Skip to content
    Book a Meeting
    Student Login Contact Us (123) 456-7890
    • For High School Students
    • Extracurriculars

    Research Scholars Program for High School Students

    Ambitious high school students aiming for elite college programs know that research experience sets them apart from other applicants. Designed by a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, the MedSchoolCoach Research Scholars program connects students with leading physicians and scientists to engage in meaningful, guided research that strengthens both their academic foundation and their admissions profile.This isn’t just another summer program – it’s a prestigious, one-of-a-kind mentored research experience built for future physicians and high-achievers bound for top universities.

    See Pricing Book a Consultation
    grey rectangle

    The Importance of Research

    grey rectangle
    grey rectangle
    grey rectangle

    Research Experience Sets Students Apart

    Build Critical Skills Early

    Demonstrate Commitment to Medicine

    In today’s hyper-competitive admissions landscape, top colleges want more than strong grades and test scores. They’re looking for students who show initiative, intellectual depth, and the ability to think critically about real-world problems.

    High school is the ideal time to go beyond textbooks and begin developing the skills that top colleges expect from serious applicants. Research not only strengthens applications, but it also equips students with the core competencies they’ll use throughout their academic and professional careers.

    Admissions committees want to see more than grades and test scores. They look for proof of genuine passion and resilience. Research provides exactly that, demonstrating scholarship beyond being a "good student.” After all, research is at the heart of the field, as it’s how we learn about diseases and drives the discovery of new cures and treatments.

    • Research Experience Sets Students Apart

      In today’s hyper-competitive admissions landscape, top colleges want more than strong grades and test scores. They’re looking for students who show initiative, intellectual depth, and the ability to think critically about real-world problems.

      grey rectangle

      Demonstrates Intellectual Curiosity

      Research shows admissions committees that your student goes beyond classroom learning to explore unanswered questions in science and medicine.

      Builds Persistence and Resilience

      Conducting research requires problem-solving, iteration, and grit – all of which are qualities that elite programs know are essential for future physicians.

      Proves Analytical Thinking

      From forming hypotheses to interpreting results, research highlights your student’s ability to analyze complex information and communicate findings effectively.

    • Build Critical Skills Early

      High school is the ideal time to go beyond textbooks and begin developing the skills that top colleges expect from serious applicants. Research not only strengthens applications, but it also equips students with the core competencies they’ll use throughout their academic and professional careers.

      grey rectangle

      Design Experiments With Purpose

      Students learn how to ask the right questions, create hypotheses, and design experiments that generate meaningful insights.

      Analyze Data Effectively

      From organizing results to identifying trends, students gain hands-on experience working with real data sets, including building analytical skills that transfer to any field of study.

      Communicate Findings Clearly

      Students learn to write full research papers with the potential for publication in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating their ability to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community.

    • Demonstrate Commitment to Medicine

      Admissions committees want to see more than grades and test scores. They look for proof of genuine passion and resilience. Research provides exactly that, demonstrating scholarship beyond being a "good student.” After all, research is at the heart of the field, as it’s how we learn about diseases and drives the discovery of new cures and treatments.

      grey rectangle

      PhD-Guided Experience from Top Institutions

      Ph.D. mentors from leading research universities and institutes provide personalized guidance that helps students design and complete rigorous research projects. They ensure that each student develops critical scientific skills while gaining authentic insights into the research process.

      Authentic Dedication

      Hands-on research demonstrates persistence and motivation, which are qualities admissions officers view as essential for success in medicine.

      Stronger Applications

      Committees gain confidence knowing your child has already shown the maturity and drive required to excel in rigorous medical pathways.

    What Sets MedSchoolCoach Apart

     

    Not all research experiences are created equal. The MedSchoolCoach Research Scholars Program goes far beyond classroom science projects or generic internships. Every element is designed to provide your child with meaningful, physician-led research that stands out to admissions committees and shapes them into a stronger, more confident applicant.

    image (21)-1

    image (22)-2

    image(6)

    image(4)-1

    image(5)-1

    Your student will be guided by Ph.D. mentors from the top research institutions in the world. This mentorship provides personalized guidance that helps students develop authentic insights, strong research skills, and professional credibility from the very start of their medical journey.

    grey rectangle

    We don’t believe in cookie-cutter projects. Each student is matched with a research pathway that reflects their academic interests and personal background, such as exploring Alzheimer’s disease because of a family connection or investigating lead levels in soil out of a passion for environmental health. These tailored projects help students build a unique story that strengthens their college applications.

