FAQ
For whom is MHI SUMMER designed?
It is for college junior and senior undergraduate students who are interested in exploring a career in scientific research.
What qualifies a student for eligibility?
To be eligible for this program, an undergraduate student must be classified as a rising junior, junior, senior academic status at the time of award activation or may complete the fellowship immediately following graduation in Spring 2024. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
A student previously supported by an AHA student fellowship may apply for an additional fellowship in a subsequent year. However, a student who has been supported by two AHA undergraduate fellowships is no longer eligible to apply. An application for a second undergraduate fellowship should be well-justified. The student must be enrolled full-time or a recent graduate of an undergraduate degree program at a four-year college or university.
At the time of application, the student must be a United States citizen, or foreign national holding a student, exchange, or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, or TN. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status requires additional AHA approval to apply.
Students may not hold funds from AHA Scholarships in Cardiovascular Disease given by AHA Professional Councils at the same time as they are supported by an AHA Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training.
Who can submit a letter of recommendation for me?
1 letter of recommendation is required from faculty or a professional reference.
Can I apply if I am an international student?
At the time of application, you must be a United States citizen, or foreign national holding a student, exchange, or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, or TN.
I need to know how much compensation I can expect for the summer to plan appropriately. Do we get compensation?
Each student will receive $6,000 for the 10-week program. This is a full-time program at 40hrs/week. They will also be funded to travel and attend an AHA conference at the end of summer.
Is housing provided?
Unfortunately, housing is not provided at this time.
Can I participate in the MHI SUMMER Program and also attend summer school/class?
No. MHI SUMMER is a full-time summer commitment. There is not enough time to fulfill summer school requirements and the program requirements.
I will not be able to participate for a complete nine weeks. Am I eligible?
No, you are not.
I want to apply, but I know it’s past the Feb 2 deadline. Can I still apply?
No.
I will be studying for the MCAT during the program dates. Is it a good idea to apply?
MHI SUMMER is a full-time commitment, and that means full-time responsibility for doing your job well and taking advantage of program activities. We do not want any important activity in a participant’s education to suffer; therefore, think seriously about how much time you will want to put into studying and whether it will interfere with MHI SUMMER participation. You cannot take an MCAT Review course and participate in MHI SUMMER
Accepted Applicants
I was offered a position, but I wish to decline the offer. What do I need to do?
You have five business days from the date of the email stating that you were accepted to accept or decline our offer in writing. Email us at MHISUMMER@unc.edu. The sooner we know, the sooner we can notify another applicant of their acceptance. Sorry, no exceptions will be made.
I am accepted and want to know to which lab I will be assigned.
We will notify you prior to the start of the program regarding your lab assignment.
Do I have any input into which lab I will be assigned to?
No.
What is the dress code in the lab?
Once you have been notified of your laboratory assignment, contact your mentor directly about what to wear. Generally, attire is appropriate student-casual with comfortable closed-toe shoes.
Alternate Status
What does it mean to be an alternate?
Being an alternate to the program means that you will be accepted if a position, for which you are an appropriate match, becomes available due to new openings or withdrawals by accepted applicants.
I received a notification that I am an alternate candidate. Should I call and check up on my status?
Please contact us at MHISUMMER@unc.edu if you have committed to another program or job. We will contact you if a position becomes available.
Declined Applicants
Can I apply next year?
Yes, if you still meet the eligibility requirements.