Research
RMP (Research Mentorship Program)
RMP is a About 7 weeks residential or commuter program run by UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions. Open to: 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted case by case).
- Application deadline
- March 8, 2027
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- About 7 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
Students are paired with a UCSB mentor, choose a research project, and do university-level research over the summer. They also attend the GRIT talks lecture series and present their work at the end.
- Interdisciplinary research
- Research presentation
- Technical writing
Key facts
- Run by
- UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions
- Where
- Santa Barbara, CA (residential or commuter)
- Who can apply
- 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted case by case)Minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA; students must attend the entire program and cannot enroll in other courses at the same time.
- Dates
- June 14 to July 30, 2027 (virtual component June 14 to 16)
- Cost
- 2026: $5,675 commuter total ($5,600 tuition and program fees plus $75 application fee); $13,274 residential total, which adds $7,599 housing and meals
- Deadline
- March 8, 2027Application opens December 15, 2026.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Application fee
An unofficial transcript, one 500-word personal statement, four short responses of up to 150 words each, optional AP score reports, and a $75 application fee.
How a mentor helps with your RMP application
- Decide whether RMP 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 RMP deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REACHScripps Research | La Jolla, CACommuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Free with stipend | March 22, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| SIMRStanford University School of Medicine | Stanford, CACommuter | Current juniors and seniors as of fall 2026 (graduating classes of 2027 or 2028) | Free | Late February 2027 (the 2026 deadline was February 21, 2026) |
| SIPUC Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CAResidential or commuter | High school students ages 14 to 17 for the duration of the program | Paid, aid available | February 26, 2027 at 12:00 noon PST |
| SRAUC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions | Santa Barbara, CAResidential or commuter | 9th, 10th, or 11th grade | Paid, aid available | March 22, 2027 |
| SRCCaltech Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach | Pasadena, CACommuter | Rising 10th to 12th graders in Pasadena Unified School District high schools | Not posted | Not posted |
| UC San Diego Research ScholarsUC San Diego Division of Extended Studies | La Jolla, CAHybrid | High school students | Paid | Not posted |
Frequently asked questions
When is the RMP application deadline?
The deadline is March 8, 2027. The application opens December 15, 2026.
How much does RMP cost?
2026: $5,675 commuter total ($5,600 tuition and program fees plus $75 application fee); $13,274 residential total, which adds $7,599 housing and meals. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to RMP?
10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted case by case). Minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA; students must attend the entire program and cannot enroll in other courses at the same time.
What does the RMP application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Application fee. An unofficial transcript, one 500-word personal statement, four short responses of up to 150 words each, optional AP score reports, 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.