<p>Has anyone been in the UC Santa Barbara Summer Research Mentorship program? What is the quality of the program and how does it compare to other research programs such as Clark Scholars, UF-SSTP, UCD Young Scholars Program, etc.? Is it worth the $8,498?</p>
<p>UCSB</a> Summer Research Mentorship Program</p>
<p>Any feedback is appreciated! Thank you.</p>
<p>I’d like to know about this too.</p>
<p>Hi, I am currently a junior in high school, and I attended UCSB-RMP last summer. Personally, I really enjoyed my time at UCSB. All of the mentors were nice and helpful with everything you did. My research dealt with marine fouling species in the harbor at Santa Barbara. I had never performed research before, but my mentor walked me through all the basic steps. By the end of the 6 weeks, I was proficient in the procedures of the lab. You also get to learn how to write an official research paper. Once a week, TA’s will meet with you, and they will help you create each separate part of your paper. Also, twice a week, the director of the program finds researchers and professors to come speak to you. Some of them are even Nobel Prize winners!</p>
<p>Now the fun part 
The social aspect of the program is amazing. A group called Summer Discovery runs everything that doesn’t have to do with research. They took us on weekend and afternoon trips to places like Disney, Kodak Theater in LA, Universal Studios, Pismo Beach, and Hearst Castle.
Through this program, I made so many new friends. I met people as far away as Paris and Switzerland. After living together for 6 weeks, you really get to know people and connect with them. The people I met are now some of the closest friends I have.
The campus itself is beautiful. Everyone in the program is placed in Santa Cruz hall which is right next to the beach. The campus as a whole feels safe, and I am not afraid to walk around after sunset. You are also given free bus rides to downtown Santa Barbara. There is some great shopping and places to hang out while you’re there. </p>
<p>I highly recommend attending this program. This has to have been the best summer I have ever experienced.</p>
<p>@archaic, UCSB-RMP is the first summer research program I have attended, therefore; I am unable to tell you how it compares to other research programs. Sorry.</p>
<p>I hope you have fun where ever you go this summer.</p>
<p>Thanks, that was useful. Were there a significant number people there who already had research experience, knew how to write professional-level papers, etc.? Did they still get a lot out of the program?</p>
<p>@ngongs: Thanks for sharing, it sounds like a wonderful experience!
How competitive is the admissions process? I saw on the website that about 60-70 people are accepted each year; do you know how many applied?</p>
<p>I wish I could apply this summer, but I’ve already applied to COSMOS (hopefully I’ll be accepted!) and most of my teachers write a limited number of recs (aka one per student) or refuse to write any more at this point in the year. I’ll probably apply next year though!</p>
<p>@sunshower212: There were some students that had previous research experience, but most people did not know how to write a professional research paper. The TA’s will teach you step-by-step through the process, though, so everyone will have a professional looking paper by the end of the program.
I think that many people did get a lot from this program. Some people enjoyed it so much that they are going back this summer. Most of those not returning are either doing one of two options. Either they are graduating high school, or they used UCSB as a stepping stone to get into other research programs. Personally, I really enjoyed my time there, but I will be attending Boston University’s research program this summer.
@archaic: Last year approximately 60 people attended the research program, however: I am not sure how many total people applied for those spots. I felt the admissions process was pretty competitive since some students came from prep schools and had perfect SAT scores. However, from what I deducted from talking to other people in the program, the admissions process is mainly dedicated around the essays. Therefore, having very good, elaborate, and thought out responses to the 10 questions on the application can get you into the program.</p>
<p>Oh dear… I find most essay questions daunting, those 10 essay questions included. But then again, I guess it’s the only way they can really get to know the applicants. Once again, thank you very much ngongs for your feedback! :]</p>
<p>The great experience at UCSB RMP just keeps on going. The results from last year’s research at Santa Barbara were submitted at the Illinois Junior Science and Humanities Symposium competition. This won second place last week, and will advance to the National competition in San Diego, CA next month. Along with the honor comes with a $1500 scholarship, as well as an all expense paid trip to San Diego. The professors and mentor at UCSB were all ecstatic with this news!</p>
<p>Wow, that’s fantastic! Congratulations :]</p>
<p>I’m still not completely sure if I should apply for USCBRM this year or not (if possible at all); it’s so EXPENSIVE. ><</p>
<p>They do offer scholarships so do not let the cost of the program deter you.</p>
<p>Does every applicant have an interview? If so, is that a good sign and how is it?</p>
<p>Niece had an interview in late Jan, and accepted the next day by email. She is attending</p>
<p>Thanks ngongs. Appreciate any pointers on what they asked in the interview?</p>
<p>I thought the application is due only on Apr 19th</p>