UCSF Summer Student Research Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are high school students in grades 10–12 who have (1) completed at least one year of math and one year of biology, (2) demonstrate an interest in the health sciences, (3) are in good academic standing with typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher, (4) are U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or lawful permanent residents, and (5) will be at least 16 years old by June 1 of the summer for which they are applying.
How do I apply?
Students interested in the Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) should complete the online application and submit required documents by the application deadline. A link to our online application can be found on the SSRP website.
What is required as part of my application?
- Completed online application
- Recent school transcript – An unofficial (not certified) copy is acceptable. Do not send a link or a file that requires security access.
- Personal essay (500 words maximum) – Please address the following topics:
o Why do you want to participate in this program?
o What do you hope to achieve through participation in this program?
o Why should be chosen as a candidate for this program? - Resume (2 page maximum)
- Completed recommendation form – Only one recommendation form is required, although additional recommendations are welcome. Recommender(s) must submit their review using the reference form which is available in the online application. The reference should be completed by a teacher or other academic official who can speak to your academic achievements, potential for success in the sciences, and what distinguishes you from other applicants.
Where can I find instructions for the Reference Form?
Instructions can be found on the SSRP website with link “Reference Form Instructions.”
What if I don’t have all of the application elements by the deadline?
Only completed applications will be reviewed.
When is the application due?
Applications are due in February of each year. Check the SSRP website for specific dates.
When do I submit the application?
You may submit an application at any time before the due date. Check the SSRP website for specific dates.
How are applicants selected?
A selection committee will review all applications that meet the eligibility requirements. The criteria for selection of awardees will include candidate qualifications, aptitude, enthusiasm for science, career goals, and articulation of what you hope to gain from participation in the program. The selection committee takes a holistic view of the application. Grades are considered, but the committee will also take into account the rigor of courses taken, trajectory of grades, and academic or personal barriers. Student character is also considered based on the submitted letter(s) of recommendation. Students applying to SSRP as alumni must demonstrate leadership potential and articulate, in detail, what new skills or experiences they hope to gain from participation in the program again.
When do I hear if I was selected?
Students will be informed about the status of their application by their primary email, typically by the end of March. Updates regarding specific dates of intern selection will be posted on our website. Be sure to check your email regularly during this time, including your spam filter in case notification gets delayed there.
Can I choose my research mentor?
Students can request a specific mentor, but internship placements are decided by the SSRP Leadership based on mentor availability and accessibility. Applications can check the SSRP website for mentors who participated in previous years.
Can I choose what type of research I participate in?
Students can request the type of research they prefer in the application. However, internship placements are decided by the SSRP Leadership based on mentor availability and accessibility. Applications can check the SSRP website for the types of projects completed in previous years.
What are the different research categories?
Three general types of research in this program. Laboratory research is defined as research conducted within a basic science laboratory often to reveal biological mechanisms or pre-clinical associations. Clinical research is defined as research in which people, or the data or samples from people, to more directly understand health and disease. Community Health or Public Health research is defined as research focused on the maintenance, protection, and improvement of the health status of population groups and communities.
How long is the program?
The 2026 summer student program will be 7 weeks, starting on June 15, 2026 and ending on July 31, 2026. All students are required to participate each week of the program and especially on June 15th for Orientation and July 31st for in the SSRP Research Symposium.
Where will my research project take place?
Students are matched by the SSRP leadership with mentors according to research interest and mentor availability. Internships are mostly located at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital of Oakland and the MLK Research Building in Oakland, with a few postings at UCSF sites in San Francisco.
Is the program in person?
The majority of the research internship opportunities are in person, although some internships may include remote or hybrid work at the discretion of the mentor. Orientation, Research Symposium, and other programming will require in-person attendance.
How is an ‘under-represented student’ defined?
Under-representation is defined by at least ONE of the THREE categories:
- Individuals who are first-generation college students, defined as a student whose parents or guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree meaning they will be the first in their immediate family to pursue or earn a four-year college degree.
- Individuals with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Some examples include but are not limited to sickle cell disease, thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, Type I diabetes, cerebral palsy, and autism.
- Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (documentation of eligibility may be required if accepted):
• Family with an annual gross income less than 130% of poverty level
• High school students eligible to receive free or reduced lunch for 2 or more years
• Students who were or are currently eligible for a Federal Pell Grant
• Students who were or are currently experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
• Students who were or are currently in the foster care system as defined by the Administration for Children and Families
• Students with no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor’s degree
• Students who received support from WIC as a parent or child
• Students who grew up in a US Rural area as designated by HRSA
Note: SSRP recognizes that no single definition of under-representation in science is comprehensive for all identities and intersectionalities. The SSRP will consider all information provided in each student’s application and personal essay.
Is a stipend provided during the program?
Yes, all eligible students will receive a stipend for their completion of the program. Summer stipends are set at $3000 for high school students to $4300 for undergraduate students as defined by the program granting agencies. Selected students will receive stipend details by email and have the opportunity to review the program offer prior to final acceptance.
Is housing provided during the program?
Housing is not provided during the program, nor is funding provided for housing support.
What happens if I am selected?
You will receive an offer of acceptance into the program by email with a deadline to accept the offer. Requested materials must be completed and received by the deadlines provided or you may lose your spot in the program.
Are there age limitations for the program?
Students must be 16 years of age or older by June 1 of the program year to participate in the program. There is no maximum age limit.
What is the definition of a high school student?
Any student enrolled in a high school program in the U.S. at the time the SSRP application is submitted.
If I have other questions about the application process, who do I contact?
For questions not addressed via this FAQ, contact the SSRP at: ssrp@ucsf.edu