SUMMER 2026
Research Program
The Scholars Lab
TWO WEEKS TO TRANSFORM YOUR APPLICATION COMPLETELY
A publishable research paper bootcamp, led by a published AI researcher and an international school counselor and educator of over 15-years in Korea — for a select group of 6 to 8 students only.
GANGNAM · JUNE 22 – JULY 3, 2026
WHY THIS PROGRAM EXISTS
Most students have the intelligence and some capabilities. But, what they lack is a mentor who can turn their curiosity into something publishable — and a counselor who knows exactly how that paper can be useful lands in an admissions office.
The honest truth about research programs for high schoolers: most of them give you a certificate, a professor's name on a Zoom screen, and a paper that no admissions officer takes seriously. We built something different.
In two weeks of intensive, in-person work in Gangnam, you will go from a vague research interest to a real, structured, publishable academic paper — guided by a PhD researcher with peer-reviewed publications in ACL and ICML, and a 15-year international school veteran who has written excellent, successful teacher recommendations that got students into the schools you're aiming for.
This is not a lecture series. It is not a simulation. You will do actual research, receive actual feedback, and leave with an actual document you can submit.
WHY THIS PROGRAM EXISTS
A Complete Research Paper
Structured, formatted, and ready for submission to a youth academic journal — a real entry on your activities list.
A Publication Roadmap
Know exactly where and how to submit your work, with guidance on which journals accept high school research.
A Standout Application Story
Your counselor mentor understands exactly what US admissions offices look for — and will help you frame the work compellingly.
Real Academic Skills
Literature review, argumentation, methodology, citation — skills that transfer directly into university-level work.
YOUR TWO MENTORS
The Educator
Over 15 Years · International School Teacher, Counselor & Principal
Jonathan has taught English literature, academic writing, world history, psychology, and drama. Has personally guided students into top US universities and written the recommendations that opened those doors. Knows how an admissions officer thinks — and will make sure your paper and your story are inseparable.
The Researcher
PhD Candidate · Published in ACL & ICML
Chris is an active researcher in AI and data science with peer-reviewed publications in two of the most competitive computer science conferences in the world. Will guide your methodology, your argument, and your data — the way a real academic advisor would.
TWO-WEEK STRUCTURE
Research foundation & design
Days 1–2: Define your research question and scope.
Days 3–4: Literature review and methodology design.
Day 5: First full draft outline reviewed by both mentors.
Writing, revision & publication strategy
Days 6–8: Writing intensive with real-time feedback.
Days 9–10: Full paper review, academic formatting, and final polish. Final session: Publication roadmap and application narrative strategy.
HOW WE COMPARE
OTHER PROGRAMS
—Online only, 6-month timeline
—Professors appear via Zoom for 1–2 hours
—Papers rarely publishable in practice
—No connection to admissions strategy
—20–50+ students per cohort
THIS PROGRAM
✓ In-person, intensive, 2 weeks
✓ Mentors work with you every day
✓ Structured for actual publication
✓ Built into your application story
✓ 6–8 students. Period.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What grade level is this for?
Best suited for students in grades 9–11 who want to build a meaningful research credential before applying to US universities. Students in grade 12 may also apply if their applications are not yet submitted.
Does my child need prior research experience?
No. Curiosity and commitment are the only prerequisites. The program is designed to take students from zero to a complete paper, regardless of prior experience.
What subjects can the research be in?
Students choose their own research focus. The AI/data science mentor is most equipped to advise on technology, social data, and quantitative topics, while the educator mentor can support humanities, social sciences, psychology, and interdisciplinary areas.
Can this actually be published?
The goal is a paper that is structurally ready for submission to youth academic journals. Publication depends on the journal's review process, which continues after the program ends. Your publication roadmap will include specific journals and next steps.