The Horizon Academic Research Program: Is It Worth It?
As a high school student, it is crucial to find ways to stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape. One challenging yet rewarding option is to conduct academic research, which deepens your understanding of subjects and demonstrates initiative and critical thinking. Programs like the Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP), the subject of our blog today, offer structured environments where you can explore complex topics, develop research skills, and produce substantial academic work. These experiences can significantly enhance your college applications and prepare you for future academic endeavors.
What is the Horizon Academic Research Program?
Established in 2016 by Columbia University alumni, the Horizon Academic Research Program is a selective online research initiative for high-achieving high school students. It allows ambitious high school students to conduct undergraduate-level research under the mentorship of professors and PhD scholars from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale.
Through HARP, you will engage in a rigorous academic process culminating in a 20-page research paper, learning how the research and scientific writing processes work. The program offers 1:1 mentorship and small classes of 4-6 students, allowing you to benefit from the mentor’s experience and develop a nuanced understanding of complex topics.
How is the program structured?
HARP offers two distinct program formats to cater to different learning preferences:
Professor Seminar Courses: These are small group classes (averaging four students, with a maximum of six) led by professors from leading universities. The seminars cover a wide range of subjects, including AI, Machine Learning, Behavioral Economics, Cybersecurity, Environmental Health, International Relations, and more. The program spans 10 weeks during the summer, across three available batches:
Priority: Deadline – March 23 | Starts – June 16
Regular I: Deadline – April 20 | Starts – June 16
Regular II: Deadline – May 18 | Starts – June 16
Priority II: Deadline – June 22 | Starts – July 14
You are expected to commit 8-10 hours per week, including reading, writing, homework, and class time. The curriculum includes small-group classes, office hours, writing clinics, and independent research, all designed to guide you through the process of producing a comprehensive research paper.
1-1 PhD Labs Courses: These are more individualized courses where you work one-on-one with PhD or postdoctoral scholars from top universities. The Labs offer a more flexible schedule, with 12-16 week sessions offered year-round. They cover specialized topics such as Ancient History, Gene Editing, Neuroscience, Political Theory, and more. This format is ideal if you have a specific research interest and are serious about pursuing it through personalized mentorship.
In both formats, you'll be responsible for selecting or developing a research topic, conducting research, and writing a 20-page manuscript. The program offers guidance on research methodologies, including qualitative methods such as literature reviews and argumentative essays, as well as quantitative approaches that involve empirical experimentation using publicly available datasets. Upon completion, you'll receive a certificate of completion and a grade report from your instructor using a university grading rubric. Additionally, Labs students pursuing the publication track have opportunities for external publication!
Is it prestigious?
HARP is recognized for its selectivity and the caliber of its participants. With an acceptance rate of 26%, the program only admits students who demonstrate strong academic performance and a readiness for research. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.93 (on a 4.0 scale), and the median SAT score is 1500, meaning that you will be working alongside academically advanced peers. The program's mentors include professors and scholars from Ivy League institutions, Stanford, Oxford, and Cambridge, giving you access to a network of academics. 39% of HARP alumni have gone on to attend universities like Harvard, Caltech, MIT, and more and pursued advanced research opportunities, reflecting the program's impact on their academic trajectories.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for HARP, you should meet the following prerequisites:
Be a high school student with a strong academic record. Most accepted students are sophomores or juniors.
Have a GPA of at least 3.67 unweighted or equivalent.
Demonstrate interest in conducting academic research in your chosen field.
You may also need to meet specific course prerequisites for certain courses.
How does the application process work?
The application process for HARP is short but selective. You will first need to fill out the application form on their website. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview within 3-5 days of submitting your application, and final decisions are rolled out within 7 days of your interview.
How much does HARP cost?
The program tuition is $5,950. Horizon offers need-based financial aid, with approximately 30% of applicants receiving aid.
Pros and Cons of the Horizon Academic Research Program
Pros:
It is a highly selective program: With a 26% acceptance rate, HARP is a competitive program, and being selected demonstrates your academic capabilities.
You will have access to expert mentorship: The mentors who work with Horizon are professors and researchers at some of the top institutes in the country and the world. Working with such scholars provides valuable guidance and insight into academic research.
It’s a very flexible program: The availability of both group seminars and individualized labs allows you to choose a format that suits your learning style and research interests.
You will gain comprehensive research experience: Completing a 20-page research paper is a challenging introduction to research and scientific writing. The process will build your critical thinking skills and subject knowledge.
Cons:
It can be expensive: At $5,950, the program may be inaccessible for some if they don’t receive financial aid.
It’s quite time-intensive: HARP demands a serious time commitment—8 to 10 hours per week for 10 to 16 weeks, depending on the track. If you're also juggling school, extracurricular activities, and sports, this can be challenging to manage.
There is no on-campus experience: As a fully online program, HARP does not offer the residential college experience that some summer research programs do. This limits your ability to build in-person networks.
Selective admissions can be a barrier: With a 26% acceptance rate and a high average GPA and SAT among admitted students, there is a possibility of not getting into the program despite putting effort into the application process.
Conclusion: Is the Horizon Academic Research Program worth it?
If you’re a motivated high school student with a strong academic background and an interest in research, the Horizon Academic Research Program offers a solid opportunity to conduct university-level research under the guidance of faculty from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Whether you choose the small group seminar format or the individualized PhD lab, you’ll gain critical skills in academic writing, research methodology, and intellectual inquiry—skills that are valuable for college and the professional world.
That said, HARP is not for everyone. It’s time-consuming, selective, and requires a financial investment. You should consider whether the program’s online format and independent structure align with your learning style and goals. If you're looking for a rigorous academic experience that culminates in a publishable research paper, HARP is an ideal fit.
If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work 1-on-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: Horizon Inspires logo