Summer Research Timeline

Timeline Table

Summer Research Timeline

Month	Things to do
January	Submit Program Application Forms
February	Application Submission Follow-up
March	Await Acceptance
April	Await Acceptance
May
June
July
August
September
October	Research All Opportunities
November	Research All Opportunities
December	Inquire About Interested Programs

October/November

Start looking at websites for. Read the requirements carefully and decide which ones might be right for you. Keep in mind two things:

1. The "nicer" locations and “big name” institutions get many applications. The competition is fierce so you might not get your first choice position. Apply for additional positions where you feel that you are qualified and in subject areas of interest to you. These might not seem like your ideal positions, but you can still have a wonderful research experience.
2. Apply to as many as possible, particularly if your GPA is close to the borderline of being acceptable. They don't charge a fee for applying so all it will cost you is your time to fill out the forms.

Make a list of all the programs that you are applying to along with their address and requirements (number of letters of reference, transcripts, deadlines). This will help you to stay organized.

Tell your faculty that you will be applying to summer programs and that you will be asking them for reference letters in December.

December

Visit your faculty references and talk with them about your interests in summer research. Mailing labels with the addresses already typed can be very helpful. Faculty have to use official letterhead paper and envelopes. Most programs have the faculty send the letter directly, however some might require that it be included with the application. If that is the case, inform the faculty member that you will return for those letters in late January and to please not mail them. (Often it is good to have one more person sending letters than what is required by the program, that way if one faculty member forgets, you have a backup.)

Winter Break/January

Fill out all the application forms and submit them. Send polite emails to your references reminding them of the letters and how important the summer opportunity is to you and why. Most programs have due dates in early February (but double check each website to make sure you are not missing the deadline!)

January/February

Double check again with faculty to make sure that they have sent out the letters. Call or email the programs to see if anything is missing from your application. If you get the idea that you are talking to the program director/associate director make sure you point out how much you want to be in their program.

March/April

Wait to see which programs accept you. Typically acceptances are based upon a high GPA, great letters and it is clear that you are very motivated to go to graduate school. Many programs talk to one another and so it is not uncommon to just get one or two acceptances. If your GPA was borderline or your letters weren't strong or you applied to just two or three programs, you might not get accepted into any of the program. If that is the case, you could call or email and ask them what you have to do be a stronger applicant next year. Remember if you are applying for the summer between your sophomore and junior year, you still have one or two more years to apply again. Sometimes agencies give first priority to those applicants who are closer to graduation, since they are much better prepared.