Tips for Applying to the BLIPS Program at Berkeley Lab To Ensure Best Chances of Placement
Key Dates |
|
Action |
Summer 2012 |
Program Runs |
13 Jun – 3 Aug 2012 |
On-line application opens |
1 Dec 2011 |
Deadline to submit application & letters of recommendation online |
1 Feb 2012 |
Placements begin/Offers made to applicants |
1 Feb 2012 |
Last day labs will make internship selections |
16 Apr 2012 |
Application & Placement Process
- Applicant completes and submits BLIPS Online Application, including email addresses of recommenders.
- An email is sent to recommender requesting recommendation for applicant; includes a link to application so recommender can submit online.
- Applicant mails official transcripts directly to LBNL
- CSEE Selection Committee reviews anonymous applications and scores them according to the BLIPS Application Review Rubric.
- CSEE makes placements from applicant pool based on scores and available mentors.
- Applicants are notified of acceptance into the program by 16 Apr 2012.
Please check the BLIPS Applicant Status Page frequently to monitor and ensure you meet all the requirements of the application process to be considered for the program.
For the application essay, please keep in mind that scientist mentors will be looking specifically for your science background and interests in research. Be sure that your essay also references the areas of research that you have identified from searching on the LBNL website. Don’t list a specific person’s name, but do use as much detail about your interests as possible (e.g., “I am interested in energy research” is not as strong or helpful as “I am interested in researching advanced vehicles and fuels, building more energy efficient infrastructures, semi-conductors and metals, or nanostructures.”).
We strongly recommend drafting answers to essay questions in a word processing software first and copying and pasting the final version into the online application before submitting it online. Be very careful that your final version is free of typographical or grammar errors as well as including all pertinent information before you click on the “submit” button. Proof read your essay – It’s a good idea to have parents, teachers and/or classmates review your essay answers for errors and to give you feedback on how to speak to your research interests and skills.
Note: Applicants that do not submit a completed application, recommendation letters or transcripts by deadlines will not be considered for the program. ALL APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ONLINE ARE FINAL! YOU CANNOT MAKE CHANGES AFTER HITTING THE “SUBMIT” BUTTON!
Research Interests and Special Skills
We encourage you to look at the LBNL website, www.lbl.gov, to learn more about LBNL and see if there are any research projects that you would find interesting. You may view the various scientific divisions at LBNL at: http://www.lbl.gov/LBL-Programs/divisions.html. You can find an org chart for each division at LBNL here: http://www.lbl.gov/Workplace/Lab-Support/orgchart-index.html.
Explore the site and see if there are any research projects that you would find interesting. In your application, please speak to your passion for science and how it relates to some of the research we do at LBNL. This is helpful when mentors are considering applicants. Note: Lab experience is not required for acceptance into the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required from:
- A past or present high school science or math teacher who can discuss the academic skills you have developed that may be applicable to laboratory research - (REQUIRED)
AND
- Someone who can comment on your passion for science via extracurricular activities (e.g. a Robotics Team Advisor, Science Bowl Coach)
OR
- Someone who can speak about your role as a student (e.g. principal, school counselor)
These recommendations will be used by CSEE and your potential scientist mentor to consider you for placement. Remember that potential mentors will be looking for your background and experience in science, technology, engineering, math or research.
Requesting a letter of recommendation:
- Communicate with recommenders no later than 3 weeks prior to application deadline.
- Provide recommenders with a personal statement about your research interests and why you want to participate in the program
- Include a CSEE BLIPS flier, or a link to the BLIPS page on the CSEE website: http://csee.lbl.gov/Programs/BLIPS/index.html
- Confirm recommenders’ email addresses prior to submitting application
- Follow up with recommenders frequently to ensure all recommendations are submitted by 1 Feb 2012
