salk institute logo

EDUCATION OUTREACH

Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
FAQ

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - EDUCATION OUTREACH - Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
FAQ

Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute FAQ

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. All sections of the application must be completed and submitted by this date, including parental consent and submission of your recommender’s contact information.

When are letters of recommendation due?
We will extend the deadline for letters of recommendation to Friday, March 14th, 2025 to give your recommender time to submit their letter.

I have a questions about the application, where can I get more information?
We have some application workshop dates planned for this month if students want to chat about the application or ask any in depth questions. We’ll also go over application tips and tricks! Please see dates/times below:

Application Workshop Schedule
Application Workshop Schedule will be uploaded soon. The first workshop will begin late January.

Am I eligible for the program if I turn 16 years old after June 16th, 2025?
No, you must be at least 16 years old on or before this date. This is a requirement of our Environmental Health and Safety department and there are no exceptions.

Where will the internship take place?
Most of our labs are at the Salk Institute’s main campus located at 10010 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037. Only a few labs have off campus spaces, but we will let you know if you’ll need to travel off campus during the interview.

I’m missing the biology and/or chemistry course requirements. Can I still apply?
Please apply even if you are missing just one class requirement. Beyond looking at your grades, we are looking for students who are passionate about science. The mentors look for students that are willing to learn and have the ability to express their interest in science. A great way to boost your application is by having a strong resume, great letters of recommendation, and by showing your interests in science in the short answer questions.

Do I need to have prior work or lab experience before applying to the program?
While prior work and lab experience can help show your interest and skills, it is not a requirement. Please still apply! Our internship can help you develop more technical and soft skills while introducing you to research.

How many hours will students be working each week?
Students will devote 30-40 hours a week to the internship, with some weeks varying depending on your lab schedule. Working hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM, but each lab has a different schedule. This is a great question to ask the scientist in the interview!

How does the process of Letters of Recommendation work?
You should first discuss the program and the letter with your recommender before applying. Once you have them confirmed, you will input their names in the application, and they will be sent a link to fill out the letter of recommendation form. Your recommender can be a current or former teacher, coach, school counselor, supervisors, mentors, or others in similar roles.

I really want to participate in this program, is there anything I can do to increase my chances of being selected?

  • Read all the application directions and questions carefully to ensure that you have provided all the information requested.
  • Proofread your written responses for spelling and grammar mistakes.
  • Express your interest in specific research areas. Really interested in Neuroscience? Tell us why and how you got into it.
  • Select teachers or mentors that are able to write you a compelling letter of recommendation.

I don’t have a resume. What are some tips on how to create one?
Please visit these helpful sites for information on how to create a resume.

When will students be notified if they have been selected for interviews?
Interviews will take place during the entire month of April. Historically, we always have a high number of applications, so we thank you for your patience in advance as we align students with a mentor.

When will students be notified if they got the internship?
All students will receive an email letting them know of their application status by April 11th 2025. Once all interns are finalized, an email will be sent to all applicants from the Salk EO team.

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who can I contact?
Please contact Education Outreach at education@salk.edu or the program coordinator, Megan Hollyfield as mhollyfield@salk.edu.