Polygence Research Program | Next Deadline December 15th

CalTech

“45% of incoming CalTech students included materials in their college applications documenting their own past research.”

UPenn

“Nearly 1/3 of the admitted students engaged in academic research during their time in high school.”

Stanford

Stanford emphasizes the importance of ‘Intellectual Vitality’ in their admissions decisions.

Harvard

“Substantial scholarship“ and “academic creativity“ are needed for Harvard's top academic rating - increasing chances by nearly 8x.

Acceptance rates 2-5x the national average.

Top schools have demonstrated the growing value of research for admissions.

What is Polygence?

Polygence is an online research program for high schoolers where students get to research any topic of their choice, guided by an expert mentor in the field. Polygence students gain an admissions edge through their projects while exploring something they are genuinely passionate about.

Why choose Polygence?

A project that’s one of a kind - like you

Polygence offers the most personalized mentored research experience - you choose the subject, research question and outcome of your project, so you can explore and create what you love.

Explore past projects

The most flexible research program

High School Students are already busy with classes, extracurriculars and more - so we offer start dates throughout the year and allow students to set the pace that’s right for them and their project.

See how it works

Tailored mentorship just for you

We ensure strong mentor-student fit by leveraging our extensive network of experts from top universities to match you with a mentor who shares your unique interests and passions.

Meet our mentors

A Project as Unique as You

Your program is tailored to your individual passion – you choose the field and the topic to research.

Discover Our Programs

Find the right program for you

Core Program

For High School students who want to turn their passion into a tangible outcome with the guidance of an expert mentor. You’ll dive deep into a research topic of your choice over 10 one-on-one sessions.

Learn more about Core

Launchpad

For students who are unsure about what to study or weighing multiple options, this 3-session add-on to our Core program helps you find a topic that you’ll love.

Learn more about Launchpad

Premium Showcasing Support

For students who are excited to publish, compete or otherwise spotlight their work, this 3-session add-on provides expert showcasing guidance.

Learn more about Showcasing

Compare our programs

Not ready for a full research project yet?

Check out our shorter programs to find your passion!

Pods short-term group research program
Personality Quiz to find your academic persona

Projects Beyond Research Papers

The most flexible mentored research program that lets YOU choose the output to work towards - from published research papers, to podcasts, to prototypes of inventions and anything in between.

Explore Past Projects

Core Program Alumni

Chloe

"The idea that you can do anything, or you can have an effect on a really big problem…that’s something I developed through Polygence and with my mentor."

See Chloe's project

Your Ideal Match

Polygence has the most extensive network of PhD-level mentors from top universities. We will find your ideal match in any field or topic of interest.

Meet Our Mentors

Kimi

PhD candidate at Carnegie Mellon University

See Kimi's mentor profile

Human-Computer Interaction

Tech & AI ethics

Computer Science

Privacy

Social Psychology

”She was an absolute gem of a research mentor! Her guidance was like a compass in the world of academia. Kimi made the research journey feel less like a maze and more like a scenic route.”

Polygence student