Pathways Undergraduate Researchers

Before you begin your application, learn about Fred Hutch and our areas of research. Be able to articulate how your academic and career goals are in line with the Fred Hutch mission and research. Also prepare to describe how a summer in a Fred Hutch research group will help you specifically. This will allow you to submit a well-informed application that clearly shows how your interests align with our research.

The short essays are a crucial part of the application. Start early and take time to be sure your responses are thoughtful and well written.

The short essays provide an opportunity to share your experiences and perspectives. It's also the primary place where you can elaborate on the qualities and attributes that will help you succeed in this program. Use specific examples. Essays should be written in full sentences and composed paragraphs. Ask friends, teachers, and/or advisors to review your essay for content, clarity and grammar.

The short essays each have 200-word limits, but we do not expect you to use all the space. The essay questions are:

• Detail a challenge you faced and the steps you took to overcome or deal with it.
• Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself that sets you apart from other applicants? You may use this space to share something about you that is important for us to know.

Interns from previous years who are applying to return in 2021 have different essay questions, which are listed in the Returning Interns section below. 

We require two recommendations for your application to be considered. An informative recommendation should come from someone who can highlight your strengths that are relevant to the program, your quality as a student compared to other students, your accomplishments and how this program will further your academic/career goals.

When requesting a recommendation:

• Choose your references wisely – recommendations from individuals that know your interests, personal characteristics, and abilities may be viewed more favorably than a recommendation from a person who doesn't know you as well. One recommendation from a science teacher or similar can address your interest in science. Recommendations should come from teachers, school staff, or supervisors at a volunteer or paid position. Recommendations from people who haven't seen your work in an academic or professional setting, such as coaches or family friends, are discouraged.
• Give your references at least two weeks to submit a recommendation on your behalf. We do NOT accept late application materials or recommendations. If you ask your recommender a few days before the deadline they may not have time to submit it, and your application will be incomplete.
• Make your request for a recommendation in writing or email, as well as in person. Give your references a copy of your resume and/or the following information:

1.  The name of the program and a brief description of what it entails (a link to the website can be helpful)
2.  The name of the host institution
3.  A brief description of how the program fits in with your goals
4.  A brief description of what you will contribute to the program and how you will benefit from participating
5.  The due date for the recommendation

How the recommendation should be submitted:

We require a specific, easy-to-complete online recommendation form. We do not accept free-form letters. In addition to contact information, our form asks your references to:

• Rate the applicant on his/her Academic Qualities (Intellectual Ability, Enthusiasm for Learning, Commitment to Learning, Written Expression and Verbal Expression) and Character Traits (Respect for Others, Initiative, Self-discipline, Integrity and Independence)
• Describe anything about the applicant that sets him/her apart from others (200-word limit)

After you submit your portion of the application, your references will receive an email with a link to the recommendation form.

• Send your references a friendly reminder, preferably one week prior to the application deadline. You will receive an email when a reference submits your recommendation.
• Finish up by sending your references a handwritten note of thanks.

Fred Hutch interns who participated in the SHIP or Pathways Undergrads program may apply to return as a Pathways Undergraduate Researchers Program, if they meet the program criteria. Returning applicants will apply through the same system as new applicants. Returning intern applicants have a unique set of short essay questions and each response is limited to 1000 characters.

All retuning applicants will answer the following two questions:

1. Why do you want to return to the Hutch for another summer research internship?
2. Please detail the most difficult thing you experienced since you were last here and how you are overcoming or dealing with it. 

Returning applicants to the SHIP Leads program will also answer:

1. As a lead, what do you have to offer the SHIP interns?
   

A preview a PDF of the application for previous interns is here. Please review. 

Returning interns participating in the Pathways Undergraduate Researchers Program can also apply to be leaders in the Summer High School Internship Program. SHIP Leads assist in the high school interns’ orientation and training week, and oversee selected activities with the high school interns.

Interns apply to be SHIP Leads through the Pathways Undergraduate Researchers Program application.

The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) Clinical Scholars Program is a two-week collaborative effort by the SCCA and Fred Hutch. The program provides a structured opportunity for students to observe the high-quality care provided by the SCCA.

Due to uncertainites caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to offer the SCCA Clinical Scholars program in 2021. A decision has not been made for the 2022 program.   

As a result, the Pathways Undergrads program will have an increased emphasis on clinical careers and practices for all interns. 

We are planning a new clinical exposure program that will be announced once the strain of the pandemic subsides.