I’m helping my cousin’s son on his application process. He is very interested in doing a mentorship research project with Polygence. Does anyone have any feedback? The program looks great. He would be matched with a PhD student as a mentor and he could design a research project. He plays baseball so this mentorship would be flexible around his baseball schedule this summer.
My kid is doing this right now. We decided to do it because she was interested in physics, and her school didn’t offer AP Physics. And with so much other stuff going on, she didn’t have the motivation to reach out to local professors. (That would probably look better.) So far, I think it’s been very interesting for her. Her mentor is really nice, and he has taught her a lot that she wasn’t learning at school.
We did not do it because we thought it would make her a more competitive student. I’ve heard that colleges don’t really care about “pay to play” programs. My kid is making a computer visualization of some physics concepts. But you could also write a research paper. They showcase the various projects, and they will even help you (for more money) to get your paper published.
In the grand scheme of things, while it wasn’t no money, I think it’s been worth it based on the caliber of her mentor and giving her a chance to see if she really wants to study what she thinks she does. I would recommend it. Looking back, I think you might get more out of it if you already kind of know what you want to do.
Polygence is a legit program. If it’s affordable, appealing, and fits the student’s summer schedule it could make sense to do that.
Many colleges value research experience, whether it’s paid for or not. Many students don’t live close to a college/uni where they might be able to get research experience as a HS student. The paid for opportunities are also popular with international students, where, in many parts of the world, HS research really isn’t a thing.
Good luck to your S.
I would be careful using this program. If you can find an alternative, I would. They underpay their workers and have recently cut the hourly compensation, I believe by half, if not more. So, if you’re paying more, the person who is tutoring your kid is being exploited (I’m talking they are only paid 25% of market rate).
If you have the opportunity, there are high school research experiences funded by the National Science Foundation, free to participate in. I highly recommend getting real research experience if your child is so inclined.
I would research other avenues if you can. I know that some regions are harder to find these opportunities than others, so I understand if this is your only option.
But, if your kid is really enthusiastic about this, you could always reach out to the mentor you’re most interested in and offer them double or triple their polygence mentor rate. Cut out the middle man and get a better quality experience for your child. Win win.