<p>Actually, it’s not random. It’s offered to a select number applying students who have already done research in high school. Students are recommended either admissions (after indicating that they’ve done significant research before entering college), or by specific professors. If your son is really interested, I would recommend having him talk or e-mail any of the professors mentioned in the article.</p>
<p>Again, I’d have to say that the program seems pretty interesting, and I think it was at first. However, the program has changed leadership recently, and the focus is a little different from what it was before. For students truly interested in research, and learning about different types of research, I would recommend either approaching individual professors directly, or by taking one of the many classes offered at UVA that are similar to the CSS seminar, but are perhaps a little more engaging. (The common course “Designing Matter” is a great example, and I’ve heard many good things. It’s offered in the spring.)</p>