what is pioneer research program

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Pioneer Research Program Featured

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• Listing Type: Summer Programs
• Program Delivery: Online
• Provided By: Independent Provider
• Session Start: February, June
• Session Length: Other
• Entering Grade: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
• Gender: Coed
• Category: Academic
• Sub-Categories: Business, Economics, Politics and Diplomacy, STEM, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Neuroscience, Art History, Research
• Selective: Yes
• Ages: 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
• Minimum Cost: $3,000 - $6,999
• Career Clusters: Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Credit Awarded: Yes
• Call: (855) 572-8863
• Meeting: Schedule a Meeting

The Pioneer Research Program is a virtual research institute with the highest standards of selectivity and academic rigor. It is the only fully-accredited online research program for high school students.  

The Pioneer Research Program provides undergraduate-level research opportunities to talented, intellectually motivated high school students from around the world. It is the only online fully-accredited research program for high school students that offers STEM, social sciences and humanities disciplines.

The Pioneer Research Program is respected for its selectivity and its rigorous academic system. In this system, selected students are mentored first in small international groups and then in one-on-one research by faculty of the leading colleges and universities, culminating in a full-length research paper.  The program is conducted entirely online, allowing high school students from all over the world to participate.

30 research areas listed below:

• Anthropology
• Architecture
• Art History
• Criminology
• Culture Studies
• Engineering
• Envir. Studies
• Film Studies
• Gender Studies
• Int’l Relations
• Mathematics
• Media Studies
• Music/Music Theory
• Neuroscience
• Political Science
• STS (Science,Technology andSociety)

Cost and Session Information

Pioneer Research Program offers two terms a year. Too busy during the school year to dive into your Pioneer research? We understand - our 12-week summer semester runs from June to August, letting you focus on your research without having to juggle your schoolwork as well. Prefer to spread your research out over a longer period of time? Our 25-week spring semester runs from February to July, allowing you more time to stretch your study, and we leave the month of May free for you to focus on your APs and finals.

Both terms have the same number of meetings and content. However, the meeting times of the spring term are more flexible and the work intensity is lower due to the term’s longer duration. In either term, students meet with their professors for 10 sessions or more as the professor sees necessary. Time between meetings is at least one week. Regardless of which semester you choose, you will still receive the same amount of course time, one-on-one time with your professor, college credit, and resources from Pioneer. Tuition for the program is US$6,850.

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What did you think about the Pioneer Research Program?

Hi, I’m a high school junior considering applying to Pioneer Academics. I am interested in biology and chemistry and am really excited by the chance to do research with a college professor. Could some people who have done the program share their experiences? Would you recommend it?

Hello! I am a high school senior who completed the Pioneer Academics program this past summer, and I highly recommend it. I just so happened to take a biochemistry course called “Molecular Drug Design,” while I was a part of the program.

The first few weeks were based on learning the material, which included reading, analyzing, and discussing papers, with the later half focusing on sharing ideas between students and working on the paper individually with the professor. I learned so much not just about writing papers but also the research process and molecular drug design as a whole!

If I’m being honest, I really miss Pioneer and would do it again if I could. It’s wild how much you learn not just from the professor but also from your peers, and I’m honored to have been a part of the program.

Additionally, though I did not opt to take it due to schedule conflicts (which resulted in some emailing back and forth), I was also offered a course on nanotechnology in medicine, so not only is every course incredibly insightful, but they offer a diversity of courses, of which they select one just for you!

There is the added benefit of a report from the professor that can be sent to universities, which can give you a leg up in the application process. When admissions officers have seen that you have not only completed research, but with a college professor, they are very pleased.

If you get the opportunity to do Pioneer, take it, because every second was worth it. Best of luck!

Hello! I completed the Pioneer Research Program in the summer of 2016 before going into grade 11, and I learned skills I still use to this day. Like @wildcat24 said, if I got the opportunity to do again, I would without hesitation. Throughout university I have been referencing that paper, and it prepared me for writing research papers in uni – in fact, I would say it over-prepared me, and it has served me so well. As said with the previous reply as well, a recommendation from your professor and the paper itself looks great on university applications. Regardless of that, though, it is completely worth doing. And it is fun. If you choose a topic you are interested in, the research process and the writing process are a blast! Even if you realize once you begin researching the topic that it is something you actually are not that interested in, you still learn that and gain many skills in the process. Would 100% recommend!!

