Have you ever wanted to explore the world of research before starting college? The Garcia Summer Program is one of the best research programs for high school students.
This program is designed for high school students who are passionate about exploration and innovation, offering a chance to turn curiosity into real-world impact. Active researchers give daily talks on the latest research topics, while students also participate in group experiments to apply what they’ve learned about materials research.
If this sounds exciting to you, keep reading to learn more about the Garcia Summer Program and how you can apply.
- What Is the Garcia Summer Program?
- Garcia Summer Program Acceptance Rate
- Garcia Summer Program Application Deadline
- Garcia Summer Program Requirements
- How to Get into the Garcia Summer Program
- Why Join the Garcia Summer Program?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is the Garcia Summer Program?
The Garcia Summer Program is a seven-week program, held from June 26 to August 8 at Stony Brook University. It offers structured classes for gifted high school students and the chance to conduct independent research with guidance from the Garcia Center’s faculty, students, and staff.
You will also design and execute original research projects and can extend your involvement into the academic year through the Mentor Program. This year-long project pairs you with a faculty mentor to plan your research activities.
The Garcia Summer Program at Stony Brook begins with three days of lab safety training, followed by a test. Then, it continues with daily lectures on current research and group experiments—such as spin-casting polymer thin films and measuring their thickness with an ellipsometer.
Aside from academic activities, the program also includes barbecues, softball games, a canoe trip, a fishing excursion, and a museum visit.
On the final day of the program, you will participate in a student research symposium. Here, each student presents their experiment and results to an audience of students, parents, science teachers, high school principals, and Stony Brook faculty.
You’ll also receive a yearbook, which includes the following:
- Photos. Individual photos of all students, often alongside their mentors and staff. There are also Informal group photos from social activities like barbecues, trips, and other events organized during the program.
- Project abstracts. Summaries of each student’s research project, outlining their objectives, methods, and key findings. These abstracts highlight the diverse range of topics studied.
- Program highlights. A recap of various activities and milestones, including lab safety training, daily lectures, group experiments, and the final research symposium.
- Awards and recognitions. Information about awards or recognitions received by participants.
- Student reflections. Personal reflections from students about their experiences, what they learned, and how the program has influenced their academic and career aspirations.
- Mentor contributions. Acknowledgments of the contributions made by mentors, including high school teachers, graduate students, and faculty members who guided the students’ research projects.
Mentorship continues even after the program! With guidance from Garcia staff and mentors, you can choose to write a 20-page research paper for competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
Several students have even obtained patents for their work. Some write and submit papers to professional journals and present their projects at conferences like the American Physical Society and the Materials Research Society Fall Symposium.
Garcia Summer Program Acceptance Rate
The Garcia Summer Program acceptance rate is about 10-15%, making it highly competitive.
Each year, only around 50 students are selected from a large pool of candidates. This low acceptance rate reflects the program’s rigorous selection criteria and its prestige in the field of scientific research for high school students.
After all, students get hands-on experience with experiments. On top of that, you can do your own original research projects under the guidance of a mentor.
Garcia Summer Program Application Deadline
All materials must be submitted on or before March 3, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
When you send in your application, you should get a confirmation email, which also says that decisions will be released around mid-April.
Garcia Summer Program Requirements
Interested in joining the Garcia Summer Research Program? The first thing you’ll need is make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the required documents.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Garcia Summer Program, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old on or before July 4, 2025, with no exceptions.
- Have an unweighted GPA of 95/100 (3.8/4.0).
- Have completed at least three of the following subjects:
- English (Honors or AP/IB a plus)
- Chemistry (Honors or AP/IB a plus)
- Mathematics or Calculus (Honors or AP/IB a plus)
- Physics (Honors or AP/IB a plus)
- Biology (optional) (Honors or AP/IB a plus)
Required documents
Some documents you’ll need to submit with your application form are:
- Achieved standardized test scores (SAT/ACT and/or Regents) in the 60th percentile or above.
- Evidence of leadership, special talents or interests, and other personal qualities through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other non-academic pursuits (if applicable).
- Transcript of grades (can be sent by your school).
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from your Science Coordinator/Teacher. Use the Teacher Recommendation Letter Coversheet. Recommendation letters and coversheets must be included in sealed envelopes with the application.
Program costs
You need to pay a non-refundable $50 registration fee, payable by check or wire transfer. Make checks payable to “SUNY Stony Brook” or include the wire transfer receipt in your application package. Details for wire transfers are provided in the application form.
You should also consider other program costs:
- Laboratory usage fee: $4,000
- Room (if boarding): $2507.00 ($54.50/night)
- Mandatory starter meal plan (if boarding): $120.00 (lasts approximately 1 week, and more can be added as needed)
- Mandatory student health services fee: $60.25
How to Get into the Garcia Summer Program
The Garcia Summer Research Program application can be completed online. The process is straightforward enough, with additional instructions being given once you’ve completed the first part of the application.
But to help you along the way, below are the major steps you shouldn’t miss.
