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1) Get a faculty member in the Department to review a draft of your application prior to sending it in - make arrangements ahead of time for this - provide program guidelines, a hard copy of your application, and electronic files (e.g. Microsoft word).
2) If possible, try to talk by telephone with potential intern mentors to whom you might be assigned, prior to submitting your application. Plan your telephone calls. Make a brief note of what you want to say and what you want to find out. Always anticipate that you might get an answering machine. If this happens, DO NOT LEAVE A LONG RAMBLING PHONE MESSAGE! First impressions count. Follow these rules: Leave a short message. Speak slowly and clearly. Address the person you're calling politely as Doctor, Professor, Mr., Ms, as appropriate. Provide your name, phone number where you can be reached, and a brief informative message.
Example: "Dr. Rock, my name is Mark Hasite, and my phone number is 619 594-0000. I'm a sophomore in the Geology Department at San Diego State University and I'm interested in applying for the summer Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory internship program you're involved in. I have a couple of questions about the program I'd like to discuss with you on the phone if possible. Again, my name is Mark Hasite and I can be reached at 619 594-0000. I look forward to talking to you."
3) The Writing Web - provides succinct tips for writing application essays.
