The Pioneer 2024 application is now closed. We appreciate your interest and effort throughout this competitive journey.

To prepare for the 2025 terms, register for an online information session.

Sammer Marzouk
College: Harvard University
High School: University of Chicago Laboratory High Schools, United States
Pioneer Research Paper: The impact of Emotions, Ambiguity, and Apathy on Decision Making in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Proposal to Facilitate Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

“[Pioneer will] definitely push you to your limits academically and what you think you can do but it’s totally worth it. I never regretted doing the program and it was definitely a big stepping stone and in terms of my skills as a researcher and to what it pushed me to do into the future.“

Admission

Pioneer’s rigorous academic system and accreditation qualifies us to grant college credit through collaboration with Oberlin College.

2020-2021 Admission Statistics

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Pioneer Journal

Online Information Session

Learn more about our program and how to apply at our weekly online information sessions
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Important Dates and Deadlines

Pioneer accepts applications for both the Spring-through-Summer and Summer-only terms starting in August of the previous year. Please click the below links to learn about the ultimate deadline for each term.

Pioneer terms

Important dates

Spring-through-Summer

We are no longer accepting applications for the Spring-through-Summer term.

Summer-Only

The application process for the 2024 Summer-Only term has officially closed.

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The 2025 application cycle will start on May 25, 2024

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We will begin offering online information sessions again on May 25, 2024 for the 2025 terms. Be sure to sign up so you can prepare your application early!

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Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.

It is important to be aware that Pioneer balances the limited availability of positions in each discipline and the volume of the applications received. Submitting applications earlier can improve one’s chances of getting selected for the program.

Click here to register for an information session to learn more about Pioneer.

How To Apply

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1Info Session

Although not required before you submit your application, we highly recommend that you attend an info session. Signup here.

*Students that attend an info session are granted a priority deadline that will guarantee that their application is reviewed while every research area they applied to still has at least one place open. With more students applying globally every term and each research concentration taking only 3 to 6 students, this really gives students an edge in the admissions process.

2Application Submission

The following items are required to submit your application:

  • Basic Info
  • Interest Areas
  • Short Essays
  • The Long Essay
  • Unofficial transcript (or evidence that demonstrates your school grades, such as a screenshot of your score card)

*If you have standardized test results, we welcome you to submit them. Please be aware that standardized test reporting is optional.
*We recommend inviting your counselor as soon as possible or at least a week before you plan to submit your application.

3Initial Review

Pioneer’s application process includes multiple evaluation stages, the first of which is an initial review. During this phase, applications are evaluated to determine which candidates will advance to the interview round.

*If your school’s or counselor’s schedule will prevent them from sending the official materials within two weeks of your application submission, please write to [email protected] and explain the situation prior to that deadline. Pioneer Admissions will review the situation and consider granting an extension.

Official materials include:

  • Official Transcript
  • Counselor or teacher assessment

4Interview

Only when your application passes initial review and we have received your official materials, will you be invited to interview. This will consist of:

  • Interview through video conference
  • Timed writing proctored online

5Application Under Review

All applications to the Pioneer Research Program will be reviewed holistically and within context. We consider:

  • School counselor / teacher feedback
  • Official transcript
  • Application materials where interests are articulated through essays
  • Interview

Pioneer candidates undergo a rigorous evaluation process. The admission cycle is typically 6-8 weeks long. We appreciate your patience.

Decision Outcomes

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Pioneer Admissions Principle

Pioneer’s founding board insisted that Pioneer commit to a professor-blind policy during the application process, ensuring that applicants have authentic field interest and a genuine desire to conduct authentic research. As a result, no information about professors is released before admission to the program. This policy is appreciated and respected by universities.

Pioneer Admission System

High Caliber: The standard of the transcript scores

  • Applicants are recommended by counselors for their academic excellence

Interviewee Verification: Pioneer applicants must bring their school ID to their interview

School Grades Verification: School counselor feedback and verification

  • All applicants need to submit school feedback
  • All school counselors outside of Pioneer academic network are verified by Pioneer’s admission staff

Demonstrated Writing Ability: Proctored essay writing application component

  • Applicants’ SAT and TOEFL scores are cross-checked.

Authentic Interests: Professor-blind policy when applying to Pioneer

  • Pioneer does NOT release the professor’s information to applicants before they are admitted to ensure applicants’ authentic interests in studies
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Need-based Scholarship

As an important part of its social mission, Pioneer Academics dedicates funds every year to need-based scholarships for students to participate in the Pioneer Research Program. These funds are very limited and their use is restricted to cases in which the existence of financial need of the student’s family can be reliably verified.

Students are eligible for these scholarships only in countries and cases in which need can be assessed or if they are part of a partner non-profit organization or a partner educational institution that can assess need. Students who are awarded a full scholarship will be required to pay a deposit, which is refunded after successful completion of the program.

Pioneer Alumni Testimonial

Sammer Video