Q: How do I apply?
A: Each candidate must complete an application form. Many college placement offices and journalism departments have applications, or you can request one when fall classes begin by writing: Summer News Program / The Washington Post / 1150 15th St. NW / Washington, D.C. 20071-5508. In addition, we require a resume, a 500-word autobiography, six to eight clips, two letters of reference and a college transcript. Photo, News Desk/page design and News Art candidates should send a portfolio.

Q: Is there an age limit?
A: You must be a junior, senior or graduate student on Nov. 1, 2002, the date by which applications must be postmarked.

Q: Are interns paid?
A: Yes. It is our policy to pay everyone who works for us, including interns. For summer 2002, the weekly salary was about $800.

Q: On which staffs do interns work?
A: In recent years, we have had at least 19 summer interns. Six or seven usually report for the Metro staff, while others report in Style (features), Sports and Business. We also have a photo intern and at least one in News Art. At least four others, including one chosen by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund editing program, work on copy desks.

Q: What do interns actually do?
A: Our interns write articles, edit copy, take photographs, design pages and produce graphics. We treat them as staff members during their 12 weeks of employment.

Q: What sort of orientation or programs are scheduled for interns?
A: During the first few days, we have a lunch to introduce interns to senior editors, a daylong bus tour of the Washington area and computer training. We also have a tricks-of-the-trade seminar and weekly lunches with senior editors and reporters to enhance understanding of The Post and the industry. In recent summers, lunch speakers have included Donald Graham, chairman and CEO of the Washington Post Co.; Benjamin C. Bradlee, vice president/at large; Leonard Downie Jr., executive editor; Milton Coleman, deputy managing editor, and Bob Woodward, assistant managing editor/Investigative. Also included have been national political reporters, among them David Broder and Dan Balz, and former interns discussing how their summer work helped them move onto the staff.

Q: Are interns hired full-time?
A: Yes. The program has been a good way to meet promising journalists early in their careers, and we do hire, depending on performance and openings. Other interns have returned after enhancing their experience elsewhere. More than 80 current staff members started here as summer interns. They include Robert Kaiser, associate editor (first intern class, 1963); Downie (1964); Jackson Diehl, (1978), deputy Editorial Page editor; Michael Wilbon, Sports columnist (1979 and 1980); Linda Perlstein (1993), Metro reporter; Gina Acosta (1996), Editorial copy editor; Rachel Alexander Nichols (1994), Sports reporter; Justin Blum (1993 and 1994), Metro reporter; Rajiv Chandrasekaran (1994), Foreign reporter; Seth Hamblin (1995), National graphics editor; Ann O'Hanlon (1995), Metro reporter; Lonnae O'Neal Parker (1995), Style reporter; Philip Pan (1995), Foreign reporter; Jackie Spinner (1995), Business reporter; Dennis Brack (1997) Financial art director; Chanda Washington (1995), Sports copy/layout editor; Bill Webster (1996), Washington Business art director; Josh White (1998), Metro reporter; Sewell Chan (1999), Metro reporter; Jamie Stockwell (1999), Metro reporter; Emily Wax (1999), Metro reporter.

Q: Should I apply for an internship or seek a full-time job if I am graduating?
A: While we offer no guarantee of a job at the end of a summer, we do consider whether interns should be hired. We also pass on tips, write letters and make calls on behalf of interns not hired.

Q: What sort of experience do those who are selected have?
A: Our intern program is competitive, with about 500 applications received in 2000. Those selected usually have strong experience. We like to see work on college publications and prior internships at daily newspapers.

Q: Does The Post have college interns at any other time of the year?
A: No. Students sometimes ask whether they can work at The Post during the fall or winter for college credit. Our policy is not to employ anyone who is not paid.

Q: Does The Post assist in finding summer housing?
A: Interns receive a mail subscription to The Post, starting about three months before they arrive, so they'll know something about the paper and the Washington area. The paper is available online. Classified ads and apartment listings often are a good place to begin looking for housing, as are area colleges and universities. In addition, we ask staff members whether they have rooms to rent. Ultimately, interns must make their own housing arrangements.

Q: How soon will I hear whether I've been selected?
A: All applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1, and we immediately begin reviewing them and making decisions. Final selections are made by late December.