The SMARTS program is wonderful to experience for minority students, being fully embraced by the graduate school experience. Housing and transportation provided, monthly disbursement of $4000 stipend. Weekly lectures from professors innovative research and graduate school prep. Being paired up with a mentor and graduate student for guidance in researching your topic for a 10-week internship. Poster presentation contest and banquet at the end of the program. I had great mentors and the research experience really helped me become a better researcher. Also right next to the museums and zoo.
What I wish was different
I wish there was better cafeteria food, but luckily there were restaurants within walking distance.
Advice
Don't forget both summer and fall clothes, the labs are COLD, but only you step outside its 100 degrees. Start working on your poster and abstract every day as an outline, that was your not scrabbling to get it done in a week.
