Summer Experience Information
The MD Anderson Summer Experience will take place June 7-August 13, 2021. Applications will be accepted between November 1, 2020–January 14, 2021.
To apply, you must complete the three phases detailed below. The phases take place primarily in Discover, our online application system. Immunization health records must be uploaded to the Certified Profile area in Discover. You will need to submit some items via email.
To apply through Discover:
- Visit the program links at left.
- Choose the program that most interests you.
- Use the link on the program page to apply through Discover.
- Follow the instructions for uploading the required documents.
Application tips:
- Download and complete each form using the Get Form feature.
- All pages, not only the signature page, of completed documents must be uploaded to Discover.
- Signatures must be handwritten, not typed or entered electronically. Forms without a handwritten signature will be rejected.
- All handwritten data must be printed clearly and legibly. Other than the signature, do not use cursive writing. Forms that are not legible will be rejected.
- Application accounts cannot be moved from one program to a different program. If you wish to apply to more than one program, create a separate account for each program and upload the appropriate documents to each account. You must use a unique email address for each account. Only one offer will be made if you are selected to participate.
Questions?
Send inquiries to SummerExperience@mdanderson.org.
Phase 1: Required Documents
- Discover Application
- Additional Demographics and Future Plans Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Tobacco Policy Acknowledgement
- Unofficial Transcript of Highest Degree: Highest degree conferred, not a degree in progress (can be requested and received by applicant and uploaded to Discover)
After Phase 1, programs will review applications, and accepted applicants will be contacted with offers of summer positions. Accepted applicants will receive emails from Discover with requests for additional documents to be completed, signed and uploaded. Applicants will be contacted with further instructions and deadlines.
Applicant Resources
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Activities & Events
View a sample of activities typically offered during the 10-week session.
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Poster Presentation & Elevator Speech Competition
Final Summer Experience event, featuring an academic poster presentation and elevator speech competition.
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Housing Information
Students are expected to secure their own room and board. Find hotel, apartment and other housing resources options in the Houston area.
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Summer Guide
Still have questions? Get answers in our Summer Survival Guide.
Phase 2: Required Documents (awardees only)
- Notification of Personal and Criminal History Background Check Form: Applicants will receive a link with instructions for completing and submitting this electronic form.
- Proof of Registration with the Selective Service System: Must be completed, even if it does not apply. If the document does not apply, download the document, write "N/A" on it and upload the document.
- Release of Liability Form
- Immunization Compliance Form: Must be uploaded after all health documents are uploaded and approved in Certified Profile
After you have uploaded your Immunization Compliance Form and other required Phase 2 documents, the documents will be reviewed and approved or rejected. A recommendation will be generated for appointment. After appointment letters have been issued, students who have been approved will move to Phase 3 of the application process.
Phase 3: Appointment (awardees only)
- Appointment Letter: Please sign and date the last page of this document and upload ALL pages into Discover.
- Photo for ID Badge: You will receive an email requesting a photo. The photo, which you will submit as an email attachment, must meet the requirements outlined in the email. The photo will be used for your MD Anderson ID badge. Photos not in compliance will be rejected.
- Electronic Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification): Students who will receive a stipend will be notified in May via email with instructions to complete Electronic Form I-9, Section 1. To complete Section 2 and initiate the E-Verify process, students must present original documents (not photocopies) from columns A OR columns B and C. Failure to comply will delay your start date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Summer Experience?
The MD Anderson Summer Experience is an umbrella program that comprises 15 summer academic programs at MD Anderson. The umbrella program provides activities such as lectures, seminars, workshops, a poster presentation and networking events. All students accepted into Summer Experience programs are invited to attend these events.
Who is eligible for the Summer Experience?
Eligibility varies depending on requirements of individual programs. Additional information is available on individual program webpages.
How do I apply for the summer program?
Students must apply through the Discover system. Additional information is available on individual program webpages. Students who wish to apply to more than one summer program must apply separately to each program. The application period is Nov. 1, 2019-Jan. 16, 2020.
How many phases are included in the summer application?
The application process is composed of three (3) phases:
- Phase 1 (Pre-Application)
- Phase 2 (Recommendation)
- Phase 3 (Pre-Appointment)
These phases take place primarily through the Discover system, with a few items requiring electronic submission via email.
What happens after I complete my initial application (Phase 1)?
Summer Experience applicants who complete all required documents in Phase 1 will be subject to a pre-review by the individual program. The program will notify applicants of their application status.
After selected applicants confirm acceptance of the fellowship, they will receive an email from the Discover system with additional documents to be completed, signed and uploaded (Phase 2 documents), including instructions and deadlines.
Just as in Phase 1, trainees must download and complete forms using the "Get Form" feature, unless otherwise specified. All pages of the completed documents must be uploaded into the Discover account. Signatures must be handwritten, not typed in a cursive font nor entered electronically. Failure to sign and date documents will cause the forms to be rejected. All handwritten data must be printed clearly and legibly. Documents that are not legible will be rejected.
What documents are required in Phases 2 and 3 of the post-application process?
Phases 2 and 3 are completed only by students who have been awarded stipends. Check the above information on Phases 2 and 3 for more details.
Can I apply to more than one MD Anderson summer program?
Yes, as long as eligibility requirements are met. Please note that a new Discover account with a unique email address must be created for each application. Applicants are advised to keep a list of email addresses that apply to respective programs — and to check these email accounts regularly. Notification of a student’s status will be sent to the email address associated with the program.
If I apply multiple times to the same program, will this increase my chances of acceptance?
No. All programs will accept one application per student. Any duplicates or incomplete applications will be purged from the Discover system after the application deadline.
What is a stipend?
A stipend is a fixed amount of money that is applied toward expenses. The word stipend refers to the pay you receive. If you receive a stipend, it will be paid on the 5th and 20th of the month. Stipends are considered taxable income, and federal taxes are withheld from stipend paychecks.
Are taxes withheld from my paycheck?
Yes. The amount taxed depends on the number of allowances designated on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form W-4. Students will complete Form W-4 when checking in with Academic & Visa Administration (AVA).
How much is the stipend?
The stipend varies, depending on the program. Some programs pay $6,000 (before taxes are withheld) for the 10-week period; other programs do not guarantee funding.
When are paychecks distributed?
If your program provides a stipend, you will receive your paycheck on the 5th and 20th of the month. Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is mandatory. To enroll in direct deposit, you need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Both of these numbers can be found on a canceled check or deposit slip. Paper checks are not distributed.
Does MD Anderson have a dress code?
Yes. MD Anderson's dress code is business casual. For more information, check the Summer Experience Activities & Events page.
UTHealth Summer Programs
You might also be interested in the UTHealth Summer Research Programs, sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Its summer programs are not related to the MD Anderson Summer Experience. UTHealth, like MD Anderson, is a component of The University of Texas System.