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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

Harvard's Project Success – 8 Reasons to Apply

There are several specialist fields in STEM, like biomedical science, that merit some extra effort and commitment to learn. While you’ll learn a lot in high school, there are plenty of pre-college programs you can enroll in if you’re serious about pursuing higher studies or a career in such specialist fields. Not only will these programs help you develop your foundational knowledge in these subjects, but they will also look good on your profile when it comes time for college applications. 


Today’s blog is a deep dive into one such opportunity offered by the Harvard School of Medicine - Project Success.


What is Project Success?

Harvard Medical School’s Project Success is a six-week internship program that aims to open doors to biomedical careers for high school students from Boston and Cambridge, especially those underrepresented in medicine or from disadvantaged backgrounds. You’ll be spending your summer in Harvard’s top labs, where you'll work alongside and receive mentoring from leading scientists and physicians. The program also includes seminars, workshops, and career guidance, to further round out your academic learning as well as provide guidance and support for your future studies and career.


How is Project Success structured?

Project Success is comprised of:

  • The six weeks of paid internship, where you will be linked with a senior scientist or physician at a Harvard Medical School or affiliated research lab, and engage in hands-on research work that has a direct bearing on their work.

  • Several rich educational opportunities like site visits to hospitals and biotechnology organizations, writing workshops, academic seminars, and other special programs.

  • Continued support, career guidance from assigned mentors and research advisors, and networking opportunities with peers in other summer programs.

Across the six weeks, you’ll not only be doing hands-on research for real, impactful projects, but you’ll also develop your technical skills, critical thinking, and writing ability. All of this is doubly valuable as Harvard prefers to draw applicants from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, meaning that you will reap even more benefits from this exposure. 


Is it prestigious?

Owing to its affiliation with Harvard Medical School, its fully funded nature, as well as the competitive nature of its application, we rate the program as prestigious! 

This is offset by the program being limited to students only from Boston and Cambridge. Still, there’s no denying the enormous exposure and learning on offer, so we rate this program as a prestigious one that should surely be on your radar.


Who is eligible for Project Success?

To be eligible for Project Success, you must:

  • Reside in Boston or Cambridge, MA.

  • Be a high school junior or senior, at least 16 years old by July 8, 2024, particularly from a racial or ethnic background underrepresented in medicine and/or from a disadvantaged background.

  • Have maintained a GPA of 2.70 or higher, having completed courses in biology, algebra, and chemistry.


How does the application process work?

An application to Project Success requires the following:

  • Your PSAT, SAT, or ACT scores, if you’ve taken these exams.

  • Your current GPA.

  • An online recommendation from a science teacher.

  • Responses to multiple short answer questions about:

  • Any special rewards or honors you’ve received.

  • Details of extracurricular activities you’ve participated in.

  • Special interests and national organizations.

  • What you would like to gain from Project Success.

  • Three talents that have made you successful in your academic journey.

  • A change you’d like to see and contribute to in your community

  • You’ll also need to write a 250-350 word statement of interest, detailing your academic journey, your interest in the biomedical field, and how Project Success can help you achieve your goals.


8 reasons to apply

  1. You will receive mentorship from Harvard's best: You’ll benefit from direct access to mentorship by esteemed Harvard scientists and researchers.

  2. You will gain hands-on research experience: You’ll perform real-world biomedical research in cutting-edge laboratories, enhancing your practical and technical research and observation skills.

  3. You will be able to enhance college applications: Participation in an internship program run by Harvard Medical School is a standout feature in any college application, especially if you’re applying for STEM and biomedical degrees.

  4. You will receive areer and academic guidance: A significant part of the program comprises comprehensive career counseling and academic guidance throughout the program.

  5. You can participate in multiple networking opportunities: You’ll also get to connect with other high-achieving students, Harvard faculty, and biomed professionals.

  6. The program offers a stipend: You will be paid for your participation, making it a financially viable opportunity, and a prestigious addition to your resume + college application!.

  7. Participation can offer solid access to future opportunities: Alumni often receive opportunities for further education and career advancements.

  8. The program is very inclusive: The program focuses on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds, providing you with education, facilities, and technology that you may otherwise not have had access to.


If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs


This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. 


You can find the application link here


One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in medicine, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.


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