Frequently Asked Questions

Q: "I will not be in the summer before my final year of undergraduate studies. Am I eligible to participate in the SURP?"

A: No, we only consider applications from students who will be entering the summer before their final year of undergraduate studies, meaning the applicant is graduating in the spring or winter following completion of the SURP. Our program is tailored for students at this stage of their academic career. No exceptions will be considered. However, you can consult a list of research internships in science or medicine offered nationwide to high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and MPH students at:
http://www.fhcrc.org/content/dam/public/education/internships.pdf

Q: "I am not a U.S. citizen or green card holder, but I attend a college or university in the U.S. Am I eligible to participate in the SURP?"

A: Yes, you are eligible to apply if you have a student visa.

Q: "I am not a U.S. citizen or green card holder and I attend an institution in a country outside the U.S. Am I eligible to participate in the SURP?"

A: No, you are not eligible for our program at this time.

Q: "I want to send my applicant code to my references, but I don't have the code yet."

A: You will receive your applicant code once your complete application is submitted.  Your references will then receive an automated email with your applicant code and instructions for submitting their recommendation letter. Letters of recommendation are due one week following the application deadline; however we recommend that you give your references plenty of advance notice prior to submitting your application."

Q: "One of my references will be on vacation and therefore not able to submit my letter of recommendation before the deadline. Can I have my reference email you a letter of recommendation directly?"

A: No, all letters must be submitted via the online application system.

Q: "Can I send you an updated version of my transcript?"

A: No, additions to your transcript will not be considered following submission of your application.

Q: "Can I send you additional information for my application, like a resume?"

A: No, to ensure a fair review of all applications, we only consider the materials specifically requested via the online application system.

Q: "I just learned about the amazing SURP at the FHCRC, but the deadline has passed. Can I still apply?"

A: No, we only review applications that are received by the deadline. We maintain a compilation of research internships in science or medicine offered nationwide to high school, undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and MPH students, which can be accessed here:
http://www.fhcrc.org/content/dam/public/education/internships.pdf

Q: "When can I expect to hear about the status of my application?"

A: All applicants will receive notification of their application status via email by mid-March.

Q: "I am not eligible for the SURP, but would like to learn more about other internship opportunities at the FHCRC."

A:  If you are interested in other internship opportunities at the FHCRC, please visit: http://www.fhcrc.org/en/careers/internship-opportunities.html or contact Scott Canavera, Internship Programs Manager, at: scanaver@fhcrc.org.

Q: "Can I take the GRE or MCAT test prep course during the SURP?"

A: Given the intensive nature of the SURP, we do not recommend participating in a prep course or completing other elective coursework in conjunction with the program.  This recommendation is based on feedback from prior interns, however we will not revoke your participation in the SURP if you need to take a prep course or some other coursework.

Q: "I have questions regarding housing at the University of Washington (UW). Who should I contact?"

A: The University of Washington's Conference Services operates independent of the FHCRC; therefore all housing questions should be directed via email to: confhous@u.washington.edu or phone at: (206) 543-7636.

Q: "I am living at the UW this summer; can I find out who my roommates are before I arrive?"

A: Yes, you can find out who your roommates are in advance of your arrival. SURP staff highly recommend that you initiate contact with your roommates before you arrive in Seattle. To obtain this information, please contact the University of Washington's Conference Services via email at: confhous@u.washington.edu or phone at: (206) 543-7636.

Q: "Can I arrive at the UW a day early for check-in?"

A: Check-in at the University of Washington takes place on Monday, June 10 between noon to 5 pm at the Terry Hall front desk.  You will need to secure overnight accommodations elsewhere if you plan to arrive in Seattle prior to that date.

Q: "I will not be living on UW campus for the summer; can I still get an IMA pass?"

A: No, only interns living on the UW campus are eligible to purchase an IMA pass.

Q: "I told a SURP staff member I wanted to purchase an Intramural Activities Building (IMA) pass; now what?"

A: Go to the IMA building with your student ID and the proper form of payment. Let the person at the reception desk know that you are participating in the SURP at the FHCRC and living on the UW campus. You will then be asked to provide some additional information, pay the fee, and IMA access is all yours! A brief description of facilities and hours of operation are provided and further information can be found by visiting:  http://depts.washington.edu/ima/ or by calling: (206) 543-4590.

Q: "What is the difference between a faculty mentor and a staff mentor?"

A: In most cases, interns will work in the lab or research group of their faculty mentor (namely a Principal Investigator/PI) but under the direct guidance of a staff mentor, such as a post-doctoral fellow or graduate student. While you will have opportunities to interact with your faculty mentor, you will have more direct, routine interaction with your staff mentor. Working with a staff mentor presents a great opportunity to inquire about preparing for and succeeding in graduate or medical school, pursuing a research career, etc.