MasterScholar Pre-College Programs: Summer Program Spotlight
March 4, 2025
Research experience has become more valuable than ever during the college admissions process. Why? Genuine, faculty-mentored research is one of the most effective ways to build exceptional inquiry, critical thinking, presentation, and writing skills, all of which are prized by highly selective colleges and universities around the country. These skills are not only evergreen but also transferrable, differentiating you as an exceptional communicator in any major or career path you choose. But how can you build such skills, especially when few high schools offer research opportunities? Enter MasterScholar. One of the most rigorous and rewarding research summer programs available, MasterScholar places a strong emphasis on research skill-building, proper methodology, faculty mentorship, and academic integrity. In today’s blog, we’re covering the ins and outs of MasterScholar’s offerings.
Note: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of MasterScholar Pre-College Summer Programs. Our site only partners with programs that bring significant value to students and the material in this blog is 100% the genuine opinion of College Transitions.
What type of summer programs does MasterScholar offer?
MasterScholar offers four selective, research skills-based summer programs. Held on prestigious college and preparatory school campuses around the country, each program has its own unique focus, but there are several important commonalities.
For starters, every MasterScholar summer program is a collaboration between faculty from an elite university and KSE Global, a leader in rigorous academic enrichment programs. Accordingly, each MasterScholar program is taught by current professors—not graduate students or private instructors. Professors also advise on course content to ensure that it is engaging, challenging, and relevant.
Also, no matter which program you choose, you’ll produce a research project or paper, receive a certificate of completion, and earn either professional-level credits or a project evaluation letter from the program’s faculty, all of which can be included on college applications as competitive differentiating credentials. Finally, at all programs, you will live in a residential setting with similarly curious, talented students and participate in extracurricular activities and outings.
Let’s dive into the highlights of each MasterScholar summer program:
UCSB Summer Research Program
- Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Campus: University of California, Santa Barbara
- Faculty: University of California, Santa Barbara
- Length: 3 weeks
- Academic Focus: Sustainability, engineering, and environmental science
- Skills Developed: Research, critical thinking, collaboration, data analysis, public speaking
Princeton Social Science Academy (PSSA) at The Lawrenceville School
- Location: Lawrenceville, NJ
- Campus: The Lawrenceville School
- Faculty: Princeton University
- Length: 2 weeks
- Academic Focus: Sociology, anthropology, political science, economics
- Skills Developed: Research, critical thinking, global perspective
Barnard Summer Research Program
- Location: New York, NY
- Campus: Barnard College of Columbia University
- Faculty: Barnard College/Columbia University
- Length: 3 weeks
- Academic Focus: Interdisciplinary (STEM, arts, and humanities)
- Skills Developed: Research, academic writing, data analysis, critical thinking, public speaking
North Carolina Math Camp
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Campus: Saint Mary’s School
- Faculty: Duke University
- Length: 2 weeks
- Academic Focus: Advanced mathematics
- Skills Developed: Research, critical thinking, teamwork
Let’s take an even closer look at MasterScholar’s UCSB Summer Research Program and Princeton Social Science Academy, both of which allow you to explore niche subject areas often unavailable to high school students.
What is the UCSB Summer Research Program?
Located on the stunning campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, the UCSB MasterScholar Summer Research Program will immerse you into UCSB’s thriving undergraduate research culture (53% of recent
With your research group, you’ll develop an interdisciplinary research project to present at the Research Showcase, a professional forum that will serve as excellent preparation for future university-level presentations. Along the way, you’ll also build your research communication skills through Introduction to Research Lectures, take part in mentorship and presentation seminars, attend guest lectures, and even receive insight into the UC admissions process from an admissions officer. At the culmination of the program, you’ll then receive PaCE professional-level credits.
As academically rigorous as the UCSB MasterScholar Summer Research Program is, it isn’t all work and no play. UC Santa Barbara is renowned for its focus on student wellness and success, and its beachfront location means that students can immerse themselves in California’s active lifestyle, from surfing to kayaking from standup paddleboarding. Other group activities, like trips to LA, are on the agenda, too.
What is the Princeton Social Science Academy (PSSA)?
With a long tradition of civic engagement and service, Princeton is a dream locale for students interested in the social sciences. Accordingly, the Princeton Social Science Academy (PSSA) is a rare opportunity to dive into the social sciences while being taught and mentored by Princeton faculty, most notably Professor Shamus Rahman Khan, who designed the course. Professor Khan, an expert in culture, inequality, and gender, has written over 100 articles, books, and essays and also received multiple accolades for his teaching and professional achievements. Joining him are tenure-line Princeton faculty in the departments of politics, anthropology, sociology, American Studies, international affairs, and economics.
Throughout the program, small group seminars, fieldwork, and research methodology courses not only develop civic awareness and an understanding of societal challenges but also social inquiry, communication, and teamwork. Students also work on producing social science research papers under close guidance of program faculty. Moreover, while all students will receive an evaluation letter from program faculty, students in the top 15% will have the opportunity to receive a college recommendation letter directly from Professor Shamus Khan.
If you’re a PSSA student, your host campus will be The Lawrenceville School, one of the oldest and most prestigious preparatory schools in the United States. Between its Harkness method-centered pedagogy, high Ivy League acceptance rate, and extensive facilities (think: library, art gallery, cafe, golf course, hockey rink, and even a working campus farm!), Lawrenceville is an ideal place for high-achieving teens to experience a challenging and personally transformative summer. A range of fun and exciting extracurricular and outdoor activities, from scavenger hunts to outdoor frisbee, help students build new connections and relationships.
How much do MasterScholar’s summer programs cost?
Costs range from $6,500-$12,500, depending on location, and include tuition, all course materials, meals, and accommodations.
What are the application requirements?
To apply, you’ll need to be between 15-19 years old (rising tenth through twelfth graders, plus students who may be taking a gap year). Additionally, all programs require students to submit academic records and a personal statement that addresses why they’ll be an excellent fit for MasterScholar’s rigorous programs. International students must submit proof of English proficiency.
Interested in the North Carolina Math Camp? You’ll also need to procure a recommendation from a math or science teacher and solve a set of six math problems designed by NCMC program faculty.
MasterScholar Pre-College Summer Programs — Next Steps
Ready to immerse yourself in challenging academics, build your research skills, and meet new people? Whether you’d like to dive into the social sciences at the Princeton Social Science Academy or explore environmental science and sustainability at the UCSB Summer Research Program, start your MasterScholar application here. Have questions before you do? Reach out to [email protected] for more information about any program.
Looking for additional college preparation resources? Consider checking out the following:
