# GAO internships: paid work, student volunteers and evidence-focused preparation — worksheet

Independent preparation worksheet. Examples below are fictional, not employer assessments. Complete the application fields from the actual current posting; this worksheet does not submit an application.

## Application decision

Claim I investigated:
Population and period:
Records I actually examined:
How those records were selected:
Finding supported by the evidence:
What remains unproven:
Document or test I would request next:
GAO posting requirement this example supports:
Weekly availability and total hours:

## Sample versus population

An analyst examines 20 of 100 fictional files and finds 6 without a specified approval record. The selection method is not supplied. State the observed count and reviewed-set percentage, explain why a population rate is not established, and identify the next evidence needed.

## Your work

Calculation and units:

[Write your work.]

Conclusion supported by the inputs:

[Write your conclusion.]

What is not established:

[Write the limitation.]

Next evidence or clarification needed:

[Write the next step.]

## Connect it to your own application

Actual prior work I can discuss:
My individual contribution:
Output or file I may share:
What changed after feedback:
One limit of the work:
Employer rule for permitted assistance:

Worked explanation and dated sources: https://internshipdeadlines.com/guides/gao-paid-internship-guide

Guide research date: 2026-09-16. Recheck employer requirements before applying.