<p>082349’s thread contains extremely helpful information. It’s definitely worth an extensive look.</p>
<p>From my personal experience, I can tell you this. Don’t be intimidated by what seems like an undergraduate-/graduate-exclusive experience. Take the initiative and just send out emails to those professors, regardless of whether or not you think you’ll actually succeed. I was in your situation just a couple of months ago (rising senior, though). I only applied to one program that I could actually afford to go to - and was rejected. I heard from various students that they personally emailed professors to request a research internship, but I was skeptical at best. Nevertheless, I decided to send a bunch of emails out - each of them personalized to the professor’s research interests - and hoped for the best, albeit with a heavy heart. I actually got a few positive replies and I’m currently working in a lab over the summer as a volunteer. I met with the professor, we talked, and everything went well.</p>
<p>Bottom line: Don’t be afraid, just send out those emails. 082349’s thread has more specifics. The worst thing that could happen is a ‘no.’ Best of luck!</p>