NORC Internship Program

Grades

Primarily undergraduate and graduate students; high school seniors may be considered but not explicitly stated

Age

Not specified, but typically requires college enrollment or recent completion

Citizenship

U.S. work eligibility required; no visa sponsorship available

Prerequisites

Strong interest in social science research, conscientiousness, and commitment to research rigor. Likely requires basic statistics or research methodology knowledge

Steps

1. 1. Express interest through NORC website interest form for future opportunities
2. 2. Complete formal application (details not yet available for 2027)
3. 3. Submit resume highlighting research experience or interest
4. 4. Provide academic transcripts
5. 5. Write statement of purpose about research interests
6. 6. Potentially participate in phone/video interview

Materials Needed

• Resume or CV
• Academic transcripts
• Statement of purpose/cover letter
• Contact information for interest form
• Potentially 1-2 references

Timeline

Program currently suspended for 2026. Expected to reopen in 2027. Typically applications open in early spring for summer internships. High school students should register interest NOW for 2027 applications.

Cost

FREE to apply; internship is paid position

What Judges Look For

• Strong interest in pursuing a career in social science research
• Conscientiousness and attention to detail
• Commitment to research rigor and accuracy
• Ability to collaborate with cohort members
• Problem-solving skills
• Flexibility and creativity
• Basic understanding of research methodology
• Diversity of perspectives and background

Scoring

Not publicly disclosed. Likely holistic review considering demonstrated interest, academic preparation, research background, and fit with NORC's mission

Common Mistakes

• Applying without genuine interest in social science research (program targets career-focused candidates)
• Poor communication of research interests or motivation
• Failing to demonstrate conscientiousness or attention to detail
• Not meeting U.S. work eligibility requirements
• Applying without basic statistics/research knowledge
• Generic application without demonstrating knowledge of NORC's work

Acceptance Rate

Unknown; not publicly disclosed. Likely competitive given NORC's prestige

Applicants

Unknown; not disclosed annually

Winners / Selected

Multiple cohorts of interns selected each summer; exact number not specified but appears to be 10-20+ interns total

• Express interest NOW through NORC's interest form to be notified when 2027 applications open
• Take statistics, research methods, or social science courses to strengthen candidacy
• Get involved in survey research or data analysis projects at your school/community
• Develop proficiency with data analysis tools (R, Python, STATA, or SPSS)
• Read about NORC's current research projects on their website to demonstrate knowledge
• Emphasize collaboration skills and ability to work in a team cohort
• Highlight any survey design, data collection, or research experience
• Write a clear, compelling personal statement about why social science research matters to you
• Demonstrate understanding of survey methodology and its real-world applications
• If high school student, consider dual enrollment in college research methods courses
• Build familiarity with social science topics (sociology, economics, political science, public opinion research)

How to Prepare

• Take AP Statistics, Statistics, or Research Methods courses
• Enroll in social science courses (sociology, economics, political science, psychology)
• Learn data analysis software (free options: R, Python with pandas; commercial: STATA, SPSS)
• Participate in school research projects or science fairs involving data analysis
• Read about survey research and public opinion polling methodology
• Follow NORC's research releases and publications to understand their work
• Develop Excel and database skills
• Practice survey design by creating and administering surveys at school
• Study research ethics and the importance of methodological rigor
• Register on NORC's website for 2027 application notification

Resources

• NORC official website: www.norc.org
• NORC publications and research reports (on website)
• Free R programming tutorials (r-project.org)
• Khan Academy Statistics course
• Coursera: 'Research Methods and Design' courses
• Books: 'The Fundamentals of Survey Research' by National Center for Research and Evaluation
• Books: 'How to Conduct Surveys' (Basic Social Research Methods)
• YouTube channels on survey methodology and data analysis
• APNewsPoll, Pew Research Center resources (examples of survey work)
• University of Chicago NORC partnerships and course materials

Time Needed

4-6 months ideal preparation (start in fall/early winter for spring applications). Basic preparation: 2-3 months. High school students should begin immediately if interested in 2027 applications.

Likely includes undergraduate students from various majors (sociology, economics, political science, statistics, psychology) with demonstrated research interest. Probably include students with: prior research experience or relevant coursework, strong academic records, demonstrated communication skills, interest in applied social science. May include students without formal experience but with clear passion for research methodology and social science.

Strong positive impact on college applications, particularly for social science-focused candidates. Demonstrates: research maturity beyond high school level, commitment to academic field, ability to work in professional research environment. Valued by admissions officers as proof of genuine research interest (not just test prep/tutoring). Particularly impressive for sociology, economics, political science, public policy, and statistics majors. Paid internship demonstrates professional recognition of candidate's abilities. Fellowship/internship experience at respected institute like NORC significantly strengthens research-focused college applications and graduate school prospects.

• Melanie Scholarship — Tier 3, scholarship