Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
Table of Contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is the Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal (IRIS) Program?
3.
Eligibility and Application Process
4.
Life as an IRIS Scholar
5.
My Story and Testimonial
6.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
7.
Next Steps: Life After IRIS
8.
Final Thoughts and Tips
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
1. Introduction
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
The IRIS program offers students a unique opportunity to gain research experience in a variety
of fields. The program is designed for students who want to explore the limits of what is known.
It allows them to collaborate with mentors, share their research, and gain first-hand experience
in academia.
For many students, admitted to such a program can make a big difference, especially if full
financial support is available. This guide is made to provide potential applicants with information
about the program and advice for the challenging application process. If you have a strong interest
in science, technology, social sciences or any other field, this guide will be a useful tool for you. It
will explain the different steps of the application process, techniques for creating a memorable
application, common mistakes to watch out for, and most importantly, how to present yourself as
a unique applicant who can make an impact on research.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
2. What is the Indigo Intensive
Research seasonal (IRIS)
Program
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
2.1. Introduction to the IRIS Program
The Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal (IRIS) Program is an academic research program for
high school students aged 14–19 who are enthusiastic about learning about academic research
and improving their critical thinking abilities. Students are able to delve deeply into topics
throughout the Genetics, AI, Comp Science, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Politics
& History, or Psychology via the program's connections to renowned mentors from Harvard,
Stanford, Columbia, Cornell, and more.
Indigo Research provides a network of mentors and various resources specifically designed for
high school students who want to get involved in extracurricular activities. As you take charge of
your own exploration fueled by curiosity and motivation, Indigo is set up to give you solid
guidance and support. With the help of experienced mentors, you can expect a meaningful and
unforgettable learning experience.
Students in the IRIS Program have the opportunity to engage in authentic research projects
over the summer and winter terms and complete a publishable research paper in weeks.
2.2. IRIS's Prestige and Importance
The IRIS Program offers students a unique opportunity to build a solid academic portfolio. At
the end of the program, many participants will have completed projects that can be included in
their college applications or future academic endeavors. Some people may have their research
published in scholarly journals, which can give them a competitive advantage when applying to
colleges or seeking scholarships.
Many IRIS Program graduates report that their experiences had a significant impact on their
academic careers, typically leading them to pursue research or academic-based degrees. The
program emphasizes skills like critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific writing, which can
be utilized in a variety of academic and professional settings.
Furthermore, the program's research typically addresses practical, real-world concerns. The
work done by IRIS students, whether in environmental studies, healthcare advances, or
technology advancements, has the potential to effect actual change, supporting the program's
goal of developing a new generation of problem solvers.
Why apply to the IRIS Program?
• Complete your publishable research paper in just 6 weeks.
• Join small classes of no more than 9 other students from 30+ countries, 100% online.
• 30+ hours of lessons with top university faculty, plus individualized support from a PhD
teaching assistant.
• All programs are eligible for credit from the University of California (UCSB).
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
• After IRIS, join our Masterclass series on how to use research in your college apps, from
our Ivy-grad Indigo executives.
Enhances Your Research Experience: With Indigo by your side, you won’t have to figure
everything out on your own as a new researcher. Indigo is thoughtfully created to help enthusiastic
students pursue their interests while receiving guidance from mentors. This support transforms
a tough journey into an enlightening and rewarding learning experience.
Boosts Your Potential: When you choose Indigo for your research adventure, you can aim for
greater heights than you ever imagined. The small group sessions, well-structured mentoring
program, and highly skilled mentors will not restrict your exploration. Instead, they will help you
stay on track at every important step, from crafting an interesting and credible research topic and
thesis to conducting thorough research and producing a well-argued draft and final paper.
Assistance with Publishing: Indigo also offers valuable advice to help you navigate the publishing
process as you approach the end of your project.
Also, applying to the IRIS Program is more than just getting research experience; it's about
joining a community of people who share your interests and are committed to learning and
solving complex challenges. The program gives high school students a unique opportunity to dig
into the field of research, frequently resulting in projects that can have a long-term impact in
both academic and professional sectors.
