BLIPS -- Frequently asked questions
Q: How many placements do you make each year?
A: Placements in the BLIPS program depend on many factors, including the match between applicant interests and mentor availability. As a result, the number of BLIPS interns varies, but typically is between 25-35 each summer.
Q: How many students apply each year?
A: The number of completed applications from Alameda and Contra Costa Counties averages approximately 150.
Q: I plan to study medicine in college. Is BLIPS an appropriate internship for me?
A: No. BLIPS is not a strong match for students pursuing a career in medical fields.
Q: I am a Permanent Resident of the United States. Am I required to provide documentation?
A: Yes, if accepted into the program, you will be required to provide a copy of your Permanent Resident status during badging.
Q: I am a junior attending school in the Bay Area. Am I eligible to participate in the program?
A: Yes, as long as you attend a school in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, CA, you are eligible to participate in the program.
Q: I attend a boarding school, but my parents live in Berkeley and I will be living in the Bay Area during the summer. Can I participate?
A: No. Participants must be a junior attending school in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, CA.
Q: I am a sophomore. Is there any way I can participate this summer?
A: No. Participants must be a junior attending school in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, CA.
Q: I will turn 16 a week after the program starts, am I eligible to participate?
A: No. Participants must be 16 years of age by the start of the program.
Q: What is the deadline for submitting my application?
A: The application must be submitted via the BLIPS application website by 11:59
p.m. PST 3 February 2012.
Recommendations and unofficial transcripts must be submitted via the BLIPS application website by 11:59 p.m. PST 17 February 2012.
Q: My computer crashed on the day of the deadline, and I was not able to submit my online application. Can I submit it late?
A: No. All applications are due by the deadline. No exceptions.
Q: Which GPA should be entered on application?
A: Your 9th - 11th grade, weighted GPA is preferred, otherwise the unweighted GPA as reflected on official transcripts is acceptable.
Q: What years and semesters should my transcripts cover?
A: Transcripts should cover all of 9th and 10th grade and the first semester of 11th grade from all schools you have attended.
Q: Can I submit an unofficial transcript that shows the courses I am taking this year but doesn't include my final grade for the first semester?
A: No. Transcripts should cover all of 9th and 10th grade and the first semester of 11th grade from all schools you have attended.
Q: Do I need to send formal transcripts?
A: If selected as a participant, official transcripts must be mailed to CSEE within 14 days of the date of the Offer Letter in order to participate in the program.
Q: Can I drop my transcript(s) off at the Lab?
A: No. If selected, official transcript(s) are to be mailed to CSEE.
Q: How many recommendations am I required to have as part of my application?
A: You will need two recommendations from a science or math teacher and/or advisor, which must be submitted to the BLIPS online application.
Q: Must one of my recommendations be from my current science teacher?
A: No. Your two recommendations may be provided by any combination of teachers, counselors, or scientists. For example, you may request a recommendation from your science teacher from last year and a scientist with whom you worked on a project.
Q: I just found out that one of my teachers can not complete the recommendation. Am I allowed to change recommenders?
A: No. Once you hit the "Submit" button, you will not be able to make any changes to your application, including contact information provided for recommenders.
Q: My teacher was unable to access the online application system. Can my teacher email the recommendation to BLIPS?
A: No. All recommendations must be submitted through the BLIPS online application system. BLIPS will not accept recommendations emailed to BLIPS or sent via U.S. Postal Service.
Q: My teacher can't submit a recommendation after all. Can she forward the email to another teacher to submit my recommendation?
A: No. Recommendations can only be submitted from recommender email address provided on application by student applicant. Recommenders cannot submit online recommendations from forwarded email or alternate email address. Once you hit the "Submit" button, you will not be able to make any changes to your application, including contact information provided for recommenders.
Q: Can I miss a couple of days during the program for vacation?
A: No, participants are required to attend the entire program and not take any time off.
Q: Can I start a couple of days later than scheduled start date?
A: No, participants are required to attend the entire program. There is a "late start" date, for students who can't start on the first day due to academic reasons. This later date is only for students whose school's term ends later than the beginning of the program.
Q: Am I allowed to drive and park onsite?
A: No, parking permits will not be issued to students. However, your parent or guardian will be allowed to drive onsite to drop you off for the first day of orientation. After the first day of the program, you will have access to the Lab’s shuttle service. Find out more information on LBNL Bus Services/Lab Shuttle.
Q: My mother works at the Lab. May I work on her project during my internship?
A: No. CSEE interns cannot be placed in division/group of Lab relative.
Q: I don't have health insurance. Can I participate if I get health insurance by the start of the program?
A: Yes. You must have current health insurance coverage while participating in the program.
Q: When will I hear whether I have been accepted?
A: Selections and placements occur 6 March - 13 April 2012. If you do not receive an offer by 13 April 2012, you have not been selected to participate in the program
Q: Do I have to pay taxes on the educational stipend I receive while participating in a CSEE internship?
A: LBNL does not issue W2 or 1099 forms for CSEE participants. LBNL is not allowed to give tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
