Frequently Asked Questions
ELIGIBILITYCan I apply if I am a Permanent Resident Alien?Yes, Permanent Resident Aliens are eligible to apply. Can I apply to a second PST internship? No, you must apply to the SULI program in the second year. The PST is an entrance-level program designed for students who have not had an opportunity to work in a research environment. I’m an undergraduate student, but I won’t be 18 years old for another year. If this program is for undergraduate students, why can’t I participate? Eighteen is the minimum age for participation regardless of your education level. Do I have to have health insurance coverage to apply or can I wait until I’m selected to acquire it? You must have health insurance in order to begin your appointment. That means that you will not be eligible to receive a stipend payment until you have health insurance. Since some insurance providers have a waiting period from the time you apply, you may need to plan ahead in order to start your appointment at the desired time and still serve the full appointment. (back to top) APPLICATIONSIs it possible for me to send in an application now and remain
on file for consideration next year? 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?
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? SELECTIONHow does the selection process work? When the deadline for all applications arrives, prospective mentors at the respective laboratories review all applications. The mentors and Education personnel at the labs are involved in the selection process.
How are applications judged? 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. What if I can only participate for a portion of the appointment period due to other commitments? Participation requires a full time commitment for the duration of the appointment period. You should plan to be at the facility full time and avoid obligations that will interrupt your appointment. Is there any flexibility in start and end dates? At some facilities. Appointments are for 10 weeks in the summer. Although you should plan to participate for the entire appointment period, your may have flexibility at some facilities. Other facilities may have set dates. If you have restricted availability, check with the facility to see if it can accommodate you. Remember that you must fulfill all eligibility requirements for participation, such as obtaining health insurance coverage, before you can start your appointment. Do I get any vacation during the appointment period? The program does not include vacation or sick leave. You are not expected to be present on days that your facility is closed due to a holiday. Most mentors will help you design a schedule that is mutually agreeable. How often do I receive a stipend payment and where does it come from? You will receive your stipend check according to a pre-arranged schedule from the DOE facility administering your appointment. It varies from Lab to Lab. Once you are accepted you will be given a pay schedule. What is my tax liability for the stipend I am paid as a participant in this program? All stipends paid to you are reported to the Internal Revenue. Some facilities do not withhold taxes from these payments; participants at these facilities should give consideration to filing Form 1040-ES on a quarterly basis and paying estimated income taxes in order to avoid late payment penalties. What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive? You will be reimbursed for inbound and outbound travel between your home or school and the appointment site, if the distance is more than 50 miles one way. Reimbursements are made according to the standard travel policy of the DOE facility administering your appointment. Where will I live? It depends on the DOE facility. Some sites have housing already arranged; at others you need to arrange it yourself (these sites generally provide information to help you.). The program generally provides either a housing allowance or pre-arranged housing. Housing allowances are taxable. In some cases, your housing situation may result in costs to you over and above the housing allowance. In some cases, students who live within 50 miles of the host site are not eligible for housing or housing allowances. Can I receive undergraduate credit for my fellowship experience? You will need to check with your school to see if your research experience qualifies for college credit. DOE and the laboratory that administers your appointment will provide you with the appropriate documentation. Does the program pay any tuition costs I might incur while participating? No. Tuition and fees incurred during your participation in the program while you are still enrolled in a college or university are not reimbursable. By participating in this program, do I become an employee of the administrator, the host laboratory, or DOE? No. You will be considered a program participant and will not enter into an employer/employee relationship with the administrator, the host laboratory, or DOE. Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation at the end of my appointment? Both you and your mentor will be asked to jointly prepare a Research Paper or Power Point, Education Module and Abstract by the end of the appointment. Some laboratories have poster sessions for students or require oral presentations at the end of the appointment. What should I expect from the mentoring relationship at the laboratory? Your mentor should provide the following:
Whom should I contact if I have problems which I have been unable to resolve on-line?
sc.helpwithapplication@science.doe.gov SPONSORWhat is the source of 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. ADMINISTRATORSWho administers this program for the Department of Energy? (back to top) |