- Can I apply if I don't currently have legal permanent resident alien (LPR) status, but I know I will get it before my appointment starts?
No, you must have your Permanent Resident status at the time of applying (by the application deadline).
- I am a Legal Permanent Resident, but my passport from my home country has expired. What do I list for my passport number and expiration date?
You are not required to have a valid passport to apply to the program. If you are a LPR with an expired passport, list your old passport number and the expired expiration date.
- This program states that it provides opportunities to undergraduate students. If I will graduate before the internship term for which I am applying, am I eligible to participate?
The program is for undergraduates. However, graduating or recent graduates are eligible to apply as “other” under the following two circumstances: (1) you have not yet started a program of graduate study and you will not matriculate as a graduate student prior to completing your SRP term and (2) the time period between completing your undergraduate degree and starting your SRP term is less than one year.
- I'm an undergraduate student, but I won't be 18 years old for another year. If this program is for undergraduate students, why can't I participate?
Eighteen is the minimum age for participation regardless of your education level.
- Do I have to have health insurance coverage to apply or can I wait until I'm selected to acquire it?
You do not have to have health insurance at the time of applying, but you must have health insurance in order to begin your appointment.
- Can I transfer my previous recommendations to my new application?
No, letters of recommendations cannot be transferred from previous applications.
- Do my recommendation letters need to reach you by the deadline?
Yes, the two required letters of recommendations must be submitted via snail mail, email, or fax by the application deadline.
- Who should I get to write my letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be requested from individuals familiar with your academic achievements and your academic or professional accomplishments. College faculty members who teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics courses are the best references, but you may also use lab assistants, teaching assistants, or employers (only if they are in a research setting).
- Am I required to submit transcripts?
Applicants who are applying to the Summer 2012 Student Research Participation Program are not required to provide transcripts. However, if you are applying for a SULI appointment, unofficial transcripts are required for every college or university that they have attended that are listed on the application.
Can I get in touch with scientists in areas I've chosen? Is this advisable?
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Yes. As you explore Argonne’s websites, you may identify scientists, programs, or divisions you would like to contact. The more you know about a group, the better chance you have of making a choice appropriate to your interests and skills.HOWEVER, potential research advisors are NOT authorized to offer you an appointment. If you are selected you must receive an official letter from the Educational Programs at Argonne.
- Will you let me know if I am missing parts of my application?
No, it is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete and received before the deadline.
- How does the selection process work?
To be considered, an applicant must meet all eligibility criteria and have submitted an application comprising ofall required materials. Prior to the merit assessment and evaluation, an initial review of all applications will be conducted to verify applicant eligibility and ensure all the required application materials have been provided. Applications will then be subject to a merit review process and selection process. From the highly reviewed applications, research advisors at the host laboratories select those applicants whose skills, knowledge, and research interests are best aligned with the research projects available to interns for the pending term.
- How are applications judged?
Applications will be assessed based upon the applicant’s performance in completed academic coursework, and especially coursework in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM); strength of recommendations letters; expressed scientific interests; and the applicant's background, experience, accomplishments, and interests as they relate to the research programs at the host laboratories.
- What are my chances of getting selected?
The chances of being selected depend on many factors: the total number of applications submitted, the number of applications requesting the same projects, the number of available internship opportunities at each laboratory, and the availability of funds. These factors vary each year so it is not possible to determine an individual’s chances of being selected for any given application cycle.
- Is this program only for natural science, engineering, mathematics, or computer science majors?
The program focuses on providing research internships in areas of science, engineering, technology and mathematics. While applicants are not required to major in areas of natural science, engineering, mathematics or computer science, applicants who demonstrate education, aptitude, and interest in these fields will be most competitive.
- When and how will I find out if I've been selected?
Students who are selected will be notified by email. The email will include the official offer package providing details of the project, stipend, housing, travel reimbursement, etc.
- If I decline an offer from my first choice laboratory will I be considered by the second choice laboratory?
Only one offer will be extended to an applicant during an application period. If the applicant declines, no additional or alternative offer will be made.
- If I don't get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again next year automatically or do I have to reapply?
You must reapply.
- If I request a certain field of study am I guaranteed to be placed in it if I am accepted into the program?
Argonne tries to match to the extent possible applicant’s research interests with available research projects and research advisors, but this is not always possible. Please keep in mind that researchers read your applications carefully and look for students who they think would benefit from being in their lab.
- What if I can only participate for a portion of the appointment period due to other commitments?
Participation requires a full time commitment for the duration of the appointment period. You should plan to be at the facility full time and avoid obligations that will interrupt your appointment. Summer appointments are for 10 weeks and spring and fall appointments are for 16 weeks.
- Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
Appointments are for 10 weeks in the summer and 16 weeks during the fall and spring terms. Although you must participate for the entire appointment period, there may be some flexibility. If you are extended an offer and you have restricted availability, please contact the Educational Programs staff at Argonne to see if it can accommodate you.
- Do I get any vacation during the appointment period?
The program does not include vacation or sick leave. You are not expected to be present on days that Argonne is closed due to a holiday. Most research advisors will help you design a schedule that is mutually agreeable.
- How often do I receive a stipend payment?
Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis. However, you will not receive your first payment until 4 weeks after the start of the program.
- What is my tax liability for the stipend I am paid as a participant in this program?
Argonne cannot give participants tax advice. All stipends paid to you are reported to the Internal Revenue. Participants should consult a tax expert with their questions.
- What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive?
Transportation expenses are reimbursed for one round trip between your home or academic institution (the address on the student's drivers license will be used to establish eligibility for travel reimbursement) and the facility. Travel will only be paid for students whose permanent addresses established by your drivers license is more than fifty miles away from Argonne. Transportation expenses will be reimbursed on the basis of the most direct route. Travel by a private automobile will be reimbursed at the current government rate up to a maximum of $500.00 or the cost of the lowest commercial airfare, whichever is lower. Travel by air will be reimbursed at the cost of the lowest commercial airfare. Travel arrangements are arranged by the host Division at Argonne.
- Can I receive undergraduate credit for my internship?
You will need to check with your college/university to see if your research experience qualifies for college credit. Argonne can provide you with the appropriate documentation if your college/university does provide this option.
- Does the program pay any tuition costs I might incur while participating if I am taking this for college credit
No, tuition and fees incurred during your participation in the program are not reimbursable.
- Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation at the end of my appointment?
Yes, you will be asked to prepare a research report, in consultation with your research advisor.
- What should I expect from the mentoring relationship at Argonne?
Your research advisor should provide the following: on-going technical guidance and advice; appropriate materials, equipment, technical and clerical support, and office space for you to perform your research activities; and a professional and stimulating intellectual atmosphere.
- Whom should I contact if I have additional questions?
You should contact Emily Mancini at emancini@anl.gov or Lisa Reed at lisareed@anl.gov