    grey rectangle

    All students in the program write a full research paper under the guidance of their Ph.D. mentor, developing advanced skills in scholarly writing and critical analysis. Students who enroll in the Gold package receive additional publication support, where mentors help guide the manuscript through submission to reputable peer-reviewed journals. Publishing at this level demonstrates achievement at a high academic standard that significantly enhances a student’s college applications.

    grey rectangle

    MedSchoolCoach Research Scholars consistently translate their experiences into powerful essays, standout resumes, and confident interviews. The result: Stronger applications and higher acceptance rates at selective colleges and BS/MD programs.

    mentor
    grey rectangle
    grey rectangle
    grey rectangle
    mentor

    HOW IT WORKS

    Apply Online

    Get started by applying here. The application process takes about 15 minutes. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by our Director of Research. If approved, and after the program fee is paid, your child will be matched with a Ph.D. mentor whose expertise aligns with their specific area of interest.

    Begin Hands-On Research

    Your child engages directly in their research project, designing experiments, analyzing data, and drafting findings while building skills they will use in college, medical school, and beyond.

    Define Research Focus

    Together with their mentor, your student will identify a research pathway designed to highlight intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and commitment to medicine, ensuring the work is both meaningful and admissions-ready.

    Continuous Guidance

    Throughout the program, mentors provide ongoing feedback and support, ensuring that every step is both a learning experience and a building block for future success.

    Showcase Achievements

    Students complete a full research paper under the guidance of their Ph.D. mentor. Those in the Gold package receive additional support from a Ph.D. mentor who guides them in preparing and submitting their paper to reputable peer-reviewed journals. A publication in these journals demonstrates achievement at a high academic level and significantly enhances their college applications

    Apply Online

    Get started by applying here. The application process takes about 15 minutes. Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by our Director of Research. If approved, and after the program fee is paid, your child will be matched with a Ph.D. mentor whose expertise aligns with their specific area of interest.

    Define Research Focus

    Together with their mentor, your student will identify a research pathway designed to highlight intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and commitment to medicine, ensuring the work is both meaningful and admissions-ready.

    Begin Hands-On Research

    Your child engages directly in their research project, designing experiments, analyzing data, and drafting findings while building skills they will use in college, medical school, and beyond.

    Showcase Achievements

    Students complete a full research paper under the guidance of their Ph.D. mentor. Those in the Gold package receive additional support from a Ph.D. mentor who guides them in preparing and submitting their paper to reputable peer-reviewed journals. A publication in these journals demonstrates achievement at a high academic level and significantly enhances their college applications

    Continuous Guidance

    Throughout the program, mentors provide ongoing feedback and support, ensuring that every step is both a learning experience and a building block for future success.

    SAMPLE PROJECTS

    Our students explore cutting-edge topics across science, medicine, and technology, producing high-impact research that strengthens their academic profiles. Here are some examples:

    • Advancing Pancreatic Cancer Predictions Using Generative Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    • Temporal Characterization of Electroencephalogram Slowing Activity Types in Neurological Disorders

    • Enhancing Stock Price Prediction: A Multi-Model Approach with Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages

    • The Impact of Greenhouse Gases, Regions, and Sectors on Future Temperature Anomalies with the FaIR Model

    • Deep Learning for Movement Analysis in Parkinson’s Disease and Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

    SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

    Our research has been featured in leading scientific journals, highlighting groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience, metabolism, and brain-gut communication. Here are some key publications:

    • Acute and Circadian Feedforward Regulation of Agouti-Related Peptide Hunger Neurons
      Cell Metabolism, 2024 Dec DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.11.009
      This study explores how AgRP neurons regulate hunger independently of energy deficits, using long-term in vivo fiber-photometry recordings in mice.

    • Insulin Signalling in Tanycytes Gates Hypothalamic Insulin Uptake and Regulation of AgRP Neuron Activity
      Nature Metabolism, 2021 Dec; 3(12):1662-1679. DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00499-0
      This research identifies tanycytes as key regulators of insulin uptake in the hypothalamus, revealing new insights into metabolic control and feeding behavior.

    • Highly Selective Brain-to-Gut Communication via Genetically Defined Vagus Neurons
      Neuron, 2021 Jul; 109(13):2106-2115. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.05.004
      This study uncovers a highly selective neural pathway between the brain and gut, demonstrating how specific vagus nerve neurons regulate digestive functions.

    Get [TEST] Support Now

    Pricing is tailored to match your needs and goals. Select from the options below to customize your package.

    STEP 1: Choose Graduation year

    Step 2: Choose Tutor Level
    Feature
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Step 3: Choose Plan

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor
    STEP 2: Choose Advisor Level
    Feature
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    STEP 3: Choose Plan

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor
    STEP 2: Choose Advisor Level
    Feature
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Who They Are

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Our Standard Advisors are all physicians who are former admissions committee members and interviewers. They have extensive mentoring background working with pre-med students.

