Smithsonian
Institution
National Museum of Natural History
Research
Training Program
Answers
to
Frequently Asked Questions
Due
to the volume of requests, it's not always possible
to provide personal advice to each student interested
in participating in research opportunities at
the Museum.
However,
all information and application material for the
Research Training Program are available at this
web site (http://www.nmnh.si.edu/rtp/).
In addition to the information posted at other
locations, here are some answers to commonly asked
questions about the Research Training Program:
"I've
heard that the NMNH Research Training Program
is very competitive. Is it "worth" submitting
an application?"
Yes.
The RTP can be considered competitive but don't
let the application numbers stop you from applying.
No single element determines who will, or will
not, be selected for participation. It is the
goal of the RTP to host students who have a genuine
interest in, and talent for, natural history-based
research.
"How
many people apply to the ten-week summer session
of the Research Training Program?"
Each
year approximately 200 applications are evaluated
for the 10 - 20 positions available.
"I
will be graduating in May. Am I still eligible
to participate in the RTP?"
No.
After careful consideration, we have decided to
limit RTP participation to only currently enrolled
undergraduate students.
"My
university follows the quarter system and classes
do not conclude until the middle of June.
Am I still eligible to participate in the ten-week
summer session of the RTP?"
Usually
not. All students selected for participation
must be in-residence throughout the entire duration
of the advertised dates, including reporting the
first day the program is in-session. We
have been very successful in making arrangements
for students to conform to their university requirements
and participate in the RTP. However, you
must include in your application any anticipated
absences. If accepted into the RTP, we will
work with you (and your university) prior to your
official acceptance to try to resolve any conflicts.
What
is the GPA minimum?
Generally
students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) below
2.0 (based on a 4.0 scale, or below 50% on a 100%
scale) are not competitive through the selection
process but we do not have a minimum GPA.
Anyone can apply. If your GPA is low, tell us
why.
When
should I submit my application?
Applications
are accepted throughout the year but the preferred
timing for petition to the ten-week summer session
of the RTP is 15 November - 15 January.
It's
to your advantage to have your application materials
received at least two weeks prior to the published
deadline (1 February). This will allow enough
time to process information and confirm receipt
of all application materials.
Is
it a problem if some parts of my application are
sent in through different means (fax, express
mail, standard mail, etc.)?
No.
All parts (RTP application form, cover letter,
and two letters of recommendation) are assembled
together according to the Personal Application
Number identified.
However,
we also match materials based on your last+first
name. Please complete all forms using the same
last and first name (e.g. if your name is Marie
Jane Brown-Smith, and you record on you cover
letter and application form your last name as
"Brown-Smith" and your first name as "Marie,"
but you are known as "Jane Smith," make sure your
references also record your last name as "Brown-Smith"
and your first name as "Marie").
"My university doesn't follow
the typical grading system. How do I record my
GPA?"
The
application form asks for your Grade Point Average
(GPA). Here is how we identify the evaluation
scheme used by your academic institution. The
system is designed to accept different numerical
scales and convert to a percentage for comparison
of all applicants. For applicants enrolled at
institutions employing non-traditional evaluation
schemes, an explanation may be provided as supplementary
information.
"Why
is the RTP application deadline so strict?"
We
follow a strict review schedule to guarantee that
all applications receive an equal and fair evaluation
AND to ensure that applicants are notified of
status on our published notification date.
It's
true, the pre-screening of applications will be
completed only one day (Feb., 2) after the application
deadline (Feb., 1). In addition, once the
seven step review process begins and selection
committees have met and made their recommendations,
it'is impossible to re-evaluate applications and
additional application materials (such as late
recommendations, etc.).
Note:
If it helps, consider the application deadline
as January, 15 but we will continue to receive
application documents until February, 1.
"What
should I include in my cover letter?"
The
most commonly asked question, yet the most difficult
to answer because the cover letter is specific
to the individual applicant.
Through
the cover letter reviewers hope to learn more
about you. In general, reviewers look to the cover
letter for answers to questions like: "Why does
the applicant want to participate in this program?"
"What area of natural history research is the
applicant especially interested in?" and "What
background or research experience (or not) has
the applicant been involved in to support their
career goals?"
"Can
I submit a resume instead of a RTP application?"
No.
A resume will not serve as a substitute for the
three required parts of the RTP application packet
(cover letter, RTP application form, and two letters
of recommendation).
"Can
I submit a CV instead of a cover letter?"
No
again. A CV, although generally more complete
than a resume, will not serve as a substitute
for the cover letter requirement. Information
from your CV can be listed, where appropriate,
on the RTP application form.
"Whom
should I ask to write a letter of recommendation
to support my application?"
Professional
references are preferred. When selecting references,
consider someone who can comment on the type of
skills required for the type of research you hope
to conduct as part of the RTP. You should
also look for someone who knows you quite well,
someone who can recommend you highly, and especially
someone who will submit the recommendation on
time.
Too
many good applications are rejected during the
first review (completed February, 2) because they
lack letters of recommendation. Don't let this
happen to you!
"Do
I have to submit information electronically?"
No,
but this is definitely the best way as you will
be able to easily track your application status.
All paper submitted documents will be converted
to electronic documents and added to the on-line
review system as time permits. We do not guarantee
that paper documents will be converted to on-line
information in time for review. We are not responsible
for transcription errors. If mailing or faxing
application materials, use only 8½" x 11"
white paper.
"Can
I hand write my application?"
This
is NOT recomended. Although electronic or typed
applications are not required, they are desirable.
Application materials must be easy to read and
able to be scanned into our on-line review system.
We are not responsible for transcription errors.
Application documents difficult to read may not
be reviewed.
"Should
I send examples of my research or certificates
as proof of information?"
No.
We will confirm information in question. DO NOT
include extra information or extraneous documentation;
more is not better.
Should
I send a transcript of my grades - OR - list my
courses in the application form?
Either
is acceptable.
We
prefer to receive a copy of your transcript (an
"unofficial" copy is fine for our purposes) uploaded
through our on-line system AND have you list appropriate
courses as part of the RTP application form. Listing
both is the easiest and most convenient for reviewers.
However,
we recognize that some colleges and universities
charge a fee to provide transcripts and we consider
this an unnecessary burden. In addition, the acquisition
of transcripts can often delay completion of application
materials. And, to confirm academic questions
we contact university officials directly. Therefore,
we do not require that you submit with your application
an official transcript of grades. If you chose
to provide a listing your courses instead of providing
a transcript, we recommend that you include ALL
courses taken and grades earned.
Do
you offer any paid opportunities outside the ten-week
summer session?
No,
not at this time. Although we appreciate the need
and interest for other non-summer opportunities
similar to the Research Training Program, currently
we do not have the funding or staff to support
additional initiatives. However, the Smithsonian
has other offices which host a variety of opportunities
- see "other
opportunities."
Is
there anything I can do to help my application
get accepted?
Yes,
follow directions!
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