Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the application deadline?
First Tuesday in March.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this internship?
Only US citizens and US permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible.

Is there a minimum GPA to participate in this program?
Yes, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 is required for applicants who have not yet received a Master's degree.

I finished graduate school.  Am I eligible to participate in this program?
Yes.  The HCIP is open to students currently enrolled in graduate school as well as recent graduate degree recipients.  You must have received your graduate degree no more than two years prior to the application deadline.

I have a bachelor's degree, but I have not yet begun a graduate program.  Am I eligible?
No.  You must be in graduate school or within one year of having completed your graduate degree to be eligible to apply.

Is my application secure?
Yes, see the privacy statement on the first page of the application.

Can I save my application and finish/update it later?
Yes. Scroll down to the bottom of the application and click on 'Save as Draft'.  Once you have submitted your application, you can still view it but you can no longer make changes.

Who should write my two letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation should be written by individuals who have knowledge of your academic and career interests, abilities, accomplishments, and preparedness for full-time work as a communications intern. Your graduate school dean, director, or advisor should write your primary letter of recommendation, which should specify your status within your graduate program and your expected date of graduation. Your second letter of recommendation should come from a professor, advisor, supervisor, or professional associate. We recommend that you contact your references in advance to make sure they are in agreement with your request and that they have time to submit the letter by the deadline.

How should my references submit a letter of recommendation?
Once you complete and submit your online application, an email will be generated to your references requesting a letter on your behalf. For this reason, it is extremely important that you enter your references' email addresses correctly on your application. The email request contains a link to a form where your reference can either write or copy and paste the text of a letter. If you are applying late in the cycle, it is recommended that you notify your references in advance so that they can prepare the letter prior to receiving the request.

What type of work samples should I submit?
Applicants must submit up to three work samples that demonstrate their writing capabilities. Work samples may include clips, recent papers, or publications. Do not load scientific journal articles as writing samples. Audience must be lay. Do not send originals as work samples will not be returned.

Will I need to submit official transcripts?
Yes.  Official transcripts must be submitted as part of your HCIP application.  Submit both your final undergraduate transcript and most recent graduate school transcript. 

How can I verify that my online application has been received?
You will receive an online confirmation if/when your application has been successfully submitted.  If you do not receive confirmation, contact HCIP-Contact@mail.nih.gov.

Can I submit a paper application?
We are not equipped to process paper applications. If this poses a problem for you, please call us at 301.435.8524 to discuss your circumstances.

Can my references submit their letters by mail?
All letters of recommendation must be submitted by the reference using the link provided to them. If this poses a problem for one of your references, ask them to email us at HCIP-Contact@mail.nih.gov or call us at 301.435.8524. Letters of reference submitted by the applicant will not be reviewed.

Will my application be reviewed for opportunities at other NIH Institutes or Centers?
No, the HCIP is for the National Cancer Institute only.

How are selections made?
Applications are made available to NCI offices that have expressed interest in hosting an HCIP intern. The host offices then contact applicants whose backgrounds and interests fit with their needs and requirements, conduct telephone interviews with applicants, and subsequently submit names of the applicants whom they are interested in hiring to the HCIP Program Managers. The HCIP Program Managers issue internship offers on behalf of the host offices. 

When will I find out if I am selected?
Applicants are notified of decisions via email approximately six to eight weeks after the application deadline.

Is this a paid internship?
Yes, interns receive a monthly stipend based on their education and relevant post-degree work experience. 

Will I have a mentor?
Yes, you will be assigned a mentor and you will be invited to attend monthly career development seminars. 

Am I considered a federal employee?
No.  HCIP interns are paid via a Cancer Research Training Award (CRTA).  As such, HCIP interns are not considered federal employees and are not eligible for federal benefits.  The NCI pays for the interns’ medical insurance and interns are eligible to participate in trainings/seminars/classes available to NIH employees. 

I still have a question that has not been answered…
If you have further questions please email us at HCIP-Contact@mail.nih.gov