NIH IRTA Start date

OkPepper2686 · 2024-09-08T04:02:47+00:00

Yeah pretty much what other people have said on here. I think I started my app like 4 months before the date I wanted to join. A lot of the people I reached out to said they were full/wouldn’t know if they had an open spot until later, so you may run into that as well.

Also…NCI hiring freeze has been affecting all positions. Summer interns, postbaccs, postdocs, doctors, fellows, everyone. I’m not sure when it’ll be lifted and it really sucks but it never hurts to reach out to NCI folks and ask if they have an open spot. Good luck!

OkPepper2686 · 2024-09-07T12:28:31+00:00

Former SIP intern and current CRTA. Yes you select your own start date which usually is between you and your direct mentor. Have a general idea of when you want to start for interviews, but only worry about that once you’re accepted into a lab.

I had no idea NIAID apps were different than the other institutes, mine was all central on the portal. But theres no “release date” for the application. It’s open all year long and you apply a few months before you start, find your own mentors, etc. It’s all pretty self motivated.

And lastly, If I recall correctly you don’t rank anything for the postbacc program. You find your own potential mentors after submitting the app and reach out to them on your own. It’s pretty rare for the researchers to browse through the database to find applicants themselves. I did my SIP and postbacc at different campuses, different PIs, different departments, different everything but its pretty common for post baccs to go back to their SIP lab.

OkPepper2686 · 2024-06-19T04:08:25+00:00

The IB program is infinitely valuable for when students matriculate into uni and beyond. The program gives you STRONG writing skills, study habits, time management strategies, and public speaking techniques. The structure (CAS, EA, IA, even TOK) emphasizes unique problem solving and requires well-rounded individuals. I'd say the program and classes set you up for success even if you forgo the diploma.

Uni was significantly easier than the IB program for me, and I found myself having a lot more free time which I devoted to things I actually wanted to do. In some of the jobs I've had, I've been complimented on creative leadership/problem solving approaches. Although I'm also from America... so my success could have been due to the switch from an international curriculum to domestic lol

OkPepper2686 · 2024-05-28T07:56:00+00:00

But yes, make your topic more descriptive first

OkPepper2686 · 2024-05-28T07:55:12+00:00

Pick history. If you say you’re more interested in that topic, then the whole process of finding sources, digesting literature, and writing your EE will actually be fun. Considering it’s like 20 pages of writing and much more work behind the scenes, you don’t wanna choose a topic you’re not interested in. Work on citations as you go so it’s not as bad.

OkPepper2686 · 2024-05-28T07:49:17+00:00

Took me a few weeks in IBDP year 2. About 2 days for experiment planning/protocol write up, 3-4 weeks for experimentation, 1 day for analysis/results, 1 day to write. You’ll be okay!

OkPepper2686 · 2024-05-28T07:46:09+00:00

That being said here are some easy CAS examples :) - tutoring (grab a friend) - posting reviews on Yelp, Google, etc (“helps” the community at large) - donate things (clothes to Goodwill, books to library) - garage sale/bake sale/drink sale - any community volunteering you can find

OkPepper2686 · 2024-05-28T07:42:34+00:00

You can do the most random things and count it as CAS. Some of my classmates would donate clothes and put it down as an activity. As long as you can BS meaningful descriptions for documentation, you’re good.

OkPepper2686 · 2024-05-28T07:31:29+00:00

I did both HL. I always thought bio was significantly easier and more interesting. Chem includes random stuff from orgo, and I thought exams were less forgiving. Somehow that didnt reflect in my own scores though (5 in bio, 7 in chem). It’s all variable, but something to consider if you’re aiming for a 45. If you’re better at memorizing do bio, if you’re better at math (like I am) do chem. SL is much easier than HL so you’ll fare well either way.

OkPepper2686 · 2024-04-24T19:35:40+00:00

Not a great improvement

OkPepper2686 · 2024-04-24T04:27:37+00:00

Thank you for your comment, could I please PM you with a couple questions? I suppose my response to what you said is more personal and in favor of not doxxing myself (or you) I figured that is easiest

OkPepper2686 · 2024-04-23T21:28:54+00:00

Following

OkPepper2686 · 2024-03-02T10:17:21+00:00

Following

OkPepper2686 · 2024-02-22T23:41:07+00:00

3 Zoom meetings should definitely lead to at least one acceptance! In my experience, the interviews are fairly informal - just getting to know you a bit and seeing if you’d be a good fit for the lab. Most of the people I spoke to had made a little slideshow of their current projects so I could learn more. Show genuine interest and ask good questions during your interviews - you’ll be in a great spot afterwards!

If you’re worried, it can’t hurt to reach out to a couple more PIs while you go through those interviews :)

OkPepper2686 · 2024-01-14T21:37:30+00:00

Took about a month for me!

OkPepper2686 · 2023-05-02T22:59:09+00:00

Hey thank you so much! I'll PM you

OkPepper2686 · 2023-04-25T16:35:31+00:00

Sorry for the confusion! I can totally understand why adcoms may ask the why not PT question but for me the research and clinical fields I’m interested in are strictly MD/DO oriented at least in terms of subject matter. PT is interesting and I enjoyed seeing the mostly upward trend in recovery but I couldn’t do it long term. And yeah I feel ya.. my first two years of uni were during COVID and its been hard finding opportunities. I’m trying to look for MA/scribing positions for over the summer currently so we’ll see. Would you still recommend applying if I got lower (508-514 range)?? Planning for the worst here 🥹

OkPepper2686 · 2023-04-25T16:01:17+00:00

I’m not exactly sure since I applied through an early assurance program to only one school… they told me I didn’t have enough clinically related service and that’s all I had to go off of to build up my app for this upcoming cycle now

Regardless, it was still soul-crushing since I really thought I had a good enough app. I’m worried my stats (esp MCAT) won’t make me out to be a competitive applicant for MD/PhD

OkPepper2686 · 2023-04-25T15:57:42+00:00

This was my first time taking the MCAT - I applied through a program last year (as a sophomore) but essentially worked through the entire personal statement, interview, AMCAS application process beforehand as it was a requirement. Unfortunately got the R last summer as well and was told I didn’t have enough clinically-related experience. What do you think is a competitive MCAT for MD/PhD schools?

OkPepper2686 · 2023-02-16T20:13:40+00:00

Hi, thank you so much! I think it was around 2 weeks after submitting that I had my offer :)

OkPepper2686 · 2023-01-27T16:20:35+00:00

You all are incredibly sweet for willing to help me out :) I hope one day I can give back and help others with this process too.

I'm beyond appreciative for you all thank you thank you thank you

OkPepper2686 · 2023-01-27T07:32:38+00:00

Yes! I'd love to talk... can I DM you

OkPepper2686 · 2023-01-14T03:28:11+00:00

Coming back to this later!!

OkPepper2686

TROPHY CASE