Why Participate in Physics Programs Before University?
By participating in various programs before university, you can gain in-depth knowledge about the field you want to work in and get ahead of many of your competitors even in your first year of university.
Additionally, when applying to universities abroad, you can talk about these experiences and demonstrate your motivation to explore a subject outside of the classroom. Especially in an era where learning to learn is so popular and important, this will take you to a very different place. Moreover, these experiences will set you apart from your competitors in various national or international competitions or in highly competitive and prestigious contests such as olympiads.
In this guide we have prepared for you, we have compiled the top 5 most selective and successful programs, both national and international.
5 Physics Programs You Can Participate in During High School
1. Koç University Summer Research Program (KUSRP)
High school students participating in the program will have the opportunity to develop their ability to think independently and creatively, while becoming familiar with new research techniques and subject areas.
Fee: Free
Location: Koç University
Program Duration: Between 4 to 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Not yet announced for 2024
Eligibility:
- 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students can apply
- Students must be academically successful and have a good command of English
- Various exams you take during your high school period will make you stand out
Selectivity: High
2. Texas Tech Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University offers 12 highly qualified high school juniors and seniors an intensive 7-week summer research experience. Scholars work closely with experienced faculty members to gain in-depth learning and hands-on experience on a research project. Scholars who complete a successful research project report receive a $750 scholarship.
Fee: On-campus meals, on-campus room and board, and weekend activities/programs are covered. Round-trip travel to the program location, personal expenses, and medical costs are not covered.
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
Program Dates: Not yet announced for 2024
Application Deadline: Not yet announced for 2024
Eligibility:
- Must be at least 17 years old as of the program start date
Selectivity: High
3. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
SPINWIP is a 3-week summer outreach program designed to increase high school girls’ interest in physics. The program teaches coding in the Python programming language while providing information on the latest physics research, including quantum physics and astrophysics. No prior physics or coding knowledge is required to participate in the program. Participants will attend online classes, collaborate in small groups, and benefit from college planning and career development workshops. Mentorship opportunities from Stanford students and professors are also available.
Fee: Free
Location: Virtual, classes are conducted via video chat
Program Dates: Not yet announced for 2024
Application Deadline: Not yet announced for 2024
Eligibility:
- First-generation students and 11th grade students are given priority
- Female students who are at least in 9th grade at the time of application are accepted
- Candidates from all over the world can apply
Selectivity: High
4. Northeastern University Exploring Modern Physics Program
This summer program aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of modern physics, particularly through an in-depth understanding of cosmic rays. Through lectures, guest speakers, and hands-on laboratory experiments, they will deeply examine topics such as special relativity, quantum mechanics, particle physics, and cosmology. They will directly observe cosmic rays with a cloud chamber and make measurements with an electronic muon counter. In addition, nuclear energy and climate modeling applications will be examined, and students will be equipped to make informed choices about their major when applying to universities.
Fee: $6,695 program fee includes course materials, accommodation, meals, and social activities. Need-based aid is available in the form of program discounts and scholarships.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
Program Dates: July 21 - August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: January 15 (priority), February 28 (regular)
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school student
- Must understand linear momentum and its conservation, conservation of energy in collisions, and the basics of trigonometry. However, calculus is not required
Selectivity: Low
5. UPenn Experimental Physics Research Academy
UPenn’s Experimental Physics Research Academy is a summer program that immerses students in mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and astrophysics. Beyond rote equations, students develop a deeper appreciation for physics by deeply understanding causality. This understanding is supported by a dynamic mix of lectures, hands-on activities, engaging projects, and insightful discussions with instructors.
Fee: $5,500 program fee includes use of academic facilities, on-campus accommodation, on-campus meals, extracurricular trips, and student supervision. $75 application fee, round-trip travel to campus, airport transfers, gym access, class materials, medical expenses, and laundry are not included.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: July 6 - July 27, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school student
- Minimum 3.3 high school GPA
- Required TOEFL scores are 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT), or 600 (PBT), IELTS score 7, and Duolingo English Test (DET) score 120
- A strong applicant should have writing that demonstrates both technical skill and intellectual depth, good references, and diverse extracurricular interests
Selectivity: Moderate
BONUS: Turkish Nobel Community
If you want to start your own research journey by receiving 1-on-1 mentorship from an advanced undergraduate or graduate student (Oxford, Yale, Boğaziçi, Hacettepe, METU, Bilkent, etc.) and taking courses from successful professors who have proven themselves in the literature (Johns Hopkins, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Sabancı, Bilkent, etc.), a wonderful opportunity awaits you.
Fee for 2024-2025:
- 2nd Program (Research Period Online Program): 18,000₺
- 3rd Program (Research Period In-Person Program): 21,000₺
Location: Location varies by laboratory
Program Dates for 2024-2025: February 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Not yet announced for 2025
Eligibility:
- Must be a high school student
- Must be academically successful and have a good command of English
- Must have writing that demonstrates both technical skill and intellectual depth, good references, and diverse extracurricular interests
Selectivity: High
Conclusion
Thank you very much for reading, and we wish you days full of health and science!
Originally published by Turkish Nobel Community
This blog post was originally published in Turkish by Turkish Nobel Community and has been translated and adapted for this website.