Research
RIBS (Research in the Biological Sciences)
RIBS is a 4-week residential program run by University of Chicago Summer Session. Open to: 10th and 11th grade students.
- Last cycle's deadline
- Priority February 11, 2026
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 4 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students spend most of each day in the lab, starting with two weeks of training in molecular, microbiological and cell biology techniques. They then work on independent projects and present results at a closing research forum.
- Molecular biology
- Microbiology
- Cell biology
- Laboratory research
Key facts
- Run by
- University of Chicago Summer Session
- Where
- Chicago, IL (residential)
- Who can apply
- 10th and 11th grade studentsHigh school biology is required.
- Dates
- June 13 to July 11 (course dates June 15 to July 10)These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $15,200; $75 application fee
- Deadline
- Priority February 11, 2026; regular March 12, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.
Official program siteOfficial application pageUniversity of Chicago admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
- Parent or financial forms
Transcript, two short essays, a writing sample, one letter of recommendation, a parent or guardian confirmation, and a $75 application fee.
How a mentor helps with your RIBS application
- Decide whether RIBS fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the RIBS deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEOPArmy Educational Outreach Program | Multiple locationsCommuter | Current high school students (also open to undergraduates) | Free with stipend | Varies by position; applications are always openLast cycle’s date |
| Clark ScholarsTexas Tech University | Lubbock, TXResidential | Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates | Free with stipend | February 15, 2027, 11:59 pm CT |
| GarciaGarcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NYResidential or commuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Paid | Not posted |
| LLPPrinceton University Science Outreach | Princeton, NJCommuter | Local New Jersey high school students age 16 or older | Free | March 15, 2026, 11:59 pm ESTLast cycle’s date |
| REACHScripps Research | La Jolla, CACommuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Free with stipend | March 22, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| RISEBoston University Summer Term | Boston, MAResidential or commuter | Current high school juniors (entering senior year) | Paid, aid available | February 3, 2027, 11:59 pm Eastern |
Frequently asked questions
When is the RIBS application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was Priority February 11, 2026; regular March 12, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does RIBS cost?
$15,200; $75 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to RIBS?
10th and 11th grade students. High school biology is required.
What does the RIBS application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Application fee, Parent or financial forms. Transcript, two short essays, a writing sample, one letter of recommendation, a parent or guardian confirmation, and a $75 application fee.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
