What is the UCSB Research Mentorship Program?

Hosted by UC Santa Barbara, the UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) is a 7-week summer program for high school sophomores and juniors to engage in interdisciplinary university-level research.

Students work with a mentor (graduate student, postdoc, or faculty) and choose their research project from a list of disciplines, from chemistry to sociology.

Participants gain insight into research techniques and participate in a series of lectures about ongoing research projects.

Students are expected to dedicate 35 to 50 hours of work each week to research, and will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, do data collection, and describe their findings in a technical research paper.

Why do the UCSB Research Mentorship Program?

The UCSB Research Mentorship Program offers college credits to students who have completed the program.

It is unique because it allows students to explore areas of interest from a wide variety of interdisciplinary research topics. 

It also offers students the opportunity to do hands-on research. This is invaluable for students who want to go to ISEF or participate in other STEM competitions.

How much does the program cost?

In 2026, the commuter program cost $5,675, and the residential option cost $13,274 (including food and board).

A limited number of scholarships are available and are awarded based on financial need, qualifications, and availability. Priority is given to California residents. 

Who is eligible for the UCSB Research Mentorship Program?   

All applicants must meet these requirements:

• Be a high school student in the 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders are accepted on a case-by-case basis)

• Have a minimum 3.80 academic weighted GPA requirement 

• Attend the program in its entirety, starting with the virtual component and ending with the closing events

• Students may not concurrently enroll in other courses, activities, or programs during RMP

• International Students: TOEFL/English language proficiency exam scores are NOT needed for International applicants.

  
  

How do you apply?

The application components are:  

• Unofficial transcript including the first trimester or semester grades of the current school year   

• 500-word personal statement describing your goals, values, and reasons for applying   

• 1 academic recommender to complete a recommendation form on your behalf; letters of recommendation are not accepted    

• Writing sample that demonstrates your writing ability (up to 3 pages, can be from a science, history, or english discipline)    

• 150-word short responses (prompts range from describing a setback you've faced to an idea that you're excited about learning)   AP score report (can be downloaded from College Board)    

You apply online at the UCSB website, and you’ll be informed of your admission decision three to six weeks afterwards.

The acceptance rate is traditionally around 4-6%.

How to Get Into UC Santa Barbara RMP    

Since this program is highly competitive, you need to have an exceptional application to distinguish yourself in the applicant pool.

If you’re a program hopeful, make sure you follow these steps to get in.

Start early

Giving yourself ample time to prepare your application will reflect on the overall quality of your application.

In competitive programs like these, it’s best to start on your essays and short responses weeks before the deadline so you have enough time to reread and revise.

In addition, starting your application early ensures that your recommender has enough time to prepare their materials on your behalf.

Keep in mind that your recommender will receive an email to complete the form after your application is submitted, so make sure to plan accordingly.

The rule of thumb is to ask for letters of recommendation at least two weeks in advance.

Highlight your personality and achievements.

Make sure to hammer home who you are as a person and why you deserve a spot in the program over everyone else.

Show the reader who you are and illustrate that with extracurriculars you do that highlight your personality and values.

Consider what the program values

The UC Santa Barbara Research Program puts special emphasis on intellectual exploration and the pursuit of big questions in science and humanities.

Think about what you’ve done to delve into subjects of interest outside of the classroom and how your curiosity will serve you in the program.

In programs like RMP, where admissions are extremely competitive, it's useful to have a unique theme that will serve as your differentiating factor, whether it be environmental awareness or policy research.

Center your activities and essays around this factor so you will remain memorable in the eyes of the admission committee and differentiate yourself in the applicant pool.

Grab the reader’s attention

Last but definitely not least, be attention-grabbing in your essays. Make sure you start with a strong hook and use memorable, impactful words.

Highlight your humanity and be vulnerable when necessary.

Fulfill all application criteria.

Make sure that you’ve fulfilled all requirements prior to the deadline.

Do not risk a void application because of late or missing materials.

Attending the UCSB RMP  

Participating in the UC Santa Barbara Research Program is an excellent way to gain practical research experience and gain invaluable mentorship from renowned faculty.

These are such experiences looked favorably upon in college admissions and will boost to your application.