DOE CCI vs SULI: Physics Summer Programs for College Students

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between the Department of Energy's CCI (Community College Internship) and SULI (Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships) summer programs for physics students. Participants highlight that SULI is highly competitive, requiring more advanced qualifications than a year of introductory physics, while CCI is more accessible for community college students. Interns from both programs often engage in similar projects and activities, making the distinction between them minimal. Ultimately, community college students are advised to apply for CCI to maximize their chances of acceptance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Department of Energy's internship programs
  • Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics, specifically introductory physics and ordinary differential equations
  • Familiarity with application processes for competitive internships
  • Awareness of eligibility requirements for CCI and SULI programs
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application process for the CCI program
  • Explore the eligibility criteria for SULI and CCI internships
  • Investigate project opportunities available through both CCI and SULI
  • Learn about the experiences of past interns from both programs
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, particularly those in community colleges, who are considering summer internship opportunities in research and want to understand the differences between CCI and SULI programs.

Leah123rose
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Hi everyone! I'm looking into summer programs for physics students. The Department of Energy allows you to apply to only one program and I'm stuck between CCI and SULI. I currently go to community college but will have completed a year of intro physics and math thru ordinary diff eqs by the summer. I'm considering CCI over SULI because I think it may be less competitive. Do you know if there are significant differences in the programs? Is CCI geared towards people who want to go into research?
 
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Leah123rose said:
I'm considering CCI over SULI because I think it may be less competitive.

SULI is very competitive. A year of intro physics is not very competitive for SULI.
 
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At Fermilab (where I was a SULI intern), the CCI and SULI students had very similar projects, were housed together, attended the same seminars, etc. As far as I could tell, there was very little difference.
 
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If I were in community college, then I would apply for CCI. I wish I had known and applied while I was in a community college.

  • You can only participate in SULI two times and apply up to three times. (Reference: https://science.energy.gov/wdts/suli/eligibility/)
  • Students not in community college cannot apply for CCI- you can apply for SULI later if or when you transfer to a university.
  • SULI and CCI interns were indistinguishable without the paperwork- projects were equally interesting and prestigious.
 
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Thanks Dishsoap and Joshy, I will apply for CCI :)
 

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