Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted twice a year:
First Tuesday in September for the Spring term
First Tuesday in March for the Fall term
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this internship?
Yes. Only US citizens are eligible for HCIP internship slots.
Is there a minimum GPA to participate in this program?
Yes, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is required.
I finished graduate school. Am I eligible to participate in this program?
Yes. The HCIP is open to students currently enrolled in graduate school as well as recent graduate school graduates. You must have received your graduate degree no more than one year prior to the application deadline.
I have a bachelor's degree, but I have not yet begun a graduate program. Am I eligible?
No. You must be in graduate school or within one year of completing your graduate degree to be eligible.
Is my application secure?
Yes, see the privacy statement on the first page of the application.
Can I save my application and finish/update it later?
Yes. Scroll down to the bottom of the application and click on “Save as Draft”. Once you have submitted your application, you can still view it but you can no longer make changes.
Who should write my two letters of recommendation?
Your graduate school dean, director, or advisor should write your primary letter of recommendation, which should specify your status within your graduate program and your expected date of graduation. Your second letter of recommendation should come from a professor, advisor, or professional associate.
What type of work samples should I submit?
Applicants must submit up to three work samples that demonstrate their writing capabilities. Work samples may include clips, recent papers, or publications. Do not send originals as work samples will not be returned.
Will I need to submit official transcripts?
Yes. Official transcripts must be submitted as part of your HCIP application. Submit both your final undergraduate transcript and most recent graduate school transcript.
How can I verify that my online application has been received?
You will receive an online confirmation if/when your application has been successfully submitted.
Can I submit a paper application? Can my references submit their letters by mail?
We are not equipped to process paper applications. If this poses a problem for you, please call us at 301.435.8524 to discuss your circumstances.
Will my application be reviewed for opportunities at other NIH Institutes or Centers?
No, the HCIP is for the National Cancer Institute only.
How are selections made?
Applications are forwarded to the NCI offices that have agreed to host an HCIP intern. The NCI offices contact applicants whose background and interests fit with the office directly. The NCI offices conduct telephone interviews with applicants. The NCI offices submit the names of the applicants whom they are interested in hiring to the HCIP Director. The HCIP Director makes the internship offer.
When will I find out if I am selected?
Applicants are notified of decisions via email approximately four to six weeks after the application deadline.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes, interns receive a monthly stipend based on their final undergraduate GPA and relevant post-degree work experience.
Will I have a mentor?
Yes, you will be assigned a mentor and you will be invited to attend monthly career development seminars.
Am I considered a federal employee?
No. HCIP interns are paid via a Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA). As such, HCIP interns are not considered federal employees and are not eligible for federal benefits. The NCI does pay for the interns’ medical insurance and interns are eligible to participate in trainings/seminars/classes available to NIH employees.
I still have a question that has not been answered…
If you have further questions please email us at HCIP-Contact@mail.nih.gov
