U Chicago Research in the Biological Sciences (RIBS)
Are you passionate about lab science and seriously considering it for college study or even career? Consider this intensive four-week program at the University of Chicago, in which high school students are exposed to lab techniques and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a real research laboratory. In addition to being an interesting opportunity to try on research science, this program provides the potential for a full time research position the following summer. It’s a great chance to meet real scientists, and to learn about the exciting world of life in a research lab.
This four-week intensive training program is designed to expose students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological techniques currently used in research laboratories. Students are immersed in the research experience, giving them a taste of "life at the bench". Using a project-based approach, the course progresses from a survey of basic lab techniques to the application of current molecular techniques in developmental biology and microbiology. Most of a typical day in RIBS is spent in lab. Lectures will also be presented to provide background and introduce new concepts. Since communication skills are important in science, students will keep lab notebooks and they will make several group presentations. The course ends with a research forum in which the students present the results of their projects. Successful completion of the course will give participants the experience and confidence to work in a research laboratory. On a space available basis, students will be invited back the following year to work in the lab of a University of Chicago research scientist.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors. Students must complete one year of high school biology by the start of the program. This course is the most rigorous of the pre-college offerings in Biology, requiring that students have a demonstrated passion for science, with strong performances in high school biology, math, and chemistry (honors or advanced level preferred if available).
How do I get started? For more information about program specifics and admissions, check out the RIBS website.
How do I expand this narrative arc? This program is competitive, and if you accepted it RIBS it is likely because you’ve demonstrated exceptional achievement in STEM. You’ve now put yourself into a category with all the other math/science geniuses applying to college. How can you stand out?
If you absolutely love RIBS the summer after your sophomore year you might consider deepening your research experience by applying to the Summer Science Program, an ultra-competitive and prestigious summer program run by a coalition of schools including MIT, Purdue and CalTech.
How about spending your next summer at Cooper Union in New York City designing plastic eating bugs or exploring the intersection between engineering and music?
Think about whether there are practical applications in your community for your area of study. Then launch a community impact project that puts this work to good use.
Do you wish that more kids in your school shared your passion for STEM? Start a Tinker Club in your high school where you and friends take apart and rebuild household appliance and other small machines. Or take this idea into a local elementary school where you can ask as a mentor to other budding scientists.
HOT TIP: Summer programs like RIBS are an outstanding way to deepen and broaden your exposure to research science and determine whether research is part of your college or career path. RIBS is also a great way to meet other teens who share your passion. Just make sure not to leave behind your passion for research when your summer ends. Extend your work by enlisting the help of a supportive teacher or professional in your home community so that you can continue the great work you’ve started.
See below for more information about summer programs in general.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SUMMER PROGRAMS: College admissions officers are very adept at identifying “resume padders”: expensive, one-off programs paid for by your parents which do not mesh with your narrative arc. Therefore, make sure any summer program or course you consider falls into one (or more) of these four buckets:
Highly selective/competitive
Totally unique + linked to your narrative arc
Evidence of adulthood (long hours, multi-year commitment or simply hard work)
A jumping off point or expansion for an authentic narrative arc.
If none of the above apply, a program could still have value to you if it allows you to test a potential interest. However, if it does not end up being a jumping off point for further interests, then you may not want to mention it in your high school resume