What are some tips for getting accepted into summer programs for physics?

[EliotHijano]

Hello,
I would like to ask you some questions relating summer programs in physics. I have applied for several programs this year and one by one, I am being rejected in all of them. I don't know why this happens, my marks are really good, and I have studied four courses of the physical sciences career in only two years. Moreover, I have some aditional diplomas in java and C# programming. My referees are not bad, indeed, I have two senior referees.
I don't know what to do, so I would like you to give me some tips, maybe I am doing something wrong in my applications.
In adition, It would be great if you told me some summer programs in physics for undergraduate students.

Thank you.

 

[Choppy]

It's hard to say why you're not being successful. If I understand, you're an undergraduate student in your second year and you have 4 physical science courses. I'm not sure what program you're in, but physics summer programs can often be geared towards upper year physics students who have a lot more specialization.

Also these programs can be rather competative. Just because you have "really good" marks, doesn't mean that there aren't other candidates with slightly better marks, or more experience, or who have earned a position by volunteering time in the lab, etc.

Sometimes the best "programs" are the ones where you define a position for yourself. Go and talk with some of your professors and find out if anyone is looking for a junior lab assistant or a programmer for the summer.

 

[EliotHijano]

Thanks for your answer Choppy.
Yes, You understand wright, I am an undergraduate student, and my career has 5 courses (meant to be studied in 5 years) but I have completed 4 courses in only two years.
Maybe the reason why I am being rejected is that my experience as an undergraduate student is too small... I hope next summer I will be accepted somewhere...
Maybe being a spaniard is a problem when applying for grants offered by universities in USA.

 

[pjfoster]

Thanks for your answer Choppy.
Yes, You understand wright, I am an undergraduate student, and my career has 5 courses (meant to be studied in 5 years) but I have completed 4 courses in only two years.
Maybe the reason why I am being rejected is that my experience as an undergraduate student is too small... I hope next summer I will be accepted somewhere...
Maybe being a spaniard is a problem when applying for grants offered by universities in USA.

I don't know this for sure, but I think that being a Spaniard may count against you when applying to undergraduate summer positions in the US. I don't know exactly what programs you've applied to, but a lot of programs(such as all REU programs) get money from the National Science Foundation and I know that they require students to be US citizens to participate.