IRIS allows students who are passionate about research to accelerate their academic careers.
The opportunities for mentorship and networking, as well as access to advanced research tools
and methods, make for an invaluable experience. Furthermore, eligible students can receive
financial aid to ensure that the program remains accessible to talented individuals from a wide
range of socioeconomic situations.
From my experience, I can vouch for the value of online research programs, especially the Indigo
Intensive Program. The program not only provided top-notch faculty from prestigious
universities, but also a well-structured curriculum that allowed me to delve deeply into research.
One thing that stood out was how, despite the program's virtual nature, I felt a strong sense of
connection with the faculty and peers. The collaborative and supportive environment fostered by
Indigo made the online experience feel personal and engaging. Indigo's emphasis on publication
support is a game-changer. Seeing myself actively encouraged to submit work to high-level
journals and conferences truly showcased the program's commitment to academic excellence.
The one-on-one mentorship, coupled with a focus on maturity, independence, and critical
thinking, has significantly contributed to my growth. College admissions are so competitive
these days. The exposure to a broader range of faculty, research options, and the chance to stand
out in college admissions make it a valuable experience.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
3.1. Who Can Apply?
If you are a high school student from 14-19 years old, you can apply to the program; you’re your
own money, but if you are aiming for full financial need, you will have certain conditions. Firstly,
the IRIS accepts eight students from all over the world each year with full financial needs, and
they can attend any IRIS course. The other way is getting accepted from the NYAS-IRIS
partnership, which I was selected from this year from 16 students all over the world with full
financial aid also. The competition pool is so hard in either way, but I will explain my whole
application process through the partnership.
3.2. Application Component Overview
When applying to the Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal (IRIS) Program, your goal is to showcase
both your academic capabilities and your passion for research. Also, I would recommend
answering the questions thoughtfully. Here are the sample questions I had while applying:
1. What would you change to improve the world related to your IRIS topic? Why and how
would you change/improve it?
2. What is your proudest academic achievement? What are the skills you used to accomplish
it?
3. Do you have prior research experience? If so, please list any research projects, experiences,
internships, etc.
4. How would this scholarship benefit you? Please provide details of any financial hardship
your family has experienced, if applicable.
5. Is there anything else you'd like to tell us before submitting your NYAS-IRIS scholarship
application?
3.3. How to build a strong application
For the first question, you should showcase your enthusiasm for a particular issue within your
chosen field. Focus on the creative solutions you can come up with, not just the problem at hand.
Utilize evidence-based justification to demonstrate the practical strategies for enhancement.
Demonstrate curiosity and critical thinking, as they are important qualities valued by the
program.
For the second one, choose an achievement that showcases not just your smarts and academics
but also your perseverance and problem-solving skills. Describe the particular abilities (such as
time management, research, teamwork, and analytical thinking) you employed and explain how
they qualify you for the IRIS Program. Avoid the cliché sentences.
For the second third, if you have previous research experience, describe how it has equipped you
for more advanced research. Even if you lack professional experience, highlight self-learning,
academic assignments, or related extracurricular activities that demonstrate research or
analytical skills.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
Fourth one, tell the truth about your financial status. Describe how this opportunity could allow
you to achieve your educational aspirations in ways that would not be possible otherwise, and how
the program will have a lasting impact on your schooling.
Last one, it is your opportunity now to provide any additional details that demonstrate why you
are an ideal match for the program. This question is optional but I advise you to answer it and
don’t leave it blank. Share a distinctive aspect of yourself, such as your enthusiasm for
interdisciplinary studies, your ability to lead, or personal stories showcasing your dedication to
research.
3.4. Standing out in the application pool
The IRIS Program is competitive, so it’s important to make your application stand out. Here are
some of the tips I used:
• Choose a Unique Research Focus
Write about the world change you want to see using a topic that matches IRIS's research themes
and is unique to you. Admissions officers seek applicants who have unique ideas; therefore, do not
hesitate to think boldly or unconventionally.
