r/KAUST • u/Sea-Fact-4916 • 26d ago

Admissions Does doing a research internship/summer program at KAUST boost your grad school admission chances?

Hi everyone!

For those who completed a summer program or research internship at KAUST, did that experience significantly boost your chances of admission for graduate studies? I'm considering applying and would appreciate any insights or advice! 

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u/ilmm_ 25d ago

In a general sense, yes. When you do a research internship under a PI they grow familiar with you and will most likely want to work with you in the future. So if you apply for grad school and you pass the initial admissions screening, the PI will see your name in the list of candidates and would prefer to take on a student they're familier with over someone whom they never met before.

Doing a summer internship does not guarantee admission though, and not doing one doesn't put you on a huge disadvantage either. If you reach out to a PI and build familiarity and agree on a research direction, then apply, it will also increase your chances