proletariat2

Hey guys, the application is up! As are the photos from the Clark Scholars from this year, so you can see what we look like...maybe it will humanize us to you, haha...

(and by the way I look quite dashing with a labcoat on and a contemplative look on my face)

m.sides

hahahah i love proletariat2 and you are doing such a good job promoting the program.
It really is an excellent experience, especially for biology focused people. The bio program is great at Texas Tech, and because the program director (Dr. San Francisco) is in the biology department, he sets up all the Clarkies with really great mentors.

This is not to say that the other departments are not as strong. All of the clark scholars seemed very very satisfied with their mentors and reseach oportunities. Overall, an amazingly fun and educational experience and its even free!

In terms of getting in, I would say that research experience helps. Some of the clarkies 09 had AMAZING stats...like many many many AP tests and perfect scores on SATs and ACTs (like proletariat2). I wasnt one of the kids with 10 AP tests under my belt, but I did have a lot of experience in different labs related to my topic. So, emphasize your interest in your field and like they say, "let your own voice shine through" in your essays. They are looking not just for perfect, book smart students, but also for students who are responsible, enthusiastic and genuinely interested in research.

Good luck potential clarkies 2010!

proletariat2

^Good point. I'd guess that demonstrating enthusiasm for research is probably more important than raw stats. [bragging]While I'd had perfect ACTs, 11 AP tests, and research experience[/bragging] (and one girl had already been a Siemens Semifinalist twice), some of the people who did some of the best/most interesting work at Clark Scholars had absolutely no research experience coming in and were just really motivated and enthusiastic. It's kind of hard not to be enthusiastic at Clark Scholars, with the amazing research opportunities and guidance! Basically, definitely don't slack off on your narrative.

Torcher

A word of caution - Clark Scholars is sort of like RSI (although, I bet, having a much more 'humane' admissions committee). Don't put it down as a 'safety' summer program, but at the same time don't be too bummed out if you don't get a call in march or whenever you get notified. I wasn't admitted to RSI, but I was admitted to Clark. If others from your school are applying, don't worry, they are 'school-blind'. The point is, Clark is like applying to a top 10 school, except it's a top 10 summer program. IMO, the application itself is not nearly as thorough as some other summer program apps, so in the end it is in some ways a 'crapshoot'. But hey - that's life.

Go for it - do your best, and don't worry about it after you send in the app.

fresh101

^Um the applicant has to live in Texas to attend the program, correct?
Because i live in NJ, and still want to do it. Is that possible? Are transportation costs provided?

Keilexandra

^Pretty sure that's false, considering that one attendee last year was from Canada.

Torcher

No, the applicant can live literally anywhere. Even ... North Korea (ok, not sure about that). Transportation costs are not provided for obvious reasons. There are really no requirements for applying, other than being either a Junior or Senior.

fresh101

^Sounds very nice but i wouldn't be able to afford the transportation costs. And my parents would never let me go to Texas. NY is good (I live in NJ) but not Texas!

proletariat2

Well, the $750 stipend can help cover transportation costs.

fresh101

^Hmm. Good call. I'll have to talk about it with my parents. I doubt they'll say yes. BUt i really wish i could go.

blueducky

HEY GUYS! I miss y'all so much

I just finished my evaluation for Clark's and it made me really sad.

And as for future applicants to Clark scholars -- it's pretty much the best way to spend your summer, hands down. I turned down other internships that were worth more (and I know you guys may get accepted into multiple ones too) but you SHOULD PICK CLARK'S! There is something charming about Lubbock, Texas, being with a small group of bright people from all over the place. You will learn a lot, you will have all sorts of resources at your fingertips. You basically can do anything you want for 7 weeks.

Plus, if you're not from Texas, this is probably the only time you will ever get to see Lubbock and its beaaauuuutiful clouds.

As for admissions, work on those essays lol. they are what gets you in, not your scores.

charizarrd

This sounds so amazing, I really want to apply! I highly doubt I'll get in though... seems like such a great opportunity though so I'll probably try anyway... and get rejected haha, I'm not only an international student, but I also have basically no research experience

Torcher

^ I had no 'formal' research experience in a lab either, all my research projects I had done without mentors, outside resources, etc. If you have competitive stats and can write some good essays (I recommend getting the essays revised, too) that show your ambition, then apply. One other thing - I know the recommendations are EXTREMELY important, so get three good teachers who know you well, with pref 2 of them being science teachers.

proletariat2

Recommendations are extremely important?

How did I get in then? Hmmmm...


Anyway, I think internationals are considered in the same pool as domestic applicants. I'm not completely sure of this, but it's certainly worth a shot, charizarrd.

Torcher

I think being international will actually be a boost, to be honest.
I know Dr. San Fran would be delighted and very interested in reading apps from internationals, just because the clark program's reputation has gone that far.