• Show Motivation
The ability to take advantage of any opportunity is a crucial trait for a strong candidate. If you
have conducted personal research, started a club at school, or worked on a project beyond the
classroom, make sure to talk about these experiences. Demonstrate self-motivation and initiative
in areas that spark your curiosity.
• Keep Growing
IRIS and similar programs seek applicants who are eager to develop and enhance their skills. Give
examples of times when you encountered difficulties but persevered and learned from them.
Demonstrate how you utilized resilience to overcome challenges, whether it was a complex
research topic or an unexpected obstacle in a project.
• Tell your story.
Make sure that your application is coherent. Combine your individual passions, scholastic
achievements, and research background to create a unique story for yourself and demonstrate how
the IRIS Program will assist you in achieving your future objectives.
• Describe the program's impact.
Admissions officers are interested in understanding how this opportunity will positively impact
you in the future. Write about how participating in the IRIS program will help you achieve your
future goals, and explain why this program is the next step in your academic and professional
journey, whether you plan to continue research in college or apply the skills to help your
community.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
My golden tip is to understand the program’s mission, read the website well, and make sure that
you understand every word. Another tip is to focus on showing your passion for research.
IRIS and similar programs evaluate qualities beyond academic performance. They also want to
see you as a person, your life beyond academics. It is important to highlight any past experiences
in writing, presentations, or working in teams.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
4. Life as an IRIS Scholar
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
As a scholar in IRIS, you will have in the first half of Week 6= 4 weeks
• IRIS class time: 6 hours (T/Th)
Your Calendar will be:
• IRIS Focus Days: 4-5 hours of steady work, one day per week
• IRIS Homework Days: 1-2 hours of work, 3 days per week
• IRIS Writing Hour: 45-60 min of writing, 3 days per week
Be careful to realistically factor in other activities, taking breaks, holidays and events.
Week 1 will be an introduction you will gain:
• Familiar with our IRIS cohort and values
• Aware of a broad range of engineering challenges
• Starting to form an idea of your topic preferences
• Understand the need for a systematic approach
• Begin building your toolbox of engineering design methods
• Explain and interpret qualitative and/or quantitative examples
Here are your learning goals for week 2 (Research Foundations):
• Understanding the steps of your research project.
• Creating a plan (timeline + strategy) to complete your research project.
• Navigating databases & search engines.
• Remembering & synthesizing your findings in an annotated bibliography.
• Differentiating between paper genres: “review paper” vs “empirical paper”.
• Choosing a research question.
Here are your learning goals for this week 3 (Diving into Your Project):
• Completing your annotated bibliographies.
• Drafting your abstract: your mission statement for the project.
• Discerning which parts of the abstract you will wait to fill in.
• Identifying the parts of a “review paper” versus an “empirical paper.”
• Begin outlining your paper.
• Understanding how the “ingredients of an introduction” work together.
• Begin drafting your introduction.
Here are your learning goals for this week 4 (Data Analysis & 1:1 Feedback):
• Drafting your introduction.
• Completing your research paper outline.
• Responding productively & positively to your professor’s 1:1 feedback.
• Gaining familiarity with core methods of data collection and analysis in your field.
• Performing secondary data analysis.
• Identifying ways of incorporating secondary data analysis in your paper.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
Here are your learning goals for this week 5 (Drafting, Editing, Presenting & Publishing 101):
• Working alongside your peers, in a collaborative environment, to write.
• Formulating specific questions for your instructors in class, as you’re writing.
• Responding positively to and incorporating impromptu feedback.
• Offering your peers constructive, pragmatic, considerate feedback.
• Contributing to & editing your paper in response to a writer’s workshop.
• Exploring best-practices for academic presentations
• Identifying the first steps towards publishing your paper.
Here are your learning goals for this week 6 (Final Drafts, Presentations, Publishing):
• Responding constructively & efficiently to comments on your full draft.
