If you are a high school student aspiring to pursue a career in STEM or related fields, engaging in extracurricular programs like research opportunities demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and the ability to handle real-world challenges. 

Colleges look favorably on applicants who go beyond the standard curriculum, and research programs offer exactly that—opportunities to collaborate with experts, delve into complex topics, and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries. For students with an interest in computational sciences, such programs offer a unique gateway into coding, data science, and artificial intelligence, providing practical skills that are becoming increasingly sought after in higher education and the job market.

One such program that has garnered attention is the Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

What is the UCSD’s Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)?

The Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) at UCSD is a prestigious program designed to provide high school students with hands-on research experience in STEM and computational fields. The REHS program, hosted by the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), is an eight-week volunteer summer internship designed to introduce high school students to computational science and related research fields. The program aims to broaden students' awareness of career opportunities in STEM while providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in research settings.

What is the structure of REHS?

REHS runs from June 17, 2024, to August 9, 2024, and is open to high school students, primarily from the San Diego County area. 

During the program, participants work on established research projects in small teams under the guidance of UCSD faculty and graduate students. Students are expected to engage in various research activities, including formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. Regular lab meetings and group discussions help foster collaboration and communication skills.

At the end of the program, students create scientific posters to present their research, which are displayed at a celebratory event. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop public speaking skills and gain confidence in presenting their work.

What is the cost of the REHS program? 

The REHS program recently introduced a $1500 registration fee to cover administrative costs. However, financial aid is available, particularly for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs. Students who do not participate in research projects may be exempt from this fee.

While the program costs may be a barrier for some, financial assistance is available, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds can participate. You can apply here!

What are the topics covered in the REHS program?

The curriculum at REHS is designed to immerse students in the research process. While the specific topics covered depend on the lab a student is placed in, typical subjects may include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Robotics and Autonomous Systems

• Biotechnology and Bioengineering

• Computational Data Science

• Environmental Engineering

• Materials Science and Nanotechnology

Workshops focus on technical skills such as programming, data analysis, and scientific writing, as well as softer skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and project management.

Students in the REHS program work closely with mentors on projects related to computational science. The curriculum is focused on:

• Formulating and testing hypotheses.

• Conducting computational experiments.

• Developing scientific posters to summarize and communicate findings.

In addition, students learn key research skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, all of which are highly valuable for future academic and career pursuits. View project descriptions here.

What does a typical day in REHS look like?

A typical day in the REHS program might involve morning lab work, where students conduct experiments or develop computational models under the supervision of their mentors. 

In the afternoons, students might attend group discussions, lab meetings, or lectures that provide insights into computational science and research ethics. Evenings are generally reserved for independent study or preparing for the end-of-program presentations.

Students typically work 15-20 hours per week, providing a balance between research commitments and other summer activities.

Am I eligible for the REHS program?

The program is open for those between grades 10-12, who are enrolled in high school. You must be a Southern California resident and demonstrate a strong interest in computational science and research.

How do I apply for the REHS program?

To apply for the REHS program, students must:

1. Submit a complete application, which includes 

1. A cover letter.

2. A resume.

3. An essay on the reason for participating.

4. A recommendation letter.

5. Shortlisting two mentors to work with.

The application deadline is March 15, 2024, with notifications of acceptance sent between May 1 and May 15, 2024. The selection process is competitive, with mentors reviewing and interviewing applicants before making final decisions.

Is the REHS Program prestigious? 

REHS is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious summer research programs for high school students in the United States. Alumni of the program have gone on to attend top-tier universities, pursue advanced degrees, and even contribute to significant scientific publications. 

70% of its alumni are pursuing majors in computer science and engineering at college, and 65% attending top 20 global educational institutions.  Being part of REHS not only enhances a student’s college application but also provides access to a network of accomplished researchers and fellow students.

Pros and Cons of the REHS Program

Pros:

• Its prestige will add value to college applications:

Participation in a highly-regarded program like REHS adds significant value to a college application. Moreover, its relation to UC San Diego and low acceptance rate does add value to the program itself, and you will signal to college admission officers that you stand out from your cohort. 

• You will gain hands-on research experience:

Students get to work on real-world projects in cutting-edge labs, gaining practical skills and knowledge. This is a great opportunity to understand the details of working within a lab, and producing your own independent project. Moreover, this project can be used to submit to competitions and you can even take your research further! 

• You can benefit from the mentorship opportunities:

Close interaction with faculty, graduate students, and postdocs provides excellent guidance and career advice. Apart from career advice, you can also use this opportunity to gain future opportunities or even Letters of Recommendations which will supplement your application. 

• There are ample networking opportunities:

Being part of a program at a top research institution connects students with a network of like-minded peers and professionals. Apart from the previous covered LORs, you can even collaborate on a project and share opportunities with your like-minded peers. 

Cons:

• There is an extremely high cost:

The $1500 registration fee may be a challenge for some, though financial aid is available. This might be a deterrent to those with higher financial barriers, thus preventing participation. 

• There is competitive admission:

With a limited number of spots, not all applicants will be accepted. Although you should put your best foot forward when applying, you’ll need to mitigate your expectations and understand that you might face a rejection. 

• This is a significant time commitment: 

The program requires a significant time investment (15-20 hours per week) over eight weeks. If you opt to participate in this program, you might have to sacrifice alternate opportunities, as it might not be possible to balance them both. 

• The eligibility criteria is limited:

Unfortunately, students from other parts of the country or international applicants are not eligible for the REHS program. You must be a Southern California resident, which does prevent admission from multiple people. 

Should You Apply?

If you are a high school student passionate about STEM and computational science, REHS at UCSD is an exceptional opportunity. The program offers hands-on research experience, mentorship from top UCSD faculty, and the chance to develop skills that will be beneficial in college and beyond. While the program is competitive and requires a significant time commitment, the rewards are well worth it for those accepted.

Overall, REHS provides a valuable stepping stone for students looking to deepen their understanding of computational science and gain real-world research experience. If you meet the eligibility requirements and are excited by the prospect of working with experts in the field, this program is definitely worth considering.

Excerpt - High school students aiming for STEM careers can showcase initiative and curiosity through research programs. For those interested in computational sciences, these opportunities provide skills in coding, data science, and AI, helping students stand out in college admissions. Check out UCSD’s REHS!

If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 

You can find the application link here.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to 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 AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - UCSD Logo