Hello! I am an international student in my final year of high school, and I completed the Pioneer Academics Research Program in Spring 2019. As @wildcat24 and @hcmotoole mentioned, it is a one in a lifetime experience. I was in a similar position to you when I applied to the program, very interested in a biology/chemistry program. Interestingly enough, I was assigned to the Comptational Quantum Chemistry program, something that was more math and physics than the biology/chemistry combination I opted for. I did not have much knowledge about quantum mechanics, and even expected the whole program to be absurdly difficult but was pleasantly surprised. My professor was an exceptional teacher and managed to simplify and explain to us an entire college semester’s worth of quantum mechanics in 6 classes! The whole topic was very cool - we actually designed and tested 3D models of chemical molecules of our own making using computer software. There were a lot of helpful tools available on writing the research paper as well. One particularly useful tool was the Writing Center, where you could send your paper and receive professional feedback in under 48 hours completely free of charge. The Pioneer Research Program is also affiliated with Oberlin College and allows you to access their online library. You can easily find tons of research material and explore topics that you may have never encountered. The research program is also a very productive and valuable ECA, and earns 2 college credits along with a honest feedback in the from of a report from your professor. I would absolutely recommend this program, especially if you plan on doing undergraduate research. It gives a great insight, and may even help you uncover things you would not have discovered on your own. It certainly helped discover that my interests are much broader than biology and chemstry!

April 6, 2023

Becoming a successful candidate at Pioneer Academics

Adventurer from uzbekistan 🇺🇿.

About Pioneer Academics

Overview of the application process, test scores, my experience with pioneer academics, requesting financial aid.

Pioneer Academics’ research program is a fully-accredited online research program for high school students . Selected students are mentored first in small international groups and then in one-on-one research by faculty of leading U.S. universities, culminating in a full-length research paper. Since the program is remote, students from all over the world can participate.

To apply: https://apply.pioneeracademics.com/portal/apply

The application process begins with candidates providing their personal and family information, which is a technical aspect. However, the Academic Information section is where things get serious. Candidates will be asked about their research interests and can apply to up to four fields. It is recommended to apply to all four because the program is highly competitive, and it increases the chances of admission. Four essays will need to be written, but it is worth it. Candidates should choose the fields they are willing to learn or are related to their major field of interest, so they can easily narrow down the research area with the help of a professor.

When describing your activities, keep in mind that you only have three to describe. Therefore, it is essential to choose activities that are relatable to the research areas you have chosen. For instance, if you indicated Computer Science, you could describe the coding course you are taking. In my case, I chose an Advanced English course at Freshman Academy and explained how relevant it is to my research area, which is philosophy. If you are unsure of what to choose, take your time and brainstorm. The activity you choose might become the topic of your essays.

While Pioneer Academics will request test scores, they are not mandatory. I did not report any scores, but I still managed to succeed, and you can too!

The essay section is where you can connect the dots in your application. If you did not report any test scores, this is the space to show the reason why. It could be because of financial constraints or limited test seats. What matters is how you show this; try to be creative rather than straightforward. For instance, Uzbek candidates can demonstrate their consistency and discipline by showcasing their challenging school curriculum in Uzbekistan and achieving 5s in their transcript. This section is also an opportunity to describe your activities in detail. It is crucial to show your passion for the research area you have chosen. Write as much as it takes in your first draft, as reducing words beforehand may restrict your ideas. Afterward, review your essay to eliminate any unnecessary parts. This is perhaps the most critical part of your application, so spend as much time as required.

If you receive an invitation to the interview, congratulations; it is well-deserved. If not, do not worry; there will be more opportunities. The interview typically lasts 30 minutes, so it is advisable to reserve a spot during the daytime in your home country. I scheduled my interview at 2 a.m. in Uzbekistan, which affected the quality of the interview. When preparing for the interview, ensure that you have your official ID/Passport with your picture and a strong internet connection. Before the interview, read your essays and activities list. The interviewer will ask you about yourself, such as your role model in life. They might also inquire why you chose your research areas, so make sure to have a valid reason for choosing them. Additionally, they may ask about some parts of your essays that they found perplexing, so be well-acquainted with your essays. Finally, they will give you a prompt to write an argumentative essay. Sign off from Grammarly before the interview as the interviewer may ask you to do so, and they do not compensate for the time spent. Remember that they are more interested in how you develop your argument than your grammar. They will ask you to share your screen to ensure that you do not use Google and to see how you approach the topic.

