ResearcHStart at UChicago for High Schoolers—Should You Do It?
For any high schooler serious about pursuing medicine in college, participating in a mentored medical research experience can be highly beneficial. These experiences are one of the best ways to get research opportunities and hands-on learning that textbooks alone can’t provide. They can also set you apart from other college applicants by demonstrating a deep interest in your field, an ability to engage with complex problems, and the initiative to challenge yourself beyond regular coursework. Programs like ResearcHStart at the University of Chicago are great options to boost your academic profile and provide you with valuable skills that make you stand out to college admissions officers.
What is ResearcHStart?
ResearcHStart is an eight-week long summer research program for high school juniors and seniors hosted by the University of Chicago dedicated to cancer research. The primary aim of the program is to provide you with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge cancer research and learn biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology in a guided environment.
This is an opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects while gaining an understanding of scientific inquiry, experimental design, and data analysis. You will work in a small batch with leading cancer researchers and scientists and leave the program with over 300 hours of practical laboratory experience, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and a broader understanding of the scientific process.
How is ResearcHStart structured?
The ResearcHStart program runs from the second week of June through the first week of August, requiring 40 hours a week of research work in a laboratory at one of the following participating institutions:
University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois at Chicago
Northwestern University
Rush University
The program focuses on topics like cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, cancer disparities, and more and provides exposure to the tools used in academic labs. As a participant, you’ll work alongside experienced mentors who guide you through the research process, from the formulation of a hypothesis to the interpretation of results. You’ll learn lab techniques and data collection, and you’ll help create presentations that summarize your research findings.
ResearcHStart also features skill-building workshops and seminars from industry experts on topics like ethics in research, data management, and career paths in STEM fields. At the end of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your findings in a formal research symposium, allowing you to showcase what you’ve learned to peers and faculty. Successfully completing the program earns you a stipend of $3,000.
Is it prestigious?
ResearcHStart is an extremely selective program—only 30 students are admitted each year. This makes being chosen for ResearcHStart an impressive achievement, as it marks you as one of the top applicants from across the country. It is a professional-level research opportunity requiring a 40-hour work week, and you will be contributing to active research projects in cancer prevention and medication. The program gives you the chance to build relationships with mentors and professionals in the field of cancer research, offering valuable networking opportunities that could help you down the road in college applications or internships. The exposure you gain from working in world-class research facilities also makes this a standout experience that can be highlighted in college essays or interviews.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply to ResearcHStart, you must meet the following criteria:
High school junior or senior at the time of application
At least 16 years old
Demonstrated interest in science, particularly in biology, chemistry, or related fields
Ability to commit to the full eight-week program for 40 hours per week
While there is no stated minimum GPA requirement, given how selective the program is, it’s helpful to be at the top of your class.
How does the application process work?
The application process for ResearcHStart requires:
Submit the online application form
Attend the program information session. For the 2024 batch it was held on December 20, 2023, so the date will likely be similar for the next session
Ask two teachers or mentors to fill out the online applicant recommendation form
Appear for the in-person interview in February if selected for the second round of the application process
Pros and cons of ResearcHStart
Pros:
Access to high-quality mentorship: You’ll be guided by experienced researchers, giving you access to expert advice and feedback on your work.
Opportunity to learn practical research skills: ResearcHStart offers real-world lab experience at facilities pursuing cutting-edge cancer research, and you will be meaningfully contributing to these efforts.
Good networking opportunities: You’ll meet professionals in the cancer research field, which can help with future internships or college applications.
It’s a paid opportunity: Not only will you be working as a professional research assistant, you’ll even be paid like one, earning $3,000 for your efforts.
Cons:
Extremely competitive admissions process: The program is highly selective, which means that not all applicants are accepted. It can be discouraging if you don’t get in.
The time commitment is significant: The full-time, eight-week schedule can be demanding, particularly if you have other summer commitments.
In-person only: Since you’ll be working alongside researchers in the laboratories, the program has no virtual options. While this is great for exposure, it’s an important point to consider if you don’t live in the Illinois area.
Our review—should you do it?
In conclusion, ResearcHStart is a prestigious program that can significantly boost your profile as a high school student aiming for a career in science or medicine. If you’re passionate about cancer research and ready for a challenging but rewarding experience, this program is definitely worth considering.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.