PHSRC Pulse

Applying for Summer Research Programs

Photo of a woman holding a test tube

Are you hoping to get involved in research this summer? Many applications for summer research programs and internships are due in February, so now’s the time to apply! 

Getting Started 

First things first: reflect! What topics do you find really interesting? What issues are you passionate about? Asking these questions first can help you pursue research opportunities you enjoy and find meaningful, and authenticity is key to being a strong candidate for a health program. 

Then, read through our Research page, where we talk through some of the reasons you may want to get involved in research as an undergraduate, the types of research you can do, how to search for opportunities, and more. 

Learning from other students

Want to hear how other students have gotten involved in research at the U? Check out one of our earlier blog posts, Research Advice from a Recent UMN Grad. The post features College of Liberal Arts graduate Ali Mashadi and his journey as a pre-med student, his experiences getting involved in research and eventually presenting nationally, and how he brought these experiences into his medical school applications.

The Office of Undergraduate Research also offers peer drop-in hours, where you can connect with another U of M student to explore your possibilities. Sign up for a session on the Office of Undergraduate Research website. 

Looking into a few opportunities 

If doing a summer research program feels like a good fit for you, we’ve compiled a short list to get you started! 

Ready for a longer list? Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research for more opportunities.