Application Tips

Applying for an ORISE educational program can be easy or frustrating. We want your application experience to be painless and easy. So, here are a few tips. Even if you are a veteran at completing applications, review this information anyway. You can always learn something new!

Eligibility

Be sure that you are eligible for the program before spending your time and energy completing the application process. Permanent residents are not accepted at some facilities. You should check citizenship requirements at chosen facilities before applying. If you are not sure that you are eligible after reading the eligibility criteria, call or e-mail the program contact listed at the bottom of the program description.

Participation Requirements

Applicants who are selected to participate in a program must be at least 18 years of age unless otherwise specified in the program description. Participants are generally required to provide proof of coverage under a health insurance plan BEFORE beginning a research participation appointment. Some programs provide medical or other types of insurance coverage. Be sure to carefully read the benefits section of the program for which you want to apply.

Benefits

Understanding what you will get from a research participation experience is important in setting realistic expectations and goals. There are two main types of benefits:

• the research experience
• funding

Selected applicants get a chance to participate in ongoing research at a federal laboratory or other research facility; hands-on training in the use of computers, computer software and other state-of-the-art equipment; and opportunities to network with other students, faculty, and researchers. Participants also receive a stipend and reimbursement for round-trip travel expenses, if the distance traveled is 50 miles or greater.

A summer research appointment can be a life changing experience for you. It can help you confirm a career choice or steer you in a different direction. However, it is the stipend (money received during your participation) that supports you during the research experience. Stipends vary by program and discipline. See the responsibilities section for more information on the kinds of expenses you can expect.

Preparations for Completing the Application

Once you have downloaded the application, print two copies. If you make an error that is difficult to white out or spill something on the application you will have a backup copy. However, the best solution is not to eat or drink while working with the application. At least this will eliminate spills and smudges.

Note: Some program applications may be electronic—which means you complete them online. However, you still need to be prepared!

Read through the application, making notes of the information you will need to complete the application. You will find that the process moves more smoothly if you have everything that you need before beginning. You will need the following:

1. Student copy of your transcript or grade slips from past semesters/quarters.
2. Names of two to three faculty members who will provide references. The number of references required varies by program.
3. Names of two laboratories or facilities where you would like to be placed. Note: This will require some research on your part. First, read the program description. Look for disciplines or research areas and the list of laboratories or facilities where appointments can be held. Then, take the time to review the web site of the two facilities you selected. Try to get an idea of what research is being done at the facility and how your research interest will fit in. Need help? Ask one of your professors or call the laboratory education office. Some programs may have a list of contacts at each laboratory.
4. Draft of research statement. Once you have a clear idea of what research is being performed at the facility, writing a draft will be much easier. Your research description is very important! It could be the reason your application is judged to be ineligible. Ask a professor to review and critique it. Once your research statement is finalized, you will be ready to copy it onto the application.
5. Print the requested information neatly, using a black or blue ink pen (black is preferred). Review the application to ensure that you filled in all the required fields. If application is electronic, you will key it in.
6. Request that an official transcript be sent to ORISE, if required by the program to which you are applying. If applying to more than one program, send only one official copy. Send a copy of your student transcript with the other application (s) and a note that says the official transcript is being sent to "program name" or "Program Specialist name." This will save you some money if you have to pay for official transcripts.
7. Review the completed application (s) to ensure that:

a. all required fields are completed

b. information is accurate

c. spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct

8. Copy the completed application for your records. Things do get lost in the mail!

Participant Responsibilities

Travel || Housing || Daily Transportation

If you will travel to a location that is more than 50 miles from where you live, you will probably have to move for the summer or term of your appointment. It is important that you take some time to think about your responsibilities and expenses.

Travel to the Research Facility Location

How you will travel depends on the distance and whether or not you have access to a vehicle. You will be reimbursed for the cost of one round trip from your home or school to the facility and return to home or school. You will be reimbursement for the miles traveled in a personal vehicle at the rate of 31 cents per mile. Note: If you are driven by a parent (s), reimbursement will only be for one round trip. We cannot reimburse for their return trip home. You may also purchase a round trip airline ticket that will be reimbursed at the lowest cost airfare available. So, book flights as early as possible.

Whether you drive or fly, you will be reimbursed one leg at a time. You submit the first travel certificate after you arrive at the facility. The final travel certificate should be submitted after you return home. You will receive a copy of our travel policy, which includes what expenses require original receipts. Don’t throw away any receipts or airline coupons until you have read the travel policy and are sure that you don’t need them.

If you elect to drive a very long distance where the mileage would exceed the cost of airfare, you will only be reimbursed for mileage up to the lowest cost airfare. Per diem, money for food and incidentals, is not allowed during travel to and from the facility. If a program provides per diems, it will be outlined in the benefits section of the program description or in the offer letter.

Housing

You will have to secure a place to live. This could be an apartment, a rented room in someone’s home, or dormitory housing. You can get help from the education coordinator at the research facility; however, it may be your responsibility to get a place to live. Some programs secure housing for participants.

Most apartments require a cleaning or damage deposit that may or may not be refundable. Some apartments include the cost of utilities (electricity, water, cable television, and phone) in the rental fee while others do not. Take a look at the stipend amount to be sure it will support you.

If the program secures the housing, you may have to share an apartment or dorm room with 1-3 other students of the same gender, depending on the number of bedrooms (usually two twin beds per bedroom). You can choose not to do this; however, you may have higher costs.

You may have to bring your own bed and bath linens, cooking utensils, dishes, and television. In most cases, furniture is already in place. In some cases, cooking utensils and other necessities may be supplied. Some housing, like dormitory rooms, may not have cooking facilities available.

Daily Transportation

You should ask if you will need a vehicle or if public transportation is available. It is also important to ask how long it takes to get to the research facility.

How to Find a Program || Diversity Programs || ORISE Educational Opportunities

02/21/02