For Medical Students: FAQs

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

Due to our funding sources, only first- or second-year medical students in good academic standing at LCME- or COCA-accredited US medical schools are eligible to apply. Projects are to be carried out during an eight-week period in which participants must not have any other academic commitments. If you are in the process of retaking a course or will need to retake a course during the summer, you are not eligible to participate in this program.

If you are in the United States on a student visa, you must have your home school authorize Academic or Curricular Practical Training by the award acceptance deadline.

If you are not a US citizen, you must provide evidence of your eligibility to participate in the program by the award acceptance deadline.

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.

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

The program is highly competitive. In 2012, our acceptance yield was 8%. 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?

1. Completed online application available.
2. 
Submit a letter from your medical school dean or registrar stating that you are a first- or second-year student in good academic standing. The letter must specify if any courses are under remediation or pending remediation. Students who will need to retake a course during the summer or are in the process of retaking a course are NOT eligible to participate in this program.

The letter should be sent by mail to:

Medical Student Summer Fellowship Research Program Coordinator
Office of Graduate Medical Education – Box 187
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065

School transcripts and/or letters of recommendation are not required and will not be considered if submitted.

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?

All application materials must be received by January 14, 2013 at 12:00 noon EST. 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 10 - August 2; June 17 - August 9; June 24 - August 16

Subject to sponsor approval, participants may participate in any one of the eight-week program blocks. Applicants should consider final exam schedules, 2nd or 3rd year start dates, and any anticipated personal commitments during program dates before submitting an application. Uninterrupted participation 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, start and end dates inclusive. 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 does not provide housing to participants. Housing options will be identified and made known to participants. All housing and transportation expenses are the participant’s responsibility. 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 27 and March 15, 2013.

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 business 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 Medical Student Summer Fellowship Research Program Coordinator by e-mail at sumstudent@mskcc.org