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 676 applications were submitted for approximately 50 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 11:59PM January 22, 2010 in order to be eligible for consideration:
- Completed online application (available the week of December 14, 2009).
- 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 received by the application deadline. 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.
- Incomplete applications (missing items 1 or 2) will not be considered.
Please send to:
Medical Student Summer Fellowship Program Coordinator
Office of Graduate Medical Education, Box 187
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Fax: 212-717-3775
No applications are reviewed until after the submission deadline of January 22, 2010.
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 or fax.
6. When is the deadline for submission?
All materials must be must be received no later 11:59 PM January 22, 2010. It is recommended applicants request their deans letter as early as possible as it often takes time for their school to process this request. 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 7 - July 30; June 14 - August 6; June 21 - August 13
Participants 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?
Students may choose to find their own housing. However, a limited number of housing spots in Manhattan has been reserved for program participants who come from outside the New York metropolitan area. 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 March 1, 2010 and March 15, 2010. All other applicants will be notified by March 15, 2010 as well.
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.
