The Research Mentorship Program is a summer initiative that targets high-performing high school students from around the globe. It is a highly competitive program that involves hands-on, interdisciplinary research at the university level. Participants are paired with a mentor (graduate student, postdoc, or faculty) and they select a research project from a curated list featuring topics in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and mastering field-specific skills.
Students acquire knowledge about research methodologies, gain insight into professional research opportunities, and refine their academic aspirations. Through the GRIT talks lecture series, students get the opportunity to connect with some of the brightest minds within the UC Santa Barbara research community.
Students are expected to utilize the library or participate in fieldwork while doing their research. Students usually work 30 to 40 hours a week to complete their research. Research topics change each summer depending on the available mentors, however, the focus is always on recent research developments that demonstrate the use of university-level methods of investigation in departments across campus.
Participants learn to describe their research findings in professional-style technical papers, present at a formal university symposium, and earn university credits which become a part of their permanent record at UC Santa Barbara.
Students earn 8 university credits by enrolling in these two courses as a part of the program
Exploratory Course – Presentation Techniques
This course prepares students to focus on oral presentation methods, poster presentation structure, and elevator pitch techniques.
Lecture Course – Introduction to Research
This course teaches students about the elements of a research paper, and how to author a formal paper. This includes constructing an abstract, introduction, research goals and methods, discussion and results, and references section. After this course, students translate their hands-on guided research experience in the field, library, or laboratory into a collection of findings that other researchers can build upon.
Read More: What is GPA
Admission and Cost of Attendance
Eligibility
Advanced 9th graders and qualified students in 10th and 11th grades with a 3.8 (weighted, UC a–g requirements) are eligible for the program.
The online application includes:
High school transcript
1 Recommender – You should provide the email address of the recommender.
AP exam score – If applicable
Personal Statement – In a 500 word maximum essay, discuss your goals, values, and reasons for wanting to attend the program.
Short Responses – A series of questions so we can get to know you better. In 150 words or less for each response, we will ask you to:
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Tell us about an idea or experience that made you absolutely excited about learning or sparked a period of personal growth.
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Describe the most significant setback you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How do you think this experience will impact your RMP journey?
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Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing during RMP.
Writing Sample – You should submit up to 3 pages of an English essay, a history paper, or a science report from the current academic year that demonstrates your individual writing ability.
If you need help understanding what you should include in your essays, you can contact us and we can help you find your niche!
Cost of Attendance: The student can choose the commuter or the residential program:
Commuter Option:
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$75 Application Fee (non-refundable)
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$1000 Enrollment Deposit (non-refundable; applied to the Tuition and Program Fees)
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$5,100 Tuition and Program Fees
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= $ 5,175Total
Residential Option:
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$75 Application Fee (non-refundable)
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$1000 Enrollment Deposit (non-refundable; applied to the Tuition and Program Fees)
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$5,100 Tuition and Program Fees
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$7,299 Housing and Meal Fees (These fees apply to residential students only, and are collected by Summer Discovery. Visit the link for details regarding fees and payment schedule.)
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= $12,474 Total
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Students complete an online application by March 17, 2025.
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Applicants are notified via email when their application (including all required materials) is complete.
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Completed applications move on to the review stage.
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Applicants will receive their admission decision approximately three to five weeks after receiving their completion email.
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Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and communicated via email directly to the applicant.
In conclusion, the Research Mentorship Program is an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving high school students worldwide to engage in interdisciplinary, hands-on, university-level research. With the guidance of experienced mentors, students will have the chance to gain valuable knowledge about research methodologies and learn about professional research-based opportunities. Overall, the Research Mentorship Program is an excellent platform for students to grow both academically and personally.
We can help you with your RMP application process. Working with study abroad consultants, overseas education consultants, or, as more commonly known, college counselors, can help you plan ahead and make those high school years count. Ivy Central offers exceptional focus to help you prepare for college admissions throughout the high school years. Start today!
