Research in Medicine Academy for High Schoolers at UC Berkeley

Course Description: Research in Medicine Academy for High Schoolers at UC Berkeley

Summer Institute x Polygence Medical Research Program at UC Berkeley

Unlock the world of medical research with the Summer Institute x Polygence Medical Research Program at UC Berkeley. This unique hybrid experience empowers high school students to embark on a transformative journey, gaining invaluable research skills and mentorship to develop their own groundbreaking research projects throughout the school year.

On-campus at the prestigious UC Berkeley, students will spend two immersive weeks delving into modern medical research. Through hands-on learning, interactive lectures from renowned experts, and visits to state-of-the-art research facilities, participants will explore cutting-edge techniques and methodologies. By the end of this intensive session, students will have crafted a research project proposal, ready for review on the final in-person day.

But the journey doesn't end there. After the on-campus experience, students transition to a virtual cohort where they receive personalized mentorship from experts in their chosen field. Over 10 virtual sessions, they will refine their projects at their own pace, with opportunities to submit their final research papers for publication, present at symposiums, or even transform them into podcasts. Students can choose their mentorship start date, with options available in August, September, or October 15th.

Partnered with Polygence, the leading online research academy, this program offers dedicated mentorship from expert academics and practitioners. Tuition includes both the on-campus Summer Institute experience and Polygence’s Core Research Program.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Hands-on Experience & Expert Mentorship: Direct engagement with cutting-edge medical research techniques and personalized guidance from leading experts.

• Research Project Development: Design and execute a personalized research project, enhancing critical thinking and academic research skills.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and professionals, building valuable relationships within the medical research community.

• Ongoing Support: Continue research remotely with 1:1 mentorship, refining projects at your own pace.

Location

Located at the iconic UC Berkeley campus, students will immerse themselves in an environment of academic excellence and innovation. With access to world-class facilities and resources, participants will thrive in a setting that fosters intellectual growth and discovery.

Course Description

On-Campus Experience:

• Medical Research Methodologies: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge research techniques and learn to design, conduct, and analyze medical research projects.

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Through interactive lectures and independent research, enhance the ability to critically evaluate medical data and develop innovative solutions.

• Research Proposal Development: Create a well-researched project proposal ready for submission and potential publication.

• Professional Networking: Engage with renowned experts and peers, forming valuable professional relationships.

• Instructor: Taught by faculty of the UC Berkeley-UCSF Joint Medical Program

Virtual Mentorship:

• 1:1 Mentorship: Match with a research mentor in your field of interest and meet over 10 virtual sessions.

• Project Refinement: Continue developing your research project with expert guidance.

• Publication Opportunities: Submit final research papers for publication, present at symposiums, or create podcasts.

Accommodation

Students will reside on the UC Berkeley campus, surrounded by a vibrant community of fellow scholars. Meals are provided, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet to fuel their academic pursuits.

Activities

• Interactive Lectures & Facility Visits: Engage with cutting-edge research and gain insights from leading experts.

• Meet-and-Greet Sessions: Connect with Polygence mentors to ask questions and gain insights into the mentorship process.

Admission Criteria

A passion for research and medicine is essential. Applicants must complete the Summer Institute Application to be considered.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for motivated high school students with a keen interest in medicine and research. Participants should be curious, self-driven, and eager to collaborate with expert mentors on a personalized research project.

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with the Summer Institute x Polygence Medical Research Program at UC Berkeley. Equip yourself with the skills and connections to excel in the world of medical research.

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

*Supplemental course fee of $195 for lab and course materials.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

Academic Experience: Sample Instructor from 2025: Dr. Niokhor Dione

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 University of California, Berkeley – Campus Profile (Berkeley, CA)

The University of California, Berkeley offers an exceptional environment for motivated students who thrive in hands-on, project-based learning. Renowned as one of the top public universities in the United States, Berkeley is celebrated for its leadership in engineering, computer science, business, and cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines.

Students gain access to world-class labs, makerspaces, and engineering facilities, participating in experiential coursework that includes specimen dissections, robotics, medical research, engineering design, and laboratory investigations. Selective academies — including the Berkeley M.E.T. Innovation Academy — immerse students in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation through active, exploratory learning.

Located on a sweeping 1,232-acre campus with views of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley’s vibrant academic and cultural ecosystem offers endless opportunities for exploration. Students enjoy the unique blend of a historic campus, lush green spaces, and the energetic character of Telegraph Avenue, with its bookstores, cafés, markets, and street vendors.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for academically driven students passionate about STEM, engineering, robotics, biotechnology, and hands-on research

• Courses taught by instructors selected from Berkeley’s academic community

• Strong emphasis on real-world problem-solving and project-based learning

• Ideal for students seeking challenge in a fast-paced, academically stimulating environment

• Campus located in a lively, culturally rich city with strong roots in innovation and entrepreneurship

• Safe, inspiring environment surrounded by natural spaces, cultural hubs, and Bay Area attractions

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏨 Housing

• 🍽 2–3 meals per day, 7 days per week (varies by program)

• 🎡 Afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for included activities

• 🏋️ Use of athletic and recreation facilities

• 🎓 College admissions presentation

• 🛌 Blanket and pillow

• 🛡 Full on-campus safety and supervision

Note: Some specialized courses and academies may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🧼 Laundry

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

• 🎟 Supplemental course fees (if applicable)

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

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🎡 Top Activities in Berkeley, California

• 🎮 Dave & Buster’s

• 🎢 Great America and Six Flags

• 🥗 Gourmet Ghetto dining and the Berkeley Farmers Market

• ⚾ Minor or major league sports game

• 🌲 Tilden Regional Park

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🎧 Silent Disco, Live Band Karaoke, and variety performances

• 🌿 UC Berkeley Botanical Garden visit

• 🏛 Campanile (Sather Tower) tour and arena visit

• 🎨 Clubs: arts, baking, sports leagues, tournaments, game nights, ice cream socials, and more

• 🍔 End-of-summer BBQ with lawn games and music

• 🏠 Evening dorm events: Game Show Extravaganza, Minute to Win It, Casino Night, S’mores & Bingo, and more