When One Textbook Chapter isn't Enough: Polygence Students and Mentorship in Historical Research

Are you interested in exploring parallels between the past and the present? Do you ever wonder how historical events have shaped our world? Maybe you’re curious about how the Sri Lankan Civil War continues to affect its economy. Or find yourself wondering about historical events that caused prejudice between East Asian countries. 

History passion projects offer students the unique opportunity to engage with stories that have shaped our world, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and intellectual growth. By delving into the past, students not only gain a deeper understanding of where we come from but also uncover valuable insights that have the potential to shape our future. 

Historical research requires discipline and creativity. Students must have the discipline to research topics thoroughly by reading, analyzing, and cataloging the many sources that are readily available to them. At the same time, they must have the creativity to spot potential gaps in their research and seek out the appropriate sources to fill these gaps. This can be a difficult process to navigate. That’s where Polygence mentors step in. 

Polygence has over 50 mentors specializing in History, all of whom have a Master’s degree, PhD, or are industry experts. During our onboarding process, students are paired with mentors based on their unique shared interests. Polygence works hard to find the best possible student-mentor matches by referencing students’ written application materials and 30-minute phone interviews. Not only are Polygence mentors experts in their fields, but they are also skilled teachers who take pride in mentoring students. 

Historians often emphasize the importance of understanding the time period and key events to truly grasp a subject's historical significance. Polygence mentors guide students through this process, helping them identify historical figures and sights that are crucial to their history projects.

The Importance of Mentorship in Historical Research

The importance of mentorship in historical research cannot be overstated. Conducting historical research can feel overwhelming, especially for new historians. This is where mentors come in. History mentors teach students a variety of skills. Most notably, mentors teach students how to:

1. Formulate innovative research questions

2. Conduct historical research using a variety of primary and secondary sources

3. Figure out the best ways to organize scattered archival materials

4. Synthesize their research, along with their own perspectives, in order to complete a historical research project

This mixture of critical and creative thinking skills is invaluable. In fact, these skills routinely prepare Polygence alumni for a variety of opportunities, including admission to some of the best schools for history and careers with a history degree. 

Personal Experiences from Polygence Alumni

Hearing what past students have to say about their experiences is often the best way to figure out if a Polygence project is right for you. So let’s take a moment to look at feedback from Polygence alumni. 

Alumni Stories on the Impact of Mentorship

As previously discussed, Polygence projects empower students to view the present and the future through the lens of the past. 

Polgence alum, Talia Katz, remarks that:

“Through my project, I was able to make my own connections between different historical events and phenomena allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the era as a whole. In writing my paper, I felt like I made my own discoveries and conclusions rather than accepting a teacher’s statement of historical fact.” 

Similarly, Polygence alum, Sanjith Sriraman, shares that:

“Through detailed examination of historical events and their long-term economic impacts, I developed a nuanced understanding of the complexities of conflict and its ripple effects on national economies.” 

Key Projects Highlighted by Alumni

Polygence has worked with thousands of students over the years, but here are a few stand-out history research projects worth taking a look at:

• How did Alexander facilitate Cultural Exchange within the Ancient World?

• How did Albert Camus respond to the German occupation of France and French colonialism in his novel The Plague?

• How India represents itself within Indian media?

• The impact of the Sri Lanka Civil War on Economic Outcomes

• Why did Serbian radios in Croatia influence the subsequent rise in nationalism?

How Mentorship Accelerates Learning and Growth

Mentorships routinely accelerate learning and growth. Beyond imparting technical knowledge, mentors help mentees cultivate essential soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. They also gain confidence and inspiration. 

By investing in students’ interests and futures, the mentor-mentee relationship fosters an environment of trust and accountability, one that empowers the mentee to take risks, seek honest feedback, and quickly recover from setbacks. 

Developing Research Skills through Mentorship

As students begin learning how to conduct historical research and write research papers, mentors offer invaluable support and guidance. Developing research skills is an important and lifelong process. This is why having a Polygence history mentor is so invaluable. 

Polygence alum, Talia Katz, shares the following perspective on her mentorship experience:

“I gained important research and time management skills that I have since implemented in each of my classes. My Polygence mentor taught me the invaluable skill of gathering and synthesizing sources which I use in everything from research papers to science labs.”

Additionally, Talia reflects on the fact that after completing her Polygence project, she felt empowered to take on other challenges within her academic career:

“I helped co-author a successful grant proposal for the Environmental Club at my school. Although the task felt overwhelming at first, I utilized the skills my Polygence mentor taught me and crafted a well-written and clearly explained paper.”

Alumni Insights: Skill Development

Polygence alumni acquire a diverse skill set that prepares them for their futures. Whether they’re engaged in problem-solving, analyzing historical documents from manuscripts, special collections, and national archives, to oral histories, or learning how to properly cite their sources, Polygence students are constantly honing their academic abilities. The breadth of materials, from manuscripts in university libraries to oral histories recorded in the field, provides a rich tapestry for students to weave their own narratives and analyses. Special collections and national archives offer a treasure trove of information that, when explored, can bring historical periods and figures to life, allowing students to make connections that are both profound and personal.

Polygence alum, Sanjith Sriraman, shares that:

“This project not only deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of history and economics but also laid the groundwork for future academic and professional endeavors, positioning me well for a career in economic policy analysis or journalism." 