Step 1: Submit part 1 of the application.
Before you can send in anything else, you’ll need to submit part 1 of the application first. This will ask for basic information, such as:
- High school information
- Your current grade level
- Expected high school graduation date
Remember to use your personal email, and not a guardian’s or school-hosted emails.
After part 1, you’ll find part 2 and instructions on submitting letters of recommendation and transcripts at personalized links in your email.
Step 2: Get strong letters of recommendation.
The Garcia Summer Program requires three letters of recommendation, with one of them being from your Science teacher. The other two can be from teachers of any subject—however, make sure that they are mentors who can vouch for your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential.
Ask your teachers for recommendations as soon as possible so they have enough time to reflect on you and write a strong letter.
Step 3: Compile proof of your extracurricular activities.
If you have any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and other non-academic pursuits that showcase your leadership, special talents or interests, and other personal qualities, then you should compile proof of all that as well.
The Garcia Summer Program doesn’t really require those documents, but you’ll receive special consideration if you submit them.
Step 4: Finish part 2 of the application.
Part 2 will delve more into your academic background and reasons for wanting to join the program. For instance, you should self-report standardized test scores—but remember you’ll be submitting the documents as well, so your scores will need to match.
As for the essays, be prepared with the following:
- Your reasons for wanting to participate in the Garcia Center Summer Scholar Program.
- A list of your previous research experience (including research-oriented courses you have or are currently taking).
- An idea for research in any area of engineering you’d like to pursue if given the chance.
In part 2 of the application, you’ll also see details for wire transfers and check mailing to pay for the $50 registration fee.
Step 5: Double-check everything before submitting them by March 3, 2025.
The deadline for the Garcia Summer Program is strictly March 3, 2025.
The application form has a checklist of documents and information you should submit. Double-check everything and see that you’ve followed instructions. For instance, letters of recommendation will need to be sealed in individual envelopes or sent to the program’s email address with the right subject area.
Aim to complete all documents and forms days before the deadline so you still have time in case you overlooked something.
Why Join the Garcia Summer Program?
The Garcia Summer Program is highly regarded and offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable experience for many students. Here are some reasons why the program is worth considering, along with factors to keep in mind:
1. Research experience
You’ll gain hands-on experience in advanced research, working on real-world projects in materials science and engineering. This is an advantage for your future academic and career pursuits.
2. Mentorship
You’ll receive guidance from experienced mentors, including university faculty, graduate students, and researchers. This mentorship helps you develop your research skills and provides insights into the scientific community.
3. Academic and career advancement
Alumni of the program often get accepted into prestigious universities and achieve significant recognition in scientific competitions. This can greatly enhance your college applications and open doors to future opportunities.
4. Networking opportunities
The program fosters a strong sense of community, allowing you to form lasting friendships and professional connections with peers who share similar interests. These relationships are beneficial throughout your academic and professional career.
5. Recognition and awards
Many participants have won major awards in competitions such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search and International Science and Engineering Fair. Some have even obtained patents for their research.
6. Publication opportunities
You often have the chance to publish your research in peer-reviewed journals and present your findings at national conferences, further enhancing your academic profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the acceptance rate for the Garcia Scholar program?
Getting into the Garcia Summer Program is quite competitive with an acceptance rate of around 10-15%. Each year, the program accepts approximately 50 students out of a large pool of applicants. Applicants need a high GPA (95/100 or 3.8/4.0) and strong performance in standardized tests (60th percentile or above).
2. Where has the Garcia Summer Program alumni gone after?
Alumni of the Garcia Summer Program have achieved success in both academic and professional fields. Many have been accepted into prestigious universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and other top schools, where they continue their studies in various scientific and engineering disciplines.
3. Is the Garcia Summer Program prestigious?
Yes, the Garcia Summer Program is prestigious, and known for its extensive selection process and strict academic standards. The program’s emphasis on hands-on research and mentorship from experts in the field, along with the success of its alumni, contributes to its esteemed reputation.
4. What topics were covered in the Garcia Summer Program in previous years?
Some specific research areas chosen by students include nanotechnology and nanomaterials, polymer science, 3D printing, photovoltaic cells, biomedical engineering, catalyst efficiency, and material characterization.
Takeaways
The Garcia Summer Program is a great option if you’ve always wanted to explore research more deeply before entering college.
- The Garcia Summer Program lasts for seven weeks and is held at Stony Brook University. Here, you can experience structured classes and hands-on research under the guidance of the institution’s faculty.
- The acceptance rate is low at 10-15%.
- If you want to apply for the program, submit all requirements by March 3, 2025. Double-check all your documents before you submit them.
- There are many benefits to participating in the Garcia Summer Research Program—such as gaining research experience, advancing academic and career goals, and gaining networking opportunities.
- If you want to get into the Garcia Summer Program (or any other summer program) to boost your chances of getting into a top-tier university, a private consultant can help you decide which programs are best for your career goals.
Author
