The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) is a seven-week research program hosted by Rockefeller University, allowing high school students to conduct hands on research with Rockefeller University faculty.
Accepting only 32 students each year, students work within small research teams, led by a team leader, to dive into a research question based off one’s scientific interests.
Students will explore their own individual research topic, gaining laboratory experience in the first part of the program, developing a research question, completing the data collection and analysis stage, as well as presenting findings within a program symposium.
If you are considering a summer research program, it is important to understand the benefits and challenges of Rockefeller SSRP. This guide will provide a program overview by walking through important questions to ask, and their answers, for prospective applicants.
Admission into the Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program is highly competitive. Each year, there are 4 research teams, designed to include 8-10 students each. In total, the program accepts only 32 applicants out of hundreds of applications. As such, those who wish to apply should have a clear, articulated interest in science and accruing research experience.
SSRP participation could be beneficial for college applications, as it can demonstrate interest in an academic topic and proficiency with research skills.
According to online sources, the acceptance rate for the Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program is around 5-10%, being as low as 3% some years.
In order to apply to the Rockefeller University SSRP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Additionally, SSRP requires that participants commit to attending the entire program, as accommodations for vacations, other activities, and other travel will not be accepted if they conflict with research.
Applications are not restricted to any geographic area; however, the program recommends that applicants have ties to the Tri-State (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) area, as the program cannot provide housing for program participants.
To apply to Rockefeller SSRP, students must complete an online application. Each applicant must provide the following information to satisfy the application form:
Because this is a free program, there are no application or program fees to Rockefeller SSRP.
Rockefeller SSRP applications go through multiple rounds; if an application makes it past initial review, those selected SSRP applicants will participate in a virtual interview process.
Here are some important dates as they pertain to the Rockefeller SSRP application process and operation:
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program allows students to explore an original research question within a university lab. After being broken out into research teams, students will work with three faculty mentors to learn laboratory techniques and solidify a specific area of research.
This seven-week program is will follow this general weekly flow:
Scientific trainees (i.e., the program participants) will have their own space within dedicated RockEDU laboratories where lab work and experiments can be run.
In addition to student research and time in the lab, there is daily schedule programming to enhance the participant experience, including guest lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, and social events.
The Rockefeller program does not publish a defined research area list. Instead, students are placed into their SSRP research teams by the program after admittance.
Admitted students will be provided a preference form, at which point they will learn the available research teams. However, final cohort assignments are determined by the program, who will match the scholars with research teams.
The specific research areas rotate from year-to-year, but all research areas will pertain to science. As such, students with working interest in the sciences are encouraged to apply. Student researchers will have the license to choose a question of study within the scope of each team. By the program’s design, SSRP teams mirror the work performed within collegiate research labs.
Rockefeller SSRP is a free program, with no program costs or required housing costs. Moreover, the program will cover local transit costs for students who wish to use NYC public transportation to commute to the program.
The program can award stipends, but this is reserved for students who demonstrate need and meet program requirements. Interested students can apply for stipends after they are admitted.
The Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program explicitly states that they are looking for students who have strong interest in completing laboratory research in the sciences. SSRP scholars are usually willing to take academic initiative, possess personal maturity, and can handle the rigor of a fast-paced laboratory environment. Students should exemplify these qualities on their application to demonstrate their ability to possess these qualities.
Additionally, the program requires students to obtain a letter of recommendation. Students should select recommenders who are well equipped to appraise their interest to complete laboratory science research and ability to understand rigorous academic experiences.
The Rockefeller Summer Science Research Program is a perfect opportunity for motivated high school juniors and seniors to garner laboratory experience and dive into an area of interest in the sciences. Participants will use hands on research techniques to analyze data and further one’s own scientific inquiry.
Participation in this program could set a student up well for research experiences in college and beyond, with this program serving as a foundational knowledge that informs future laboratory opportunities.
Those looking to learn more about research programs for high school students can check out our article categorizing them here. Some select programs that are similar to Rockefeller SSRP include the following:
For high school students searching for prestigious summer research programs respected and valued by colleges, Pioneer Academics is a great alternative to this featured program.
Based on a recent survey from Pioneer Academics alumni, 71 percent of Pioneer Research scholars’ college admissions records were to the top 20 US colleges and universities. Six percent of Pioneer’s alumni attended university-affiliated summer programs.
If you’re interested in conducting the highest level of research for high school students, consider joining a Pioneer information session to learn more about the Pioneer Research Institute.
If you are a 9th or 10th grader, you should check out the Global Problem-Solving Institute today. You’ll have the rare opportunity to study current world problems in an interdisciplinary approach and earn college credits from UNC-Chapel Hill at a young age.
Historically, the application deadline for Rockefeller SSRP is the beginning of January. Applications usually open in October, so prospective applicants should plan on applying in the winter. Rockefeller cannot accommodate late applications.
Rockefeller SSRP does not require a minimum GPA for admission into the program. The program asks that prospective applicants have demonstrated interest in science fields and be motivated to learn about research.
SSRP is a full-time commitment, with the program estimating that students will spend 35 hours per week during normal business hours on their research.
Rockefeller SSRP does not list prior research experience as a prerequisite for the program. The program does note that students should be interested in learning more about the
Each year, Rockefeller SSRP accepts around 32 students into their program. Because the number of students selective relative to the number of applications is relatively low, Rockefeller SSRP is a highly selective program.
According to the program’s website, students are prohibited from using any program research work to any science competition submissions.
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