Frequently Asked Questions

We offer one, two-week session per year on Stanford's Campus. It is not a requirement for students to stay on campus through the program. For those that do not have accommodations near campus, we will have limited on-campus housing options available to students 18 years and older. This option will be available to participants on a first-come-first-serve basis and is not guaranteed.

Medical students, both U.S. and international, are not eligible to apply for Stanford CSI due to the advanced nature of their education.

Yes, we welcome applications from international students. For those selected to participate in our virtual modalities, essential supplies will be dispatched to the students' residences. Please note that certain supplies may be restricted from export outside the US, and as such, international students may be required to independently acquire some of their materials if selected for the program. Our dedicated program staff will be readily available to assist with any questions and provide detailed guidance on supply needs. It's important to mention that for international students interested in joining our on-campus session, Stanford University is unable to sponsor visas specifically for the purpose of this certificate program

Yes, home-schooled students are eligible to apply. In cases where transcripts cannot be provided or validated, additional documentation outlining the curriculum and areas of study may be required.

While standardized test scores, such as the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, are optional for application, we strongly encourage applicants to submit them for evaluation. If no scores are available, rest assured that the absence of scores will not result in any penalty during the evaluation process.

No. Stanford CSI is a very competitive program. Every year we receive more qualified applicants than we can accept.

Once the student has been accepted into the program, the spot is guaranteed as soon as the full payment for the program has been received.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we are committed to working with our students to the best of our ability. However, it's essential to be aware of our refund policy:

The nonrefundable application fee is $95.

Our Stanford Clinical Summer Internship Program is highly competitive, however finding a replacement for withdrawn students can be challenging. Prior to making your enrollment decision, please ensure your ability to attend our  program during the disclosed dates and times.

In the event you need to withdraw, please follow these steps:

1. Send us an email to stanfordmedcsi@stanford.edu forfeiting your place in the program.
2. Prior to June 1, 2024, we will make every effort to find a replacement for your spot.
3. If a replacement is found, we will refund your tuition less a 20% administrative fee.
4. If no replacement is found by June 1, 2024, we will refund 50% of the program fee.
5. No refund requests will be accepted after June 1, 2024.
6. No refunds or discounts will be given for early departures once the program has begun.
7. For students attending the on-campus session and staying in campus housing, we are not able to offer refunds once the housing payment is due and has been made. The payment timeline is dictated by Residential Life and it is not a policy we can change. 

Refund requests must be submitted formally via email to stanfordmedcsi@stanford.edu. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to our refund policy.

Yes, we accept unofficial transcripts, recognizing that each student's educational journey is unique. To ensure the authenticity of the transcripts and verify the existence of the school, we carefully review the provided documents. For students in home-school environments or those attending non-traditional education programs, we may request additional information on coursework to better understand your academic achievements. Our aim is to create an inclusive and supportive application process, and we appreciate your cooperation in providing the necessary details to ensure a thorough evaluation of your application.

Yes, our program has a minimum age requirement of 16 years. While we do not impose an upper age limit, we assess each student's current educational situation to ensure that our program aligns with their goals for the future. Our intention is to create a learning environment that best supports each participant on their unique educational journey.

The TB Test requirment only applies to students participating in an on-site session. Participants in virtual sessions do not have a TB Test requirement.

Stanford CSI is a clinically oriented internship and students may at times come in contact with patients during case studies (eg transplant patients on immune suppressant medications), standardized patients, clinicians and nurses, so it is important to know that they are healthy and do not have any communicable diseases, in particular tuberculosis. Documentation of a negative TB test (Mantoux or Quantiferon) within the preceding year is therefore required. If you have received the BCG tuberculosis vaccine, you will send need to send in a negative Quantiferon.

The below listed immunizations are only required for students participating in an on-site session. Participants in virtual sessions do not have an immunization requirement.

Accepted applicants are required to provide a copy of the following immunizations with registration to attend CSI (no exceptions):

• One dose of TdaP within the last 10 years
• 3 Hepatitis B 
• 2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• 2 Varicella (chicken pox) immunizations - or MD confirmation of illness, or laboratory evidence of illness (antibodies)
• Meningococcal vaccine at 16
• TB test - evidence of immunity within a year prior to start of the internship via PPD/Mantoux skin test or TB Quantiferon antibody test (is not altered by previous BCG vaccination). If the skin test is positive, either a negative chest Xray or negative Quantiferon or proof of treatment is required. 

No, the program does not award grades or credits as it is designed as a non-credit-bearing course. Our focus is on providing a valuable and immersive learning experience rather than an academic credit. Participants will, however, receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program to recognize their participation and successful engagement in the various learning activities.

Yes, participants will receive a certificate of completion on the last day of the program, acknowledging their successful participation. It's important to note that attendance throughout the entire program is a requirement for receiving the certificate. Exceptions for individual days may be made in case of illness or emergencies. We appreciate your commitment to the program and look forward to celebrating your achievements on the last day.

We provide several avenues for students to stay involved with CSI and continue their engagement with our program. Participants are invited to apply as Program Manager Assistants, offering them the opportunity to contribute to the program in a staff capacity and further enhance their leadership skills.

Throughout the year, we offer various opportunities for students to share their program experiences through testimonials, and we may highlight their achievements on our social media platforms. We greatly value and appreciate hearing from former participants to learn about their current endeavors, and we encourage regular updates as they are willing to share. Your continued connection and involvement with the program contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our CSI community.

For the virtual programs, reliable internet access and a device capable of accessing Zoom are essential requirements. We recommend that students choose a conducive learning environment to optimize their focus and participation in the virtual sessions.

For students attending the on-campus program, laptops are not required, although students are welcome to bring them or tablets if they prefer for notetaking purposes. While not mandatory, having a personal device can enhance the learning experience. Regardless of the program format, we strive to create an inclusive and adaptable learning environment to meet the needs of all participants.

The program strives to ensure that all participants have the necessary supplies for a successful learning experience. For students located within the US, the program provides all required items. However, for international students, customs restrictions may prevent us from sending certain items, and students may be required to source these items independently. Rest assured, our program staff is committed to supporting and facilitating this process to ensure a seamless experience.

Additionally, virtual students are encouraged to acquire some recommended supplies, if possible. Most of these supplies are commonly found within households, and none are expensive or difficult to source. We understand the importance of access to resources and aim to create an inclusive learning environment for all participants.

During program hours, a professional dress code is required as there will be interactions with physicians, patients, residents, and medical students. Attire such as jeans, T-shirts, tank tops, or cutoffs is not permitted. For summer sessions, there may be specific days when scrubs are required, and these will be provided by the program. However, fall students are not required to wear scrubs.

In addition to adhering to the dress code, students are expected to have their stethoscopes with them for all sessions. Notably, this item will be provided to participants. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a professional atmosphere and fostering a positive learning environment for all.

For students attending the on-campus session, lunch is provided Monday through Friday. This offering ensures that participants have a convenient and nourishing meal during their program hours.

For virtual summer students, an hour-long lunch break will be allocated, allowing them the flexibility to manage their lunch arrangements independently. We prioritize creating a comprehensive experience for all participants, whether on campus or virtually, and appreciate your understanding of the various arrangements to accommodate diverse learning environments.

Yes, we are committed to accommodating all dietary requirements and needs for on-campus students. To ensure we can provide the best support, we kindly request that students share their specific dietary needs with us prior to the start of the session. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every participant can enjoy meals that align with their dietary preferences and requirements.