Anson L. Clark Scholars Program: 7 Reasons Why You Should Apply
We love a good research mentorship program, and the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is pretty high up on the list of prestigious research mentorship programs with an acceptance rate of less than 3%. The program was established in 1963 in honor of Anson L. Clark, a former Texas A&M student and World War II veteran who went on to have a successful career in business and takes place at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
What is Anson L. Clark Scholars Program (ALCS)?
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a highly selective and prestigious research program designed to provide gifted students the unique opportunity to conduct research at Texas Tech University. The program's mission is to encourage students to reach their fullest research potential by providing resources for progress in research, mentoring and networking opportunities, weekly seminars, and access to cutting-edge facilities.
The ALCS program is universally regarded as a prestigious program for its history of encouraging academic and extracurricular excellence, with previous alumni going on to elite colleges and successful careers. The program provides students with a challenging research curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, in whichever field you choose to research, from biochemistry to history to business and economics. With its emphasis on academic rigor and intellectual curiosity, the ALSC program undoubtedly prepares students to succeed in their future academic and professional pursuits and show their interest in their field of research.
To be considered for the Anson L. Clark Scholars Program, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a strong commitment to intellectual growth. For those accepted, the program provides an unrivaled opportunity to engage in advanced academic study, pursue cutting-edge research with Texas Tech mentors, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields.
Who is Eligible to Participate in the ALCS Program?
The ALCS Program is open to all students who are 17 years old and above, who are either about to enter their senior year or have just graduated and participating during their post-graduation summer. The program is also especially financially accessible, with no program fees, housing, or meal costs, except for the costs associated with travel. In fact, you receive a $750 tax-free stipend. The ALSC program also includes social activities and seminars, which are also covered by Texas Tech. Lastly, anyone with any research interest can participate in the ALSC program, as all research fields are practically covered – Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Economics/Business/Finance/Marketing, Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering, History, Microbiology, and Physics.
If you are a rising senior or graduating senior, this program is accessible to you, with little cost and expansive research fields that could align with yours.
Timeline and Structure of the ALCS Program
The ALCS Program features a long application process that will open late in the year prior to the program. Thus, if you want to participate in ALSC program, be sure to look out for the application opening by the end of the year.
The application is then due early the next year, with this year’s deadline being February 15th, at 11:59 CST. The application consists of a digital application, essays (which stay consistent year after year and can be accessed here, so you can get started whenever), high school transcripts, recommendation letters, a list of personal extracurriculars, and test scores (PSAT, SAT, or ACT).
If accepted amongst the top 12 applicants, you will now be a part of the seven-week research program at Texas Tech, with complementary housing and meals. The program runs from June 18th to August 3rd, thus it will run from mid-June to early August. The program will be filled with weekly social activities and weekly seminars to help bolster your learning experience and enjoyment over the summer.
Why Should You Participate in the ALCS Program?
Adding onto the above, here is just a list of the top ten reasons why you should participate in the ALSC Program at Texas Tech.
1. Access to a great opportunity to continue pursuing your research interest
Participating in the ALCS Program means you have access to a tier-one research institution's resources to continue pursuing your research, which is something that most high schoolers will never get access to. You will get access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and libraries, which will undoubtedly aid you progress to new horizons with your research.
2. Financial support to attend the program
If you are selected, you will incur little to no costs since there are no program fees, housing, or meal costs, except for the costs associated with travel. You will also receive a $750 tax-free stipend.
3. Meet new peers and mentors to aid in your future career
You are participating in a program with other high-achieving high schools, with researchers who are dominant in their field and have had years of experience to help you progress in your research. The ALCS Program can be a great networking opportunity, as well as, meeting friends who are just as passionate as you are about research, which are all great ways to bond with one another.
4. Solidify your interests in your research field
Spending 7 weeks conducting research in your chosen topic and field is no easy feat. You will be diving deep into your field, learning the ins and outs of all of the experiments and literature that your predecessors have conducted and written, and spending so much time with a specialized topic, thus spending your time in this program can really help you figure out exactly what aspects of your research you enjoy or alternatively, figure out that you may enjoy something else more than what you are currently studying. Regardless, these are both valuable experiences that you may get out of participating in ALCS.
5. Stand out in your college applications
ALCS Program is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and selective programs in high school research, thus having the title of an Anson L. Clark Scholar is one that will hold weight during your future college application. Additionally, participating in this program already shows to college admission counselors your passion and fervor for learning and research, your intelligence and critical thinking ability, and your drive to continue learning and provide valuable contributions to your field of research.
6. Travel and live on a college campus
Many high school students dream of the opportunity to be a college student, and the freedom that accompanies it. Thus, having this unique opportunity to live at a college for seven weeks before you attend college can be extremely fun and exciting for any individual. You can experience the college lifestyle with the peers that you’ll meet, and experience Texas for all of its wonders if you are coming from out of state. Thus, not only will you get a rewarding educational experience, you will also have the time of your life this summer.
7. Access to a supportive network of alumni
The program has a strong and supportive alumni network that can provide mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities to you, which may help you build connections and access opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them. Additionally, alumni may be able to provide insight and guidance on career paths and graduate school options, as research can be a daunting field to enter from such an early age.
Lumiere
Conducting advanced-level research is another great way to build new skills, take charge and expose yourself to new perspectives. If you want an opportunity to build your own independent project and research paper, then consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program. Last year over 2100 students applied for about 500 spots in the program. You can find the application form here.
Aaron Zheng is a sophomore at Harvard University, studying Bioengineering. He is passionate about biotechnology, business development, and aiding students get to college, regardless of background. In his spare time, he looks to read, journal, and explore the world.
Image source: Texas Tech University Logo