Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about Mayo Clinic’s Clinical Research Internship Study Program? Please review the frequently asked questions. If, after reviewing them, you still have questions about CRISP, contact CRISP@mayo.edu.
General program information
For whom is this program designed?
It is for undergraduate students who are interested in medicine or other health care careers. During this unique educational experience, the research intern is paired with a faculty mentor who is actively engaged as a Mayo Clinic faculty at a nationally recognized hospital. At the conclusion of the program, the interns will showcase their work at an open house and poster session. In past years, select projects have gone on to be published in scientific journals or presented at national conferences.
Is there a stipend for participation in the program?
Selected program participants will receive a taxable stipend of $3,000 for the 10-week program. This will be paid in equal installments on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Travel to the program and travel home after the program will not be paid for by the program.
What are the dates of the program?
The program will run from May 27-Aug. 1, 2025.
Students will attend a mandatory orientation on May 27, 2025, and the program will end on Aug. 1, 2025, with final presentations.
My school is on a quarter system; can I join the program after the start date?
It is common for students on trimesters or quarters to finish the academic year after the program has begun.
Unfortunately, all students must start on the same day and be in-person during orientation.
We recommend speaking to your academic institution to inquire if you can complete the remainder of your semester virtually or complete early.
What are the program requirements?
- Orientation is on May 27, 2025
- On-site 10 weeks of research from May 27-Aug. 1
- Complete a minimum of 20 hours per week on the clinical research project
- Attend all professional development seminars/training/workshops
- Attend and present at the poster symposium on Aug. 1, 2025
- Maintain professionalism and respect for Mayo Clinic’s faculty, staff, students, and CRISP cohort throughout the program duration
What are the hours of the program?
The program requires a commitment of a minimum of 20 hours a week for the duration of the 10-weeks. Selected students will work with their mentor to determine a mutually agreeable schedule. Typical business days are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Many interns elect to work more than this but cannot exceed 40 hours.
Additional required commitments
Orientation: Will be held on May 27, 2025, and will include an overview of Mayo Clinic and available resources at participants' disposal. The Program Director, Program Coordinator, and Alumni will be in attendance to answer questions regarding research, Mayo Clinic resources, housing, and program requirements and expectations. Following the Orientation, participants will meet with their mentor or designated representative.
Career and Professional Development Sessions: Typically held every Thursday and are meant to:
- Equip students with skills that will help them prepare for and succeed in furthering their interest in the healthcare profession and during the program.
- Provide students with opportunities to network with students, faculty and alumni.
Final Presentations: Held on Aug. 1, 2025, students are required to present a poster presentation of the culmination of their research the have completed over the 10-week internship experience. Select students will have the opportunity to also participate in oral presentations.
Can I enroll in summer school or have a job while participating in the program?
We recognize that the CRISP experience may need to be balanced with other priorities.
In previous years, students have been able to accommodate academic enrollment or part time employment while still meeting CRISP program requirement.
However, such accommodations, particularly if limiting on-site availability during business hours Monday through Friday, should be reviewed with CRISP leadership and your assigned mentor immediately after matching assignment are release in March.
I want to travel for the summer, are the dates or hours flexible?
If you have an important conflict, it should be discussed and pre-approved with your mentor prior to the start of the program.
Time off should be limited to no more than two to three business days during the internship. Hours missed are expected to be made up during the duration of the internship program.
Application and admissions
What qualifies a student for eligibility?
All applicants must currently be attending a university in the U.S. and returning to the college/university to complete their undergraduate degree. A limited number of spots may be awarded to exceptional applicants in professional degree-seeking programs.
Applicants must have completed their freshman year of college and be 18 years old prior to the start of the program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. No previous research experience is required, but highly encouraged.
Can I apply if I am an international student?
Only students on F1 visas currently attending a college in the U.S. can apply to the CRISP program.
How do I apply?
Follow the guidance and instructions listed on the Application Process page.
I am having trouble submitting my application. How should I proceed?
For technical support, contact the Education Technology Center (ETC) at 507-266-9087 or send an email to etc@mayo.edu. Standard business hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., CT.
Is there a deadline for submission of applications?
Yes, the application deadline is Jan. 31.
