school doesn’t offer AP courses for example, or they do not have the most advanced math work available, or if personal events interfered with your work earlier in high school. You don’t need to explain away every bad grade, but to give them the needed context (if any) to make sense of your transcript.
Finally, the application asks for two letters of recommendation. There are no requirements on who these are from. We recommend both come from teachers at your high school, or one from a teacher and one from a research mentor if you have undertaken a previous research project. These letters must be submitted by the 31 of January. You should ask your recommenders prior to requesting letters from them, that’s just polite.
Is This Program Right for You?
This program is a wonderful opportunity, but somewhat narrow in who it is tailored for. An ideal student is interested in medicine and research, possibly with an eye towards medical school in the future. They live in Houston, and are willing to devote a significant amount of time in their summer to doing something very interesting but quite difficult.
This is, of course, not going to be the right choice for everyone, or even necessarily a good idea for everyone to partake in. Only if you meet most of the above criteria should you seriously consider applying for this program; otherwise it may be a less than optimal use of your time.
If that description does sound like you, however, then we highly recommend applying for the High School Emerging Researcher Experience. This program offers things few others do in terms of access to hands-on research in a laboratory, and for free. If you are interested in medical school or medical research, and you qualify for this program, you should definitely consider applying.
Final Thoughts
It can be hard to find summer programs that exactly match your needs and desires, or which complement how you want to spend your time while also preparing you to apply to a top-notch college. We hope that this article has shown you one such excellent program, and given you a sense of what kind of opportunities are out there for you to fill your summers with.
If you are looking for help finding opportunities that are perfectly suited to your needs and interests, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. Our mentors help students find the right opportunities to meet their needs, from research opportunities like this or wherever else their passions lead them. If you’re looking for help planning out your summer, or want advice on applying to one of these competitive programs, then we can help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more, we’re always happy to hear from you.