    Best For

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Students who want a eliable, experienced support.

    Experience

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Mentored many pre-med students trough the process.

    Availability

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Widely available.

    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    Selected✓
    STEP 3: Choose Plan

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Highlighted Text

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

    Talk to an Advisor

    Student Success Stories

    • grey rectangle
      This program changed everything for me! I had always been interested in environmental science, but I had no idea how to turn that interest into a real research project. My mentor helped me refine my topic, analyze data, and even prepare my paper for submission. Now, I feel so much more confident applying to top colleges because I have a unique project that truly reflects my passion and skills!
      This program changed everything for me!
    • grey rectangle
      I never thought I could conduct real research as a high school student, but this mentorship program made it possible. My mentor walked me through every step, from choosing a topic to structuring my final paper. I even presented my findings at a youth research symposium! The skills I gained—critical thinking, data analysis, and academic writing—will help me long after high school.
      Conducting Research as a High School Student
    • grey rectangle
      Working one-on-one with a PhD mentor was an amazing experience! I always knew I wanted to go into medicine, but I struggled to find research opportunities. This program helped me explore a topic in neuroscience, which made my college applications so much stronger. Plus, I got the chance to submit my work to an academic journal—something I never imagined I could do before
      I Got to Submit to an Academic Journal!

    Trust Pilot Logo   Frame 60   4.7 Rating on Trustpilot

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Many people think research must be done in person, wearing a lab coat and mixing solutions in test tubes. The reality is that this image is not what research truly is. 

    Wet lab research involves working in a physical laboratory with chemicals, cells, or biological samples, while dry lab research focuses on analyzing data, reviewing scientific literature, or using computational methods. 

    Dry lab research has been growing tremendously in recent years, fueled by rapid advances in technology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. It’s equally respected in academia as compared to wet lab research. For example, a student might analyze public health datasets to study disease patterns or use computational biology to model the effects of new treatments. 

    Students writing research papers from either approach submit to the same peer-reviewed journals, which means there is no real advantage of wet lab research over dry lab research for college admissions.

    Dry lab projects are often faster, more flexible, and more convenient to complete virtually, which makes them especially well-suited for motivated high school students. Wet lab projects often take years to collect enough data for publication, while dry lab research can often reach publication-ready results in a shorter time frame.

    The program is designed to be completed in 10 weeks, with 1 mentorship session per week. However, the schedule is flexible to accommodate your needs. If you have more time, you can complete the 10 sessions over a shorter period. Similarly, if you need additional time due to other commitments, you can extend the program duration. Our goal is to work with your schedule to ensure the best experience.

    You can explore research in a wide variety of fields, including biology, computer science, public health, environmental science, and more. Our program is flexible and allows you to design a project based on your interests and goals. If you’re unsure about a topic, your mentor will help you identify and refine one that aligns with your passions.

    No prior research experience is required. This program is designed to guide students of all skill levels through the research process, from selecting a topic to writing a full paper. Your mentor will provide one-on-one support to ensure you gain the skills needed to succeed.

    Publication is never guaranteed, and that is what makes it so impactful. If everyone can get published, publications would carry little weight in the college admissions process. Students in the Gold Package receive extended mentorship focused on preparing their research for submission to reputable peer-reviewed journals.

    Since it is rare and difficult for high school students to publish, successfully doing so demonstrates academic accomplishment at the highest level and significantly enhances the student’s college application.

    All mentorship sessions are conducted virtually via video calls, making it easy for students to connect with their mentors from anywhere. Additionally, you can communicate with your mentor between sessions via email to ask questions or receive feedback on your work.

    Yes, students who demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and active participation in the program may be eligible to receive a personalized letter of recommendation from their mentor. This letter can highlight your research skills, academic abilities, and commitment to learning, providing a significant boost to your college application.

    However, letters of recommendation are not guaranteed and are awarded at the mentor’s discretion.

    Meet our Coaches

    MedSchoolCoach has assembled the absolute best team of Physician Advisors, Writing Advisors, and MCAT and medical school tutors. The entire coaching team is dedicated to helping you become a physician. Our team consistently goes above and beyond to help students at every step of their medical journey.

    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile
    • Profile picture of Sahil Mehta MD
      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Sahil Mehta MD

      Founder

      Undergraduate: BS, Columbia University

      Medical School: MD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

      Internship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Residency: BIDMC/Harvard University

      Fellowship: MGH/Harvard University

      View Profile

    Educational Resources