The CRISP application is available online beginning Nov. 1. Partial applications that are not completed by the deadline will not receive further consideration.
What information do I need to ensure is reflected in my transcript?
You are required to upload an unofficial transcript only. Transcripts need to clearly state your cumulative GPA. We recommend that freshman wait until the conclusion of their Fall term to submit their transcripts to ensure that a GPA is available for verification.
Are there guidelines for the letter of recommendation?
Arrange for letters of recommendation from one (1) individual to be submitted online no later than Jan. 31, 2025.
Recommendation requests are sent to these individuals automatically when your application is submitted, therefore, please submit applications with sufficient time for recommenders to respond. Also, please be sure to enter their correct email address and inform them to expect an email from Mayo Clinic.
Ideally, letters of recommendation should:
- Emphasize the referee’s involvement with and knowledge of the student (how long have you known the student and in what context). If the student has done research with you, please comment on the student’s laboratory experience and capacity for a future career involving research.
- Comment on how the student will contribute to our program.
- Discuss one or two qualities or experiences that make this student especially appropriate for the internship.
- Explain how this summer experience would make a difference in the student’s intellectual and personal growth.
How are applications reviewed?
Admission to the program is highly selective and based on interest in the program, personal qualifications, academic achievement, letters of recommendation, and space available.
An initial screening of applicants is completed by program staff to determine eligibility.
The committee will evaluate the entire application as a whole.
Your GPA, personal statement, and letters of recommendation will all be considered.
We look for well-rounded applicants with a history of strong academic performance, shadowing or observation hours, service to the community, a strong motivation to enroll in a health profession school, excellent letters of reference, and good interpersonal skills.
How will I be notified if I am selected?
The admissions committee reviews all complete applications after the deadline, Jan. 31, and is not able to consider applications on a rolling basis.
The committee makes decisions by late February and notifications should be sent out by early March.
After acceptance
I am unable to make orientation on May 27, 2025. Can I start on a different day?
No, it is mandatory to attend orientation and we cannot accommodate an alternative start date.
What onboarding paperwork is needed for me to start the experience?
Acceptance and subsequent appointment are contingent upon meeting all admission and onboarding requirements for Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.
The onboarding process includes a background check, drug screen, and proof of immunizations. Failure to meet the requirements for any onboarding component will result in a delay in your start date or even potential revocation of your internship appointment.
How will I be assigned a mentor?
Mentors are assigned based on the interests stated in the application and mentor availability. Students may rank up to three areas of interest on their application. Placement with any preferred mentor, or in any specific area of interest, cannot be guaranteed.
When should I initiate contact with my faculty mentor?
After acceptance, program staff will send a communication matching students and mentors. We encourage mentors and students to connect with one another via email or phone before the program officially starts. It is the responsibility of the student to respond to faculty mentors and keep in contact with them regularly. If your faculty has not contacted you two weeks before CRISP’s start date, please let the CRISP team know.
What is the dress code for the internship?
In this internship, students will interact on a regular basis with other professionals within Mayo Clinic, including faculty, clinicians, and staff. Thus, we need to meet the mandate of neat, clean, and appropriate attire. Interns should dress in business casual attire while on-site at any Mayo Clinic location, and on any work-related video calls.
Are housing and food provided?
No, we are not able to offer additional support for housing and food. However, we share intern contact information for roommate collaborations, Facebook, and Craigslist for short-term rental or sublet options.
Additional information on dormitory opportunities, at the University of Minnesota Rochester and University of North Florida will be provided to accepted students.
Is transportation provided?
Students are expected to coordinate their own transportation to and from Mayo Clinic.
Jacksonville, Florida: We recommend keeping your search for living accommodations within about a five-mile (8.047 km) radius of the clinic for ease of transportation. Jacksonville does not have public transportation that stops at Mayo Clinic. We recommend bringing a vehicle if you are able, as past students have found having a car or carpooling advantageous.
Rochester, Minnesota: Mayo Clinic is walkable to many accommodations, but Rochester Public Transit provides safe and convenient public transportation services to the City of Rochester. The bus routes consist of 40 weekday fixed routes and eight weekend/holiday routes
Can I opt out of the poster session at the end of the program?
No, it is mandatory in order to complete the program in good standing and be eligible for the travel stipend.