Our professor encourages us not to stick to a strict meeting schedule and advises us to schedule meetings whenever we need to. However, we do have a meeting every two weeks. For a university professor, this is a great sacrifice.

PCAs invite students to the meeting room at least half an hour earlier so that we can discuss scheduling, organizing, feedback, or suggestions. They are super flexible and helpful.

In addition, we have research sessions with alumni where they share their experiences on how to take advantage of classes or narrow down research interests. They even share their contact information to reach out whenever needed. Moreover, they have promised to organize university application workshops close to the application period.

Finally, the professor has also offered to help us with any research area possible and provide materials from the university curriculum. In my case, I have access to materials from Northwestern University.

You will notice that there is no financial aid section in the application form. However, the program does offer need-based scholarships, which can cover up to 100% of the program fees . I personally received a full need-based scholarship worth 6500 USD.

To apply for financial aid, you need to reach out to the scholarship admissions office via the email address [email protected] . It is important to be formal and explain why you need financial aid. In my case, I informed them that I come from a low-income family and offered to provide official documents if necessary. If you have received any financial aid packages before, it is helpful to include this information in your message. This will help the scholarship committee verify your need.

It is possible to reach out for financial aid either before or after submitting your application, so don't worry if you haven't applied yet! This does not impact your application.

Are you ready to Study Abroad at your dream university? Make your College Application a success with Admissions Guidance

Duration of Study

Pioneer Academics

@elinasmind

Hi congratulations, I am very happy for you!! Well, I am writing my application and I'd like to have you review my application if possible. Have a great day. 😁

@adventurer

how are you doing?

Follow the instruction, I shared here. That is pretty enough. Best of luck with your application!

Wow! It is incredible Thank you for sharing

Oh I wish I knew about it as a high schooler! My congratulations on such a great accomplishment. Thank you for telling us about such a brilliant!

damn brother, awesome, I saw you in library today ))

I also recognized you as well

Hi, firstly congratulations on getting in. I just had my interview and your experience really helped me a great detail in my interview so thankyou for that.

I am also applying for Financial Need, and I wanted to ask that, on the website it says that if you given a full need-based scholarship, you need to put in a deposit which will be refunded back after the program. Can you elaborate on how much deposit we need to pay in, because if it's the full program fees then I wouldn't be able to do that.

Hello! I have my Pioneer academics interview in a few days, can you please tell more about the interview and which questions were asked specifically? Also in the essay section of the interview, how much writing do you need to do? It would be great if you shared your experience in the writing section of the interview 🙂

I am glad you have successfully passed the interview stage!

When it comes to the deposit, it is $150, which you need to pay in order to enroll. Unfortunately, it can not be waived. But they will refund it upon you successful completion on the program. Believe me, it is worth.

$150 is affordable for me. however, since I live in UAE pioneer doesn't give financial aid to students in this country. so I don't think I would be able to participate!

Hi, Congz bro!!!

I have been also accepted and granted a full scholarship in pioneer, but...I'm still hesitant to depositing the $150. Do they really refund it afterwards?

Congratulations on your acceptance!!!

My cohort has not yet finished, which means I have not refunded the deposit as well. However, you can be sure on this because it is agreement says as such.

Also, I would do recommend joining the program should you were given the chance, if you are into research; Pioneer experience is going to be a game-changer in your college application and beyond

5 months ago

Nice sharing! I'm preparing for the interview next week and am worrying about the writing part. What theme does the prompt usually establish? Do you remember the prompt you faced in your interview? Is there a word count limit?

2023 Pioneer Research Program Summer Deadline

Please see below for an opportunity from Pioneer Academics:

In case you are seeking great academic challenges this summer, the final deadline to apply for Pioneer’s Summer term is 11:59 pm US Eastern time, Sunday, April 9th.  Please note that no applications will be accepted after this date.

Since 2012, Pioneer Academics has been the first choice of gifted high school students who wish to conduct serious research online. 5,656 Pioneer alumni from 77 countries have represented the foremost talent in the nation’s prestigious universities and colleges over the past 11 years.

Pioneer Academics, the only fully-accredited virtual research institute, is a highly selective academic program where gifted high schoolers are bestowed with full institutional research resources, including online databases, guidance from college faculty mentors, and robust academic oversight, to conduct undergraduate-level research.

Please also note that Pioneer Academics meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students where need can be assessed.

Interested students can Register for an online information session any time before April 9th to learn more about this one-of-kind research opportunity.

Check out the Pioneer Academics website for additional information.

