Canary CREST FAQs

Canary CREST Program

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)

How do I find out if I am eligible for the Canary CREST program?

Students must be undergraduate students enrolled in two- or four-year colleges or universities.
Students are expected to work at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week in the lab for the duration of the 10-week period.
Students are expected to commit to and attend all program activities, including orientation, seminars, and the poster symposium.
Students must be U.S. citizens/permanent residents or currently enrolled Stanford University Undergraduates.

I am an international student, can I apply for this program?

Yes, international students may apply for a limited number of openings. Based on NIH
guidelines: Unless strongly justified on the basis of exceptional relevance to NIH, research
education programs, such as the Canary CREST Program, should be used primarily for the
education of U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

Does the Canary Center assist students in obtaining US visas?

The website states that the Canary CREST program lasts 10 weeks. During this time, are students allowed to take vacation and make up that time by extending the end date of the program?

Students are expected to work in the lab at least 8 hours per day, 5 days per week during the 10-
week research program period. Students are required to attend first day orientation, scheduled
seminars and the Poster Symposium. Program participants are not granted vacation time. The
end date of the CREST Program cannot be formally extended beyond the 10-week duration

Is this Canary CREST program only suitable for students with AP biology or AP Chemistry?

Will the Canary Center provide housing for students who do not live locally?

We do not provide housing. All Students are responsible for having a living arrangement and
commuting to campus for the entire 10-week program.

The Canary Center will provide some financial support (minimum of $1,000) for housing. This
amount is tentative and based on the need of all the students accepted into the program.

*Enrolled Stanford students are also responsible to find their own housing or sign up for
Stanford summer housing themselves. The Canary Center will not provide assistance with
housing enrollment.

Will the Canary Center provide travel assistance for students who do not live locally?

Round trip travel will be reimbursed for non-local participants (over 50 miles one way); however, the amount of support is tentative and based on the need of all the students accepted
in the program.

*The CREST Program does not reimburse for daily local transportation throughout the 10-week
program (i.e., bus, Uber, taxi, train, etc.)

Will I get paid for participating in the Canary CREST program?

How many students usually apply for this program?

During the selection process, will potential candidates be interviewed in person?

Should transcripts be officially released, or are unofficial copies acceptable?

I have to provide a reference. What does this mean?

Applicants must ask a teacher or professor to be their reference. This person should be able to
comment on the applicant’s interest and aptitude for science and their potential as a summer
researcher. During the application review process, potential mentors may ask the reference for
a letter of recommendation, or to speak with them via telephone.

Note: Letters of recommendation should not be submitted at the time of application.

What happens after I submit my application?

If my application shows “Saved”, has it been submitted?

Is it okay for me to mail or email all my application materials in one packet instead of submitting them online?

This is my senior year in high school, am I eligible to apply for this summer research opportunity?

I am senior at an accredited institution, am I still eligible to apply for this summer research opportunity?

Click here to download a pdf version of the Canary CREST Program FAQs

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Canary CREST Program

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)