Harvard's Project Success - 8 Reasons to Apply
If you’re considering pursuing a career in medicine and the biomedical sciences, gaining some experience in research is an incredible way to begin or grow your interest. Especially before applying to college, having exposure to laboratory research or completing a research-focused summer program yields a great advantage in the application process.
In this blog, we’ll share an opportunity to expand this interest - the Project Success program for high school students hosted by Harvard University’s Medical School. The program is open to high school students in Boston and Cambridge, MA, and is particularly catered to those underrepresented in medicine looking for a paid research opportunity.
In this blog, we cover Project Success’ key details, such as eligibility, location, cost, dates, and deadlines, as well as 8 reasons why you should apply.
What is Project Success?
Project Success is a paid summer research program opening the door to students whose identities are underrepresented in biomedical careers. It is hosted by Harvard University’s Medical Schools and their affiliated hospitals and research institutions. For six weeks in the summer, are engaged in research projects, mentorship, and seminars to advance their skills in biomedical research. Students also develop practical skills in writing and speaking, computer training, and more!
Who is eligible to apply?
Project Success has rather strict requirements as far as who is eligible to apply. Students must attend high school in either Boston or Cambridge and have completed their junior or senior year of high school, being at least 16 years old by early July when the program starts. Additionally, the program is looking for students who identify as underrepresented in medicine or otherwise disadvantaged.
As far as academic requirements, students must have at least a 2.70 GPA and completed the following courses: biology, algebra, and chemistry. By attending, students must agree to complete all oral and written reports required, attend all sponsored Seminars, and maintain good attendance at the events of the program. A parent or guardian must offer consent for students to participate.
Please consider applying if you are eligible! In any case, make sure to read through the eligibility guidelines on the website carefully, and reach out to your teachers or academic advisor for any further clarifications!
Where can you apply for Project Success?
Requirements for the program include an online application, a recommendation, and copies of transcripts and standardized exam scores. Applications are submitted electronically through a form on the program’s website and are typically due by early February, prior to the summer of the program.
Though it is presented as an optional essay, students are recommended to complete an essay on an aspect of their identity in order to be considered more competitive for admission into the program.
8 Reasons Why You Should Consider Applying to Project Success
1. You will build a strong network with a diverse array of mentors.
One of the distinctive features of this program is that students receive direct guidance and mentorship from scientists and physicians affiliated with Harvard Medical School and its partner institutions. The program events include seminars with researchers and physicians, as well as sites for hospitals and biotechnology organizations. Mentors range in background from industry professionals to university professors. Exploring careers through esteemed professionals associated with a leading medical school opens wide doors for mentorship and network-building.
Tip: If you establish a great connection with your mentor, you could even ask them to serve as a reference for you for your college applications, depending on if it aligns with your application narrative.
2. You will receive a stipend, and the program will be free to students.
Another great benefit of participating in the Project Success program is that students receive stipend pay during the six-week program. The exact amount of the stipend is not specified. In this way, the program does not require students to spend their own money to engage in this opportunity.
3. You will practice presenting the findings of your own research.
All participants in Project Success conclude the program by presenting their work to their fellow participants and mentors. From here, students can practice their skills in delivering presentations while also receiving guided and specific feedback from experienced experts in their fields of studies. Beyond the benefits of the classroom learning, this experiential learning aspect of the program really focuses on applying research in a practical way, which is a great thing to highlight in your college applications!
4. Participating in Project Success makes you eligible for a future internship program.
After successful completion of the Project Success high school students, alumni are eligible for the program: “Project Success for College Students.” This is a paid, ten-week summer internship program for college students only available for students who completed the Project Success Program in high school. The goal of the program is to connect students with physicians and scientists to increase their lab exposure and strengthen their applications for jobs or graduate school.
5. You will experience hands-on learning of basic science skills.
As an student researcher, you will be expected to contribute to unique, research-based projects in traditional and non-traditional laboratory settings. In doing so, you would develop valuable skills that can serve to launch a future career in research within STEM-M fields. Many incoming high school students lack hands-on research experience, providing a competitive advantage when applying for college or other academic programs.
6. You will gain important exposure into interdisciplinary fields of science.
The Project Success program approaches research from a multidisciplinary lens. Research topics for this internship are wide-ranging and allow the opportunity to learn about aerospace and its related sciences from all angles. The research institutions Project Success works with range from innovation in immunology to chemistry to bioengineering. Project Success even opens doors to more internships in related STEM-M fields and offers seminars and presentations during the academic year.
7. You can use your experience to make your college application stand out.
Given the Harvard Medical School’s prestigious status as an influential institution in the field of biomedicine, participation in a program through the school is sure to impress admissions officers at universities, especially those with a focus on research and health. Becoming a Project Success scholar is an excellent way to ensure your application stands out, opening pathways to advanced research positions while in college and beyond! Those interested in pursuing careers as physicians, in healthcare, or in biomedical engineering would especially benefit from this.
8. You can explore one of the best college towns in the United States.
Harvard’s Project Success takes place at the Medical School campus in Boston, Massachusetts. This city is considered one of the best college towns in the country. Participating students can explore the city’s collegiate atmosphere, including the different college campuses that house the city’s over 300,000 students. Given how many colleges and universities call Boston home, Project Success is a great opportunity to get a feel for the city and to seriously consider whether attending college in the city would be a good fit for you.
If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!
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