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TABLE OF CONTENTS | |
1. Eligibility |
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2. Applications |
5. Sponsor |
3. Selection |
Is it possible for me to send in an application now and remain
on file for consideration next year?
No, your application will only be kept on record for the current year.
You must reapply to be considered for next year.
Do I have to click on the Final Submit button to complete my portion
of the online application before asking my recommenders to submit their
recommendations online?
No. Recommendations may be submitted at any time after you have started your online application. The recommenders use a unique URL that will link their completed recommendation to your application and your status page will show that the recommendation has been submitted.
Do my reference letters need to reach you by the deadline?
You should plan to have all parts of your application reach us by the deadline.
Can references be sent by e-mail?
No. You must use the electronic process. Part of your application includes a
page with a URL unique to your application that you should print and give to the
people you would like to submit a recommendation on your behalf. Each person
writing a reference for you will complete the online recommendation form and
submit it electronically. This is the only way to ensure that your
recommendations are properly linked with your application.
Who should I get to write my references?
References should be submitted by someone familiar with your academic achievements and your academic ability. College faculty members who teach science, technology, engineering, science or mathematics methods or mathematics courses are the best references, but you may also use former high school teachers, lab assistants, teaching assistants, or employers (especially if they are in a research setting).
Am I required to submit transcripts?
Not for the application. You are required to list all courses and grades
assigned for classes you have completed and for classes you are currently
taking (you are not required to list grades for classes you are currently
taking). Before you begin an appointment, you may be required to submit
a transcript to your host facility. Any discrepancies between what you
reported on your application and your official transcript may be grounds
for termination.
How do I select a laboratory?
The application contains information on currently participating laboratories
and the scientific research areas available at those sites. You will also
find links to home pages of each participating facility. Choose a laboratory
based on the type of research and the subject matter that interests you.
If you are interested in biology, for example, choose a site that has research
projects in that discipline. You may want to check with us to confirm the
list of participating laboratories for any given term.
Can I get in touch with
scientists at the laboratories I’ve chosen? Is this advisable?
Yes. As you explore the laboratories’ Web sites, you may identify scientists,
offices, or divisions you would like to contact. The more you know about
a laboratory, the better chance you have of making a laboratory choice
appropriate
to your interests and skills. HOWEVER, potential mentors are NOT authorized
to offer you an appointment. If you are selected you must receive an official
letter from the Department of Energy. This notification will be followed
by an official letter from the laboratory or its administrative agent. You
have not been given an official offer until you receive these two things.
Will you let me know if you are missing parts of my application?
It is your responsibility to check your "Status Page" to ensure
that your application is complete.
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How are applications judged?
Your application will be judged on your educational experience, research
interests, and references. You will also be judged on your commitment
to a career in teaching. Researchers are looking for someone who is interested
in the kind of research they are conducting and who will benefit from
their expertise and facilities.
How can I maximize my chances of getting selected?
Make your laboratory choice carefully. Investigate the laboratories’ Web
Sites. Take some time to answer the narrative parts of the application.
Convey the quality of your skills and your enthusiasm for research. Make
sure your application is complete and that you submit it by the deadline.
Why am I asked if I have participated in any other DOE programs?
Does answering yes to that question help or hurt my chances of being
selected?
There is no good or bad answer to this question. DOE wants to be able
to gauge how many students know about other DOE programs.
What are my chances of getting selected?
Hundreds of appointments will be made in many different facilities. There
is no way of knowing how many applications will be received for any given
year, nor what the quality of those applications will be. One thing is
certain, however: If you don’t apply, you certainly won’t get selected!
When and how will I find out if I’ve been selected?
You will receive an E-mail from DOE notifying
you of your selection. Your status page will indicate you have been selected.
The DOE facility administering your appointment will follow
up with an appointment letter and other documents explaining the details
of your appointment. If you think you might have been selected and haven’t
heard anything, please check your status page. Mentors at laboratories
are not authorized to make appointment offers by telephone. Official notification
must come first from DOE and then from the laboratory. Please
check your status page frequently, as you will only have 2 weeks in which
to accept an offer once it has been made.
If I don’t get selected this time, will my application be reviewed
again next year automatically or do I have to reapply?
You must reapply.
If I request a certain field of study, am I guaranteed to be placed in it if I am accepted into the program?
No, but we make every attempt at properly
matching students with mentors. Remember that the researchers read
your applications carefully and look for students that they think would
benefit from being in their lab.
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Whom should I contact if I have problems which I have been unable to resolve on-line?
sc.helpwithapplication@science.doe.gov
(202) 586-9742
What is the source of funding for this program?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science provides the funding
for this program.
Why is the DOE involved in education?
Since its formation in 1977, DOE has supported education programs that help ensure an adequate supply of scientists, engineers, and technicians for energy-related research, production activities, and the transfer of technology.
Who administers this program for the Department of Energy?
Argonne National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Ernest Orlando
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental
Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Princeton Plasma Physics,
National Renewable Energy, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, and Thomas Jefferson
have education offices in their labs that administer the program. Oak
Ridge National Laboratory internships are administered by Oak Ridge Institute
for Science and Education.