Similarly, Talia Katz reflects that:

“Through the structure of the Polygence program, I gained a better understanding of how to allocate my time and break down overwhelming projects into manageable tasks with set deadlines.” 

Building Strong Mentor-Mentee Relationships

Here at Polygence, we leverage our extensive network of experts from top universities to match you with a mentor who shares your unique interests and passions. Not only are our mentors experts in their fields with advanced degrees, but they genuinely love teaching and are willing to go the extra mile for motivated students. Therefore, the best way to make the most out of your experience is to invest yourself fully in your project and ask lots of questions!

Strategies for Effective Mentorship

There are lots of strategies you can use to help ensure that you make the most of your Polygence project. In order to cultivate an effective mentorship, consider the following tips:

1. Choose a research project you are genuinely interested in.

2. Try to work on your project a little bit every day.

3. Ask for feedback on your work.

4. Set goals for yourself with your mentor.

5. As you work on your project throughout the week, write down questions to ask your mentor during your next meeting.

Mentor-Mentee Dynamics

Here at Polygence, we work hard to find students the perfect mentor. In addition to academic interests, we also consider factors such as learning style and professional goals. So rest assured, we’ll work hard to find a good match for you!

Here are some perspectives on the mentor-mentee dynamic from Polygence alums:

“I was blown away with how helpful my mentor Sam was with my project. The Polygence team was incredibly supportive with their feedback, and I appreciated the showcasing opportunities they provided.” ​​- Sanaya Masurkar  

“[My mentor] gave me a lot of feedback and a lot of resources to make sure I could do the best work possible.” - Kiranjot Atwal 

“Everything either exceeded or met my extensions…[my mentor] helped me with the smaller issues all the way up to the bigger ones.” - Ojas Gupta  

Bridging the Gap Between Academic Research and Practical Applications

Academic research can have a variety of real-world applications. Students often forget this fact—but not Polygence students! With support and guidance from their mentors, Polygence students learn to see the big picture and ask themselves the big questions: How can I use this research to make a difference? How can I apply these new skills to other endeavors? What historical trends am I noticing, and how does this apply to the present day? 

Applying Research in Real-World Contexts

There are countless ways to apply historical research to real-world contexts. 

Sanjith Sriraman, who completed his Polygence project on the Sri Lankan civil war and its continued effects on its economy, states that: “The study intends to contribute to the creation of effective policies for conflict-affected regions worldwide and to larger discussions on post-conflict economic recovery by offering insights into the Sri Lankan context.”  

Another history student, Kiranjot Atwal, chose to complete her project on “​​the Indian media's lack of representation of various groups within the country, as well as how general searches perceive India globally.” Her work highlights the historical significance of media representation and its impact on future generations.

And Sam Ng, completed a research paper entitled, Navigating Troubled Waters: Understanding China's South China Sea Assertion Through Geopolitical, Economic, and Strategic Lenses.

Mentorship as a Career Guide and Professional Network

Having the chance to work alongside a Polygence mentor is an invaluable experience. Students receive one-on-one guidance on their history projects and can ask for advice about colleges and careers. 

As previously mentioned, Polygence mentors are experts in their fields, with vast professional networks. Motivated students can leverage their connection with their mentor to ask for college letters of recommendation, as well as gain practical advice about volunteer opportunities, internships, scholarships, History Summer Research Programs for High School Students, and more!

Innovative Approaches in Historical Research

Conducting historical research doesn’t stop at your history textbook. There are countless sources for you to explore! The trick is knowing where to look. With expert guidance from our mentors, students will learn how to seek out a variety of primary and secondary sources — from newspaper archives and computer software programs to oral histories and ancient artifacts.

Preparing for College Admissions with Polygence Mentorship

Polygence history projects are a great way to stand out in your college applications. Not only do these projects highlight your academic abilities and interests, but they also communicate to college admissions officers that you are a thoughtful, driven, and passionate student, capable of succeeding both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Of the 599 Polygence alumni who graduated high school in 2024:

• 30% of Polygence alums who applied to Ivy League Colleges were accepted into one or more (compared to the national average of 5.1%).

•  51% of Polygence alums who applied to Top Engineering Schools were accepted into one or more.

• 38% of Polygence alums who applied to CalTech were accepted (which is 12.5 times higher than Caltech’s 3% acceptance rate). 

• 12.5% of Polygence alumni who applied to MIT were accepted (which is 2.8 times higher than MIT’s 4.5% acceptance rate). 

• 17.5% of Polygence alumni who applied to Stanford were accepted (which is 4.4 times higher than Stanford's 4.% acceptance rate). 

For more admissions statistics, click here.

Start Your Historical Research Journey with Polygence

Polygence projects encourage students to think critically and creatively while delving into their passions. Whether you’re interested in Social Media as a Threat to Democracy, Cultural Representation in Indian Media, or British Colonialism’s Detrimental Impact on India’s Hijra Community, there’s something for everyone at Polygence! 

Students will learn how to conduct independent research, analyze sources, and synthesize their findings into finished research projects. These projects will aid students during the college admissions process and continue to be part of their professional portfolios as they explore internships, scholarships, and eventually, career opportunities. 

Take advantage of these opportunities by registering for a Polygence project today!