Polygence Core Research Program
by Polygence
UC Irvine transferable college credits
A personalized one-on-one research mentorship program pairing high school students with PhD mentors to conduct and publish original academic research.
Mode
Online
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual
Duration
3 to 6 months (10 or more mentorship sessions)
Time needed
1 hour per week for mentorship sessions plus independent research time
Eligibility
Open to high school students in grades 8-12. No prior research experience required.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Participants should be in high school.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Research completion certificate from Polygence
Certificate of completion upon finishing the research program
Opens doors to
Core Advanced track participants can earn 3 transferable elective college credits through UC Irvine via the GATI program
Recognition
Work published or featured on academic platforms
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
Online ยท Polygence Online Platform
How to apply
- 1Complete the online application at polygence.org/core-program
- 2Match with a PhD mentor based on research interests and topic
- 3Schedule an introductory session and begin the research program
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Program fee not publicly listed on the official website. Contact Polygence for current pricing.
Financial support
Merit-based and need-based financial support available. Contact Polygence admissions for details.
About this opportunity
The Polygence Core Research Program connects high school students with expert PhD mentors for a 3 to 6-month independent research experience.
Students choose their own research topic, design their methodology, and produce an original work such as a research paper, podcast, website, or research proposal, guided through weekly one-on-one video sessions.
The Core Advanced track offers 3 transferable elective credits through UC Irvine (UCI GATI program) for qualifying participants.
Program topics span sciences, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, arts, and more. Completed projects may be submitted for publication on Polygence Pathways, a student research journal, or presented at the Polygence Symposium. No prior research experience is required.
What your child will do
- One-on-one weekly video mentorship sessions with a PhD mentor
- Research design and methodology planning
- Literature review and source analysis
- Data collection, analysis, and synthesis
- Drafting and refining the final research output
- Optional: submission to Polygence Pathways student journal
- Optional: presentation at the Polygence Symposium
Mentors and faculty
Over 3,000 PhD and doctoral researchers spanning sciences, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, engineering, and the arts
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The Core Program consists of 10 one-on-one sessions with a PhD-level mentor over 3 to 6 months. The program is structured around three flexible milestones and includes regular assignments and two rounds of professional writing feedback. Students are guided through finding their research focus, building a tangible project (e.g., research paper, app, podcast, prototype), and preparing their work for sharing or showcasing. The curriculum is highly personalized, allowing students to define their own research question and methodology under expert guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How much time commitment is typically required from students each week for the program?
Students should anticipate dedicating approximately 1 hour per week for one-on-one mentorship sessions. Additionally, independent research time will vary based on project complexity and individual pace, typically ranging from 3-5 hours per week.
What are the key benefits for students who successfully complete the Polygence Core Research Program?
Upon completion, students develop advanced research and analytical skills, produce an original academic work for their portfolio, and may earn transferable UC Irvine college credits through the Advanced track, significantly boosting their academic profile.
How does Polygence ensure a good match between a student's research interests and their assigned PhD mentor?
Polygence utilizes a detailed matching process that considers the student's stated research interests, topic ideas, and academic background to pair them with a PhD mentor whose expertise aligns closely with their project goals, ensuring a productive mentorship.
What kind of support is available to students if they encounter challenges or need guidance during their research project?
Students receive continuous support through weekly one-on-one sessions with their dedicated PhD mentor, who provides expert guidance, feedback, and troubleshooting assistance throughout the entire research process, ensuring project progression.
Can students choose to extend their program duration if they require more time to complete their research project?
Program extensions may be available depending on individual circumstances and project requirements. Students are encouraged to discuss their needs with their mentor and Polygence program coordinators well in advance to explore available options.
How does participation in this program contribute to a student's college application profile?
Completing an original research project under PhD mentorship significantly enhances a student's college application by demonstrating intellectual curiosity, advanced academic skills, a strong commitment to a specific field of study, and the ability to undertake rigorous academic work.
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