Often, top medical schools in the U.S. offer predoc and premed summer undergraduate research programs. We’ve compiled an all-you-need-to-know chart that includes school name, deadlines, and links to the specific predoc/premed programs for more information.
Why do these undergraduate research programs exist?
The purpose of these programs is to expose ambitious, talented college students to graduate-level medical or doctoral research, usually over the course of 6-12 weeks over the summer. These programs generally provide generous stipends, as well as free housing and compensation for travel expenses. Students work closely with faculty members on research, usually resulting in a large, final project that’s presented at the end of the summer term.
Below are some of the top undergraduate premed/predoc research programs in the U.S. But first, a few notes:
- Each program awards students a stipend, as well as free housing. Some also cover travel costs and provide other subsidies. (Click through to the program for all of this information.)
- Each program requires applicants to submit an online application. See the specific applications for details as the number of essays/personal statements differ per program (generally ranging from one to three essays).
- While none of these programs require students to have a minority or disadvantaged background, nearly all of the programs explain that this background is a plus in the admissions process.
Summer research program highlights
| SCHOOL NAME | PROGRAM NAME | DEADLINE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine | Summer Undergraduate Research Program | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Boston University School of Medicine | Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) | TBD | Learn more >> |
| Harvard Medical School | Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Mayo Clinic | Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center | Summer Undergraduate Research Program | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Mount Sinai School of Medicine | Summer Undergraduate Research Program | January 15, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| New York University School of Medicine | Summer Undergraduate Research Program | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Northwestern University | Summer Research Opportunity Program | February 11, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | SSRP-AMGEN SCHOLARS PROGRAM | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| UMass Medical School | Summer Undergraduate Research Program | March 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Summer Program for Undergraduate Research - Life and Biomedical Sciences (SPUR-LABS) | February 3, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| University of Chicago | Pritzker School of Medicine Experience in Research (PSOMER) | January 8, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| University of Michigan | Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) | January 15, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| University of Pennsylvania | Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) | Early 2021 | Learn more >> |
| University of Virginia School of Medicine | Summer Research Internship Program | February 1, 2021 | Learn more >> |
| Weill Cornell/ Rockefeller/ Sloan-Kettering | Gateways to The Laboratory Summer Program | January 31, 2021 | Learn more >> |
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with individual programs to verify application deadlines.***
Tips for finding additional research opportunities
Attending a summer research program isn’t your only option when looking to bulk up your research experience. Here are four additional tips on securing the best research opportunity for you.
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Start early.
Ideally, it would be great to have 1-2 years of research experience under your belt before you apply to med school – so the earlier in your undergrad career you identify promising opportunities, the better.
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Find an area that interests you.
For example, if you’re more interested in Psychology or Anthropology than you are in Chemistry, look into the possibility of assisting a professor in one of those fields.
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See if your professors need research assistants/laboratory volunteers.
If your university has a research office or a central list of undergraduate research opportunities, check there first. If the system is less formal, do some research into professors’ current work (through department websites, professors’ CVs, etc.). Then email them and ask if you can speak to them about the possibility of volunteering in their lab. Let them know what background you have in the field (especially any prior research experience). If they don’t need research assistants at the moment, don’t be discouraged- talk to someone else.
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Think about doing a thesis.
Depending on where you’re studying (and what field), this might allow you to design your own experiment.
Bottom line
Gaining research experience – in a summer research program or any of the other options above – won’t just make you a more competitive medical school applicant; it will also help you sharpen your critical thinking skills and give you training you can draw on as a medical school student and physician.
For personalized guidance for your journey to medical school, check out our Medical School Consulting Services. Whether you were rejected from med school and are looking to reapply or you’re still in college and just getting started, we’re here to help. Choose the service that best fits your needs and connect with an advisor who will take you through the admissions process step-by-step. Learn more here.
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Related Resources:
• Med School Action Plan: 6 Steps to Acceptance, a free guide
• 5 Tips For Aspiring Premed Researchers
• How to Write About Your Research Interests
