How to Get Into UCSF's CURE Research Internship Program
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
When high school students start thinking about real scientific research and careers in health, there’s one experience that often stands out above the rest for students based in San Francisco: the UCSF CURE Research Internship Program. Designed as a paid, 8-week summer research internship, CURE places 11th-grade and community college students in real labs at the University of California, San Francisco, where they conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of faculty, graduate students, and post-docs.
But as exciting as it sounds, earning a spot in this highly competitive internship—where interns contribute to cutting-edge science, present research at a symposium, and receive professional development support—doesn’t just happen by luck. It takes thoughtful preparation, credible presentation, and a narrative that reflects both passion and readiness. That’s where we come in to help students get accepted.
What the UCSF CURE Program Is Really Looking For
Unlike generic summer programs, CURE selects students who demonstrate more than just interest in science:
Readiness for intensive research: CURE expects participants to contribute meaningfully in a lab environment and think like junior scientists.
Genuine motivation for health and biomedical research: Reviewers look for clarity about why science matters to the student beyond a bullet point on a résumé.
Capacity for commitment: Interns need to dedicate 40 hours per week for 8 weeks, work collaboratively, and engage deeply with a research project.
Our guidance helps students understand these expectations — and craft applications that reflect them clearly and authentically.
Step 1: Clarifying Interests & Setting Goals
Before a student even starts the application, we help them:
Explore research areas that align with their interests (e.g., clinical, behavioral, population, or basic science research).
Articulate motivations that go beyond “I like science” — focusing instead on why research matters to them and what they hope to gain.
Connect prior experience (lab classes, independent projects, clubs, community health volunteering) with research curiosity in a way that makes sense to reviewers.
This intentional framing makes applications far more compelling than a list of accomplishments alone.
Step 2: Strengthening the Application
The CURE application typically includes:
An online application form with personal responses.
An unofficial transcript.
At least one recommendation form submitted by a science teacher, with space for up to two total.
We help students identify the right recommenders—those who can speak to their scientific potential and academic maturity—and coach them on how to provide information that produces strong, personalized recommendations. (It's a science of its own!)
We also help students draft and polish personal essay responses that show depth, not just breadth, of interest in research.
Step 3: Showcasing Readiness Without Overreach
Because CURE is research-focused, it’s important that students demonstrate preparation—not just enthusiasm—for hands-on science. We help students emphasize experiences such as:
Taking and mastering biology or chemistry coursework (with success in both and beyond).
Participating in science clubs or competitions.
Engaging in independent research or community science projects.
Shadowing professionals or volunteering in health settings.
The key is in using essays to demonstrate how each experience connects to research thinking and scientific problem-solving.
Step 4: Confidence With Logistics
The CURE internship has clear requirements and timelines that can feel overwhelming:
Interns must be at least 16 years old and a current 11th grader (or community college student).
They must commit full-time in person for the entirety of the program.
Meeting deadlines for applications and recommendations is critical to being considered.
We keep students and families on track with checklists, reminders, and review cycles, so that nothing gets overlooked.
Final Thoughts
The UCSF CURE Research Internship isn’t just an impressive line on a résumé—it’s a transformative experience that accelerates scientific confidence, builds research fluency, and strengthens college and career readiness.
By guiding students through strategic positioning, thoughtful storytelling, and strong application practices, we help them approach the process with confidence and clarity—not stress and uncertainty.
If you're dreaming of CURE and wants supportive, experienced help preparing your strongest possible application, we’re here to be part of that journey. Just click the link below to get connected with our expert, Ivy League-educated mentors today.