Guided Research Program
About
This program is designed for high school students who have a passion for learning and are interested in exploring and researching a particular area of academic interest. Through this program, students receive 1-on-1 mentoring from college faculty members of world-renowned universities.
How it Works
This customized research program matches students with a university mentor from the appropriate field, who then helps the student formulate a research topic based on the student's interest. Over a two-month period, with weekly 1-on-1 meetings between the student and mentor the student works to complete a research paper or project.
Student Supports
Our program's multi-layered and individualized coaching and mentoring helps to accelerate student learning, speed student maturation, and optimize program success. We want our students to get the most out of this experience and have found that our 5 "layers" of coaching and support produce the best results.
Outcomes
These are just a few of the many positive outcomes and benefits students enjoy:
Student Learning
Students gain valuable skills and knowledge through the process of completing their research - conceptualizing their ideas, investigating their topic, writing their research paper, working with an expert, etc.
College-level Experience
Students gain hands-on experience with producing work at the level research universities expect from students. A valuable experience that helps prepare them for their future college endeavors.
Mentor Relationships
Students have the opportunity to build a positive relationship with their mentoring professors. Professors provide students with a mid-program and an end-of-program evaluation and, at their discretion, may provide a letter of recommendation.
Publication
Students who produce quality research will receive guidance from our team about how to submit their work for publication. Because of the effectiveness of the program design, it is common for our students to get their work published.
College Admissions
Students who complete the program demonstrate to colleges not only their academic abilities, but also their commitment and follow through in pursuing their academic interests, which help distinguish them in the college application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are students matched with professors?
After the student has been asked a variety of questions to better understand their research interests, the student will be provided options of mentors (typically 2-4) who best match their interests and desired timeframe. We work with professors, lecturers, and post-doctoral researchers from renowned colleges and universities including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Caltech, etc.
Which research topics can students explore?
Our mentors specialize in a wide variety of subjects, including:
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- History, Art History, Literature, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy
- Robotics, Engineering, Computer Science, Math
- Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship
- Film, Visual Arts, Photography
When does the program begin and end?
This program is individualized not only based on the student's interests, but also on their schedule. Whether it's conducting the program during the summer (most popular) or during the school year, students select the 2-month period that works best for them.
How many hours per week should students expect to spend on this program?
The time commitment varies based on the research topic and the time the student is willing/able to spend. Students typically dedicate between 5-10 hours per week.
Who decides when the mentoring professors and students meet?
We coordinate the first meeting between mentors and students and then the mentors and students schedule mutually agreeable meeting times going forward.
Is this program conducted in-person or online?
This program is conducted online which allows us to best pair students with the most appropriate mentors. Weekly, 1-hour meetings are held online through video conference. Students also can contact their mentors by email between the weekly meetings.
Similarly, meetings with the student's writing coach are also conducted online.
Can students outside the United States participate?
Yes, meetings can be scheduled to accommodate students from around the world.
How much does the Guided Research Program cost?
The cost for participating in the Guided Research Program is $7,500 - $8,500.
Can anyone participate in the Program?
No, due to the nature of the program, we only accept high school students who have demonstrated strong academic skills and a strong work ethic. Participating students generally have an unweighted GPA of 3.6 or higher and have successfully taken honors, AP, IB, and/or college courses, though each student will be considered individually based on their particular achievements and circumstances. Interested students who are not currently clients of Edvance Consulting, need to complete an application form, which can be sent to the student upon request (there is no fee to apply).