UCSF's CURE Research Internship for High School Students—Should You Do It?
If you’re interested in a competitive career like healthcare, you probably know that gaining internship or research experience outside the classroom is a good idea. College admissions in this field are more competitive than ever, and it is important to stand out in a sea of applications. One way to do this is to participate in a research internship. Such programs prove your ability to handle complex subject matter as well as your dedication to the field.
Research internships also give you an understanding of scientific research that will be helpful when you enter university. These programs often include projects that can serve as proof of your knowledge and practical skills. Completed research projects can elevate your profile from the standpoint of college admissions. One such research internship is UCSF’s CURE Internship.
In this article, we will dive into the CURE internship, including its details, benefits, and disadvantages so that you can make an informed choice.
How is UCSF’s CURE research internship structured?
The CURE internship is an initiative organized by the University of California, San Francisco. The program is meant to encourage students from underserved backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare.
The focus of the program is on biomedical research, and students are trained in various types of research, such as clinical, behavioral, and population sciences. In addition to the research, you will also attend field trips and workshops on topics like college preparation, financial literacy, and professional development. You may also get the chance to shadow a medical professional.
As an intern, you will be partnered with a UCSF lab where you will work on an independent research project under mentorship from faculty, post-docs, and graduate students. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at a symposium. Previous students have worked on topics like “Creating A Cell Line to Study Chromosome Looping” and “Targeting Genetic Drivers for Treatment of HCC.”
Here are some important dates you need to keep in mind (these are tentative, based on the 2024 program):
Applications open: December 4, 2024
Applications close: March 1, 2025
Program begins: June 10, 2025
Program ends: August 2, 2025
Who is eligible for the internship?
The CURE internship is open to current 11th graders who are at least 16 years old. You must have completed Biology or Chemistry with a grade of B or better and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The internship also requires a commitment of 40 hours a week during the entire two months of the program. Students who are first-generation, from underrepresented backgrounds, or from low-income families are strongly encouraged to apply!
Is there a stipend?
Yes, attending high school students are paid for their work during this internship. However, no amount has been specified.
What is the acceptance rate? Is it prestigious?
While there is no information available about the program’s acceptance rate, each cohort accepts only 10-11 interns, which makes admission quite selective. Additionally, UCSF is known for its high-quality research and has a solid reputation in the field of healthcare and biomedical sciences in particular. Combined with the unique hands-on nature of the internship and the fact that it offers a stipend, the CURE internship is a fairly prestigious program that could enhance your academic profile.
Pros and cons
Pros
Academic rigor: By exposing you to advanced scientific concepts and equipment, the program will enhance your knowledge and understanding of complex subjects.
Hands-on experience: Working at a renowned research institution like UCSF will give you practical experience in lab techniques and research methodologies.
Independent project: An independent research project offers tangible proof of your knowledge and skills, which can boost your college applications.
Personalized mentorship: UCSF mentors provide guidance outside of the research lab as well. You and your mentor can set your own goals for the mentorship, giving you the freedom to decide what area you want help and advice in.
Stipend: The paid stipend ensures you don’t have to bear any financial costs while attending this program.
Prestige: As mentioned above, CURE is a fairly prestigious opportunity that displays your caliber and determination to go above and beyond to pursue your interest in medicine.
Cons
Time commitment: The CURE internship requires you to commit 40 hours per week for two months, like a full-time job. This could be a challenge for students who have other commitments.
Competitive: As a relatively competitive program that only accepts 10-11 students per year, the application process can be challenging and time-consuming with a low chance of success.
Geographical Limitation: The internship takes place entirely in UCSF and is not easily accessible to students who reside outside San Francisco.
Is It Legit?
UCSF’s CURE internship is a great opportunity for high school students seeking healthcare and research experience. The program exposes interns to university-level academics, complex scientific equipment, advanced research techniques, hands-on lab work, and even field trips to other research institutions. Additionally, you get to work on an independent project and receive personalized mentorship from a UCFS faculty member. But should you do it?
There are a few things you should consider before making a decision. For one, this internship is solely focused on healthcare and can only be a good choice if you’re interested in the field. While the program does teach you about research, this element can be easily found in other programs that fall within your field of interest. Another factor is the geographical limitation and whether it is feasible for you to move to San Francisco for two months.
On the other hand, if you are interested in healthcare and live near San Francisco, this internship is the ideal summer program for you. Not only will you leave with enhanced knowledge and skills, but you will also have a mentor relationship that could benefit you in the long term. Ultimately, you need to weigh your goals and resources in order to decide if CURE is the right internship for you.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.