How to demonstrate a consistent interest in science

r1h9i9n5e
Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:52:07 +0000

Yep, it’s very tough to get into local universities. I must’ve emailed about 10-15 professors, and I managed to get about two or three responses, one of which was an offer to work with a postdoc on their project. I was amazed just to get responses much less an offer. Of course, it may be much more difficult to get to work in a chemistry/physics lab – mine was in Molecular Bio – so my word may not be as good as someone who does have experience in those types of labs.

If you’re still interested in searching for internships, I’d look through programs since you’ve had little luck with direct emails. Programs practically guarantee that there are positions, but those programs can be highly competitive, and the internships may be limited in scope. If you have any science teachers at your school that are well-versed in the field of scholarly research (some of them should be), you may consider asking them for sources or possible avenues of work in your area. If all else fails, you can see if you can get an internship through connections through your parents, friends, community, etc.

As for volunteering, yeah, I can understand not wanting to volunteer in a paleontology museum. I’d try and look for any sort of place that specializes in Chemistry or Physics and poke around and see if they have any volunteer positions. That may not be an option if you’re in a smaller town, and you’ll just have to settle. Again, this is where you should try to talk to people who are in the science crowd to see if they have any ideas of local outlets. There may be volunteer programs that you haven’t heard about yet.

However, there is likely a place that could use your help. I wouldn’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t pan out…there’s usually another place to try. Failures followed by success could even make a great college essay! :)

Best of luck!