Young Scientist Program Summer Focus

Rising seniors in the St. Louis metro who are strong in science and would not otherwise be able to give up a paid summer job. The program has run since 1991 and specifically prioritizes students from historically excluded and underserved communities.

• Completed 11th grade before the program begins in June
• Permanent resident of the St. Louis metro area
• Missouri or Illinois residents only
• No prior research experience required
• Strong interest in science, with priority for students from underrepresented groups

• Eight weeks, roughly June 1 to July 24
• $4,800 stipend before taxes
• Free Metro transit passes
• A research mentor and a specific biomedical project
• Weekly tutoring on the science behind your project
• A scientific research paper you write and a presentation at the annual symposium
• Courses in scientific communication and college preparation

• Online application with personal and educational history
• Academic transcript
• Five short-answer questions, 150 words each
• Two essays, 300 words each
• Two letters of recommendation, one from a math or science teacher
• Interview if you advance

• There are seven separate writing pieces. Start in December and draft them one at a time instead of the week of the deadline.
• Recommendation letters are due about a week after the application, so ask your math or science teacher before winter break.
• Applications are read all together after the deadline, not on a rolling basis, so submitting early gives no advantage. Use the time to revise.
• Only about 15 to 18 scholars are chosen. Use the short answers to show a specific curiosity rather than a general love of medicine.
• Prepare for the March interview by being able to explain, in plain words, something scientific you find interesting and why.

Selection is competitive with interviews in early March and acceptances announced in April. Contact ysp.summerfocus@wustl.edu.