@dinosauce313 I rly think they are only accepting kids into the research program that can pay, but letting kids with major awards and such that applied for financial aid into the bootcamp. This way, for future years, they can write down their accolades into the program descriptions, while still cashing checks. But this is all my guess
@bananapudding123 So do you think that the program is worth going to or not?
@dinosauce313 I think something is fishy… Why would these college students be focused on mentoring high school students, when they should be working on their own jobs, careers, and internships for the summer? They will not be getting a respectable published paper out of this. Also, the research journal sounds phoney because they are selling this idea of getting a paper published when it’s not at all a respectable journal. Basically, you are paying $7,000 to get a project to publish in a faux journal that future admission officers and employers will not recognize as real.
I just think that if they were actually helping high school students get real research, what is their motive? Besides their high school science project, how much aid could they really provide on a data science project if they have not graduated from college?
I think if this program would be viewed like RSI in admissions, it would be worth it. But at this point in time, there is no guarantee this will help or even getting published in their journal will help high school students in the future. More information needs to be released on admission rates…
I got financial aid, but if I had to pay $7,000, I do not think I would be able to drop that much money on something that we do not know is legit or has not even run in the past before
I don’t think this program is that legit. Sure, the woman running it (Serena McCalla) and all of the college students involved have very impressive backgrounds, but there are a few reasons I am skeptical of this program, namely the cost and the fact that college students are mentors. They are trying to emulate existing and well-known research programs like RSI, Simons, Garcia, and sort of PRIMES, but the $6000+ price tag is sort of ridiculous, even with their offer for financial aid
@bananapudding123 I think you’re right, which is why I’m so hesitant to accept the admission offer. The major things holding me back right now are the $6500 bill and the fact that this is a new program that I can barely find any information about online. However, the instructors do look promising and the schedule does seem fairly well planned out, so I just don’t know if I should let this opportunity slip by.
@studen1stem2 Serena McCalla is no longer running or involved with the program. This is what is making me more skeptical because there is not an adult behind the scene helping these students run this. I do not how much we can trust college students with this much money
@dinosauce313 I agree it’s a hard decision. The main thing holding me back is the fact that I don’t even know if colleges know this program exists. I do not know if it is worth it to drop that much money on a program that colleges might view as a couple college students summer project. Also, I am concerned colleges will view this as a summer program for privileged high school kids to get a research project from a college student in exchange for thousands
Another reason I’m considering this program seriously is that every other program I had applied to is now canceled. I would probably much rather go to any of the other programs I had applied to since none of them even approached $6000.
I honestly don’t think this program is legit. I was accepted, but I didn’t even complete my application because I plan on doing two other research programs I got into that provide stipends. If they’re accepting students with incomplete applications, it can’t be that competitive.
@Neurorocks03 What do you mean your application was incomplete? Did you not finish essays, or did you not complete the financial aid application?
@Neurorocks03 Thanks for the info. That makes the program seem a lot less appealing. Were you accepted into the research project program?
@bananapudding123 i did not finish my essays.
@dinosauce313 yes, I was accepted into the research project program.
@msresearcher12 I am paying around 1000. I am confused because I was not accepted into the research program, but I have a publication and multiple national awards. I will probably do data science research from the lab I work at this summer.
@msresearcher12 I submitted quickly after my application in early april. I really believe they are only handing out research projects for those willing to pay in order for them to get money. Also, I think they are providing financial aid and only the bootcamp program for those with strong applications, but cannot afford the $7000 bill, so that they can use their accolades and achievements to brag about the program for future years
@bananapudding123 i think you’re right. There’s no way I could afford the research project portion, but I didn’t apply for financial aid since I never completed my application and didn’t plan to attend. I’m convinced they accepted me with an incomplete application because they believe I am able to afford it.
@msresearcher12 based on articles and the email they sent
@ssianonymous damn the way he talks about simons seems really unprofessional
@msresearcher12 imo it really depends on your own financial situation. If you’re wealthy and dropping 7k is not hard for your family, by all means try it out. But if money is important in your family, do data science research on your own or email real professors and try to find a mentor
Dr. McCalla isn’t running it. She’s running a different program this summer I think.