Polygence Core Program | Research Mentorship Program

Mentored Research Projects

Get matched one-on-one with an expert mentor to design and execute an original research project on a topic of your choice.

Your Outcome

Write a research paper, create an app, build a prototype, record a podcast - choose the outcome that excites you.

3-5 Hours/Week

Work on your project between each session to make progress based on your mentor’s advice, conducting research, analyzing sources, building drafts or prototypes, and refining your ideas.

Your Topic

Dive into any topic you're passionate about, or combine your passions into something truly unique.

10 Sessions

Hour-long one-on-one Zoom meetings with your mentor to discuss your progress, readings and get assignments.

3-6 Months

Program duration is flexible. You can put in more or less work as your schedule allows.

What is Polygence Core?

Our most popular program. Transform your unique idea into a structured, mentor-guided research project with clear milestones and an outcome you can proudly showcase.

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What is Academic Research?

Academic research is a structured process used by scholars and industry professionals to investigate meaningful questions and generate new knowledge. Independent research projects involve asking focused questions, reviewing existing literature, gathering and evaluating evidence, analyzing findings, and drawing well-supported conclusions.

Why Research Projects Matter

College admissions stats for Ivies and Top 25 universities

College Admissions Advantage

99% of Polygence alumni feature their research on their college applications. Independent research allows you to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, and depth of interest — helping you craft a compelling personal narrative that goes beyond grades and test scores.

Skill Growth for the Future

Over the past five years, we’ve helped thousands of students develop eight essential academic and professional skills — including critical thinking, research methodology, analytical writing, project management, and independent problem-solving. Students consistently tell us these skills gave them a meaningful head start in college-level coursework and beyond.

Polygence Skill Wheel for College-Readiness

Make an Impact

Showcasing your project means sharing your unique perspective and new knowledge with the world, documenting your intellectual development, and strengthening your college admissions edge. Polygence students present their work on conferences, publish in peer-reviewed academic journals, and share it as Github repositories, podcasts, science fair projects, and more.

Polygence Core Program Options

Turn your one of a kind idea into a tangible project under the guidance of an expert mentor.

What’s included:

10 one-one-one sessions with a PhD-level mentor
2 rounds of writing support
Mentor chat on the industry’s only research scholar platform
Access to the self-serve Showcasing Opportunity database
Exclusive access to the Thinking Lab- Polygence’s mentor-run workshops on the Art of Thinking

Core Program Bundles

Duration 3-6 months | 13 sessions

You’ll be matched one-on-one with an expert mentor who will guide you through creating a unique project, then you’ll receive support to showcase in one of four formats.

What's included?

Core Program

Showcasing Support

Duration 3-7 months | 16 sessions

Get the support you need to showcase your work in two formats, choosing from Publishing, Competing, Presenting or Multimedia support.

What's included?

Core Program

Showcasing Support

Duration 3-7 months | 16 sessions

Take your project even further with official endorsement of the quality of your work via 3 transferable college credits from UC Irvine.

What's included?

Core Program

Showcasing Support

Transferable College Credits

This is a tuition-based research program that offers structured mentorship and a project-based learning experience, with academic experts compensated for their time, guidance, and mentorship. Financial Aid may be available. Apply to learn more.