UCSD Academic Connections or Research Scholar

My son was accepted to the Scripps Marine Science program in the UCSD Academic Connections (AC) for this summer. I also made him apply to the Research Scholars (RS) program since he qualified for it, not thinking he would get in but simply for application practice. Well, we found out today he was accepted into the RS to work with a very impressive PhD working on stem-cell nanotechnology, or something like it - way over my head. I realize it is an honor, but he would rather be in the general Marine Science program. Ugh. Do any of you have advice on this? There are other kids who would gladly take his place in the RS program, but I think it would help his college applications more than the general AC program. We live in a different state, so I’m not familiar with the program. He does want to attend a UC school, and since we are OOS, this may help his chances. He’s my oldest so this is all new for us. Any thoughts?

Has anyone done the Research Scholar program with Academic Connections? Is it “standing in a lab all day” as my son fears?

I’m from SD, & teach at UCSD, but don’t know anyone specifically in the RS program. I do know a few high schoolers in similar programs interning during the school year, working in various labs. The 1-2x I’ve asked them about their experiences, they’ve been very positive. I’ll try to find out more (for 2017) since my daughter will be interning or doing the RS program if she gets accepted.

@tmeg01 would you please share your son’s experience at UCSD RS or AC program? it appears he attended summer 2016. My son is considering either program this summer and would be ecstatic if he gets accepted to RS. one question, do you apply to each AC & RS separately or how to assure one gets in AC if rejected by RS program? TY!

@Twinskle I’m pretty sure he applied to the AC and RS at the same time. The RS application required an essay and a more questions. He really enjoyed the RS program, but he would have liked the regular AC program too. There is also the COSMO program in CA that is considered more prestigious (I think) that your son should also look into. We didn’t know it accepted OOS students so my son didn’t apply to it. I’m happy to answer any questions you have if you want about it. I couldn’t find out any information about it before he went.

thank you @tmeg01 for taking your time to share experience. I have several questions:

(1) If your son applied to both AC & RS at the same time, did he find out within 2 weeks the AC application status & subsequently in April time the RS application status? since each program has its own deadline I am not sure what’s best to secure getting into AC while also trying out for RS
(2) what grade is your son in? would you think the RS program may be overwhelming for a HS freshman with not much lab experience?
(3) how did your son select the research topic or research adviser? any tips to have better chance of acceptance into RS?

hi @tmeg01 , I just saw your reply in the other post too and congrats on your son’s early college acceptance. look forward to your replies…