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College and career guidance since 1999.

5 Summer Programs for Teens Interested in Research

Is your student curious, like really curious? These 5 summer programs are a great fit for students interested in research. Your student will get a taste of the excitement of academic research and develop their skills in preparation for college. 

Clark Scholars Program

Program info – 7-week paid research program at Texas Tech. Lots of alumni have gone on to win Siemens and Intel STS awards. The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program is an intensive seven week summer research program for twelve highly qualified high school juniors and seniors.

Grades eligible – Current 11th- and 12th-graders only.

Program info – Polygence is a selective online academy giving a unique edge to students in their academic endeavors through research projects guided by top academics. It is an online research academy founded by Harvard, MIT and Stanford researchers dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students.

Grades eligible – Middle school to High school

Pioneer Academics

Program info – The Pioneer Research Program is the only online U.S.- college credit-bearing research program for high school students that offers STEM, social sciences, and humanities disciplines with 28 research areas to choose from. Students selected into Pioneer will receive two college credits if they pass the program. The groundbreaking collaboration between Pioneer Academics and Oberlin College ensures that the quality of the research mentorship is held to the highest standards in order to qualify for college credit.

Grades eligible – High school

Lumiere Education  

Program info – Lumiere provides students with the opportunity to work with Ph.D. researchers from top institutions around the world, explore areas of interests beyond the classroom, and get a step ahead for college and grad school.

Grades eligible – 8th grade onwards 

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)  

Program info – SIMR is an eight-week program in which high school students from diverse backgrounds are invited to perform basic research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and researchers on a medically-oriented project. The goals of the program include increasing interest in biological sciences and medicine in high school students, helping students to understand how scientific research is performed, and increasing diversity of students and researchers in the sciences.

Grades eligible – Junior or Senior in high school

Looking for other ways to spend the summer? Check out these 10 activities for college bound teens!

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QuestBridge supports high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds on their path to a top college. This is your chance to dream big. 

We’re here to connect Scholars and Alumni to the people and opportunities you need to reach your full potential.

Our partnerships bridge the gap between the nation’s brightest minds and the opportunities they deserve.

Learn more about who we are and how we help students dream big on their path to, through, and beyond college.

Quest for Excellence Awards

Quest for Excellence Awards, offered through the College Prep Scholars Program, give additional resources and opportunities to highly qualified high school juniors with a range of specialized interests. Awards are designed to help you become a stronger applicant to the nation’s top colleges and universities. 

Quest for Excellence Awardees receive $1,000 for:

• A new laptop
• Travel costs to QuestBridge college partners
• Resources to enhance your college application (online courses, test prep, test registration fees, etc.)

College Prep Scholars are notified in April, and those selected as Quest for Excellence Award Recipients be notified in late June.

Who should apply

• Academically outstanding high school juniors who demonstrate strength in character and motivation to succeed.
• Students from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members).

Students with special skills and interests, or who reside in certain geographic areas. Specific categories and awards offered may vary year-to-year.

Interested in funding a Quest for Excellence Award? Contact us →  

How to apply

• Start a College Prep Scholars Program application. 
• On the Quest for Excellence Awards page, select the categories that you are eligible for and interested in, and complete the corresponding short essays.
• Complete and submit the College Prep Scholars Program application by the deadline.

Humanities Award

$1,000 for College Prep Scholars with special skills and interests in the humanities, social sciences, and/or visual and performing arts. Select awardees will also receive a full scholarship to the online Pioneer Research Program.

$1,000 for College Prep Scholars with special skills and interests in the sciences, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. Select awardees will also receive a full scholarship to the online Pioneer Research Program.

Fein Fellows Award

$1,000 and personalized essay feedback from a trained QuestBridge advisor for College Prep Scholars with an interest in Jewish culture, values, and community. Select awardees will receive a full scholarship to the High School Summer Pre-College Program hosted by Brandeis University. This award is generously funded by the Edward Fein Foundation. 

$1,000 for College Prep Scholars who permanently reside in one of the five boroughs of New York City. To apply, list your permanent address as being in New York City, and complete the prompt on the Quest for Excellence Awards page. This initiative is made possible through the generosity of the Heckscher Foundation for Children, additional foundations, and individuals.

$1,000 for an exceptional College Prep Scholar from each state. Students interested in any academic discipline who demonstrate a deep commitment to the vibrancy and well-being of their region or state should apply. Select awardees will also receive a full scholarship to the online Pioneer Research Program.

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