For Medical Students: FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Medical Student Summer Fellowship Program?

Due to our funding sources, only medical students in good standing who are currently in their first or second year at an accredited allopathic or osteopathic United States medical school are eligible to apply. Note: Summer fellows are hired as temporary summer employees of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. All participants must provide employment eligibility verification; non-US citizens must submit valid work authorization documentation.

2. What are my chances of getting into the program?

The program is highly competitive. Last year, a total of 820 applications were submitted for approximately 63 spots. However since students apply for specific projects, some projects are more competitive than others. It is recommended that students apply for those projects which specifically interest them and for which they have relevant academic preparation and/or research experience.

3. What materials do I need to submit to be considered for selection?

The following items must be received no later than January 17, 2012 in order to be eligible for consideration:

1. Completed online application.
2. Letter from medical school dean or registrar indicating applicant is a first- or second-year medical student in good standing. (This letter is not forwarded to the faculty sponsor and should not include information in support of the student's application.) The dean's letter must be postmarked by January 17, 2012. It is recommended applicants request their dean's letter as early as possible as it often takes time for their school to process this request.
3. Incomplete applications (missing items 1 or 2) will not be considered.

Please send to:

Summer Fellowship Program
Office of Graduate Medical Education, Box 187
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065

E-mail: sumstudent@mskcc.org
Phone: 212-639-3359

4. How will I know that my online application has been received?

You will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application. Please read this confirmation carefully and print a copy for your records.

5. May I send the application form in a hard copy format via postal mail?

No. The application is only accepted through the program Web site. Only the dean's letter will be accepted via postal mail.

6. When is the deadline for submission?

The online application must be completed no later than January 17, 2012. The dean's letter must be postmarked by January 17, 2012. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

7. May I submit my school transcript or a letter of recommendation?

No. School transcripts and/or letters of recommendation are not required and will not be considered if submitted.

8. What are the dates of the program?

June 11 - August 3; June 18 - August 10; June 25 - August 17

Please note the revised end date for the third session.

Accepted students may participate in any one of the three eight-week program blocks subject to sponsor approval. Applicants should consider final exam schedules, additional summer course work, 2nd or 3rd year start dates, and any anticipated personal commitments during program dates before submitting an application. Uninterrupted participation during the specified program dates is required.

9. May I participate in the program for a shorter time period than the dates listed?

Participants are required to complete the full eight-weeks of the program on-site through the end of the last day of the program block. There are no exceptions. Students unable to adhere to these requirements should not apply.

10. Does Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center provide housing or transportation assistance?

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center does not provide housing to Summer Fellowship participants. Housing options will be identified and made known to program participants. All housing and transportation expenses are the responsibility of the student. Summer Fellowship participants are not eligible for employee parking discounts.

11. When will I find out if I've been accepted to the program?

Accepted applicants will be notified of a decision between February 29 and March 16, 2012.

12. If I am accepted, how long will I have to confirm that I will participate in the fellowship program?

Accepted applicants are expected to confirm their participation in the program within three days of their acceptance notification or forfeit their spot in the program.

13. May I contact the faculty sponsor of a particular project?

Applicants are not permitted to contact individual faculty sponsors during the application process. Applicants who do not abide by this policy will be disqualified from consideration.

14. Whom should I contact with further questions?

If you have a question that was not answered in the FAQ section, please contact the Summer Fellowship Program Coordinator by e-mail at sumstudent@mskcc.org.