<p>My son was just invited to apply for the STAR Scholars program. Back when we visited, this program was mentioned, and it was one of the things that was appealing about Drexel, but we didn't realize at the time that it was something you would apply to while still in HS.</p>
<p>What is the timeline for this? Applications are due March 7th, and it sounds like decisions are made in early April. When would the student be selecting a project and mentor for the summer? I would hope it would be well into freshman year, once they've had a chance to get to know a bit about what they enjoy doing, and who they might want to work with.</p>
<p>Anything else anyone can tell us about this program. It seems like a great way to use that first summer.</p>
<p>It is and isn’t something you apply to in HS. If you’re invited to apply in HS you’re generally guaranteed a spot. But other freshmen that didn’t get an invite can apply later (I think winter term before their STAR summer). As far as I know, professors and STAR students aren’t paired until winter/spring term before the summer. I can’t imagine professors would know what exact projects they are doing/getting funding for more than a year ahead of time, but maybe that’s just me.</p>
<p>Technically I wasn’t a STAR student but I worked in research alongside STAR students during my freshman summer (two years ago) so I feel I can speak on it a bit. It is a fantastic opportunity, especially if interested in academia and research. But if you’re not, it’s still a great opportunity, just to get familiar with some people in your field (a.k.a. networking) and try out research for a summer. It is also a HUGE advantage come co-op season in your sophomore year as you already have some major-relevant work experience on your resume.</p>
<p>And I’m sure you’ve been schooled on the other details: it is paid ($10/hr back in 2012), but housing is free (Millennium Hall back in 2012), you need to attend a few seminars on presenting your research, and need to present a poster on your research at a STAR Scholar poster convention at the end of the summer.</p>
<p>One disadvantage though: It is your last real summer (unless you aren’t doing co-op, and I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t). So yes, working hard 52/weeks a year for 5 years may or may not burn you out, so you may actually want to enjoy your freshman summer.</p>
<p>Seems like it might be a good way to find out whether or not you’re interested in research and academia! </p>
<p>Eh, working full-time is less work than being a student (often MUCH less!), and in a different way, so I don’t think it (or co-op) is likely to burn someone out. At least not any more than having a full-time job after graduation would. </p>
<p>I participated in STAR back in 2010 and it was a great use of my summer. I took off maybe 3 days (obviously still putting in at least 40 hrs a week) and leveraged the project in landing my first co-op position. </p>