CVI Summer Research Program

Eligibility for Undergraduate Students: 

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, or foreign nationals holding a student, exchange, or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, TC, or TN visa are eligible for our program. Students who are foreign nationals or DACA recipients are only eligible if they are entering at least their third year of undergraduate study following the program end. Individuals graduating from an undergraduate degree program in Spring/Summer prior to the program start are also eligible.

Eligibility for Medical Students: 

U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for our program. To qualify for the program as a medical student, you must be enrolled in medical school at a US institution.

The application includes: 

• Statement of Purpose (half of a page length)
• Statement of Research/Professional Experience (half of a page length)
• CV (or Resume)
• Transcript (Unofficial Transcript is acceptable)
• 1-3 Letters of Reference

Review Criteria:

• Potential: Has a high likelihood of a research experience providing a strong impact on their career. For example, a student who is plateauing will not gain much from a new research experience at Stanford. A late-bloomer, or a student with limited access to research resources, may find a summer research experience at Stanford much more impactful.
• Self-awareness: Has a well-calibrated self-assessment. Self-awareness of failures and mistakes helps individuals identify and overcome weaknesses. This is a quality that tracks well with students benefiting from short-term research experiences.
• Competence: Has demonstrated strong skills in the work they've done. Not necessarily grade-based, but also practical experience working in teams or pursuing research.
• Commitment: Has a clear motivation or passion that propelled them into applying for this program.

Below is a list of mentors who have participated in the past. Please indicate in your application if there are particular PIs that you are interested in working with. Note that each student will be matched with a mentor once we have made an offer and received a signed letter of acceptance from the student. We will do our best to match you with one of your listed mentors but cannot guarantee your choice. Please note that any PI at Stanford is eligible to be a faculty mentor.

Students receive a minimum stipend of $5000 for virtual participation and $7000 for in-person participation. Students may receive approximately $1000 additional support for travel and accommodation, but these funds are not guaranteed. The program is unfortunately unable to provide on-site housing for students at this time. By law, payments to non-residents of the U.S. are subject to 14% Federal tax withholding and are reported on Tax Form 1042-S.

What year do I have to be to apply as an international student?

Second-year presently.

Do I need a visa in order to apply?

We recommend having a visa ready as you apply because of the length of time it takes to get a visa. Stanford's CVI will not help in getting a visa for the program's participants due to the short time period between acceptance and the start of the program.

Do I upload all transcripts if I have been to multiple institutions?

We recommend uploading all available transcripts.

Is there a word count for the writing statements?

We suggest aiming for half a page of text.

What do I write about if I don’t have any research experience?

We recommend writing about an experience that shapes who are you are as someone who wants to participate in the research program.

Do I provide all GPA’s if I went to multiple institutions?

Please provide the GPA of your current institution.

Is there a GPA cutoff?

We do not have a GPA cutoff.

Will I have access to Stanford health facilities such as the gym?

Gym access may be available to those who request it.