• Presenting your project in a clear, confident, and engaging manner.
• Asking thoughtful, well-informed questions about your peers’ projects.
• Completing your research paper.
• Exploring publication venues & understanding the process.
• Making a plan to try and publish your paper.
Helpful Hints: Overlap & Multitasking
Plan to multitask in your project, as in this fictional student’s timeline.
Note: this fictional timeline does not match your IRIS schedule!
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
Helpful Hints: Divide Your Goals into Tasks
To complete a given goal:
• Decide how much time you have
• Subdivide your goal into tasks
• Divide total time by number of tasks
Example
: make believe you have 6 days complete a research article (the ‘goal’) with 6 sections
(‘subtasks’):
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Literature search
4. Methods
5. Analysis
6. Conclusions
Q. How much time per task?
Mark these tasks on your Calendar Creation worksheet each week!
Helpful Hints: Reducing Stress & Prioritizing Sleep
• Try not to plan an IRIS Focus Day the day before a major assignment is due…
o Or the day of the deadline!
o Give yourself at least 24 hours between your IRIS Focus Day and the deadline.
o Avoid leaving a lot of writing until the last minute.
• Prioritize sleep throughout this program.
o Avoid planning your IRIS writing hour for a time that will cut into your sleep
schedule.
• If and when you fall behind on your project:
o Plan instead of panicking.
Add another IRIS Focus Day to that week and to the next week.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
5. My Story and Testimonial
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
From my personal experience, Indigo is definitely a program that not only allows high school
students to excel academically but also allows them to connect with students from around the
world and professors who have a deep history with the subject concentration. I first participated
in the program this year, in the concentration of Biomedical Engineering, and was introduced to
a rigorous culture of academic and curiosity-engaging excellence that allows each and every
student to write an advanced research paper.
Students are matched with professors who have experience in a field of their choice, and we have
the opportunity to work with them individually over a period of around 6 weeks. Prior to individual
sessions, we collaborate in small cohorts (9 students) of peers with the same interests to build
knowledge of the subject and familiarize ourselves with the research process. I learned a lot from
each of them, especially the different spectrums they shared during each discussion. Even though
it wasn’t my first time writing a research paper, I was given support not only by my professor but
also the incredibly strong PhD student community through frequent seminars and office hours
that students could optionally participate in. During these office hours, I had the opportunity to
learn how to make the most of your research process and how to revise any written parts of my
research paper.
As a student, I felt supported by my peers and mentor, and I never felt overwhelmed by the fact
that I was writing a full research paper at the age of 17. At its core, Indigo is a program where
students are encouraged to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and use a foundation of
knowledge that is reinforced through the cohort meetings to investigate topics no one had thought
of asking questions about. Whether it is music theory, behavioral economics, or molecular biology,
Indigo has experts on every topic and a wealth of resources that allow me to excel not only in the
program but in my life after Indigo.
Furthermore, Indigo is a big part of my college application. The program is very well preserved by
universities; therefore, having Indigo on your application says a lot about your capability.
Ultimately, Indigo has helped me reach my ambitious personal goal by making me expect more of
myself than ever before; it helped me solidify my passion, and it will prepare me for life at
university.
I'll say my professor was from the University of Bristol and was always available. Once we clicked
off the meeting, the connection did not end. I was able to reach out to him whenever I needed, and
he was forthcoming with advice or pointers about my drafts in between meetings. Overall, I would
say the mentorship was a central piece of the experience and definitely my favorite part of the
program. Needless to say, I will definitely be participating in it again next year!
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
When my friends are considering any of those research programs, I always tell them to look for
three things (in the order of importance):
Mentor quality: Professor or PhD students? The benefit of mentorship from actual faculty is
obvious. They have more experience, they love teaching, they offer better guidance, and they
know the system, etc. Plus, getting a favorable letter of recommendation from a professor can be
a highlight in your college application. You won’t get the same experience when working with a
PhD student as a mentor. With tuition, some programs may not be worth it.
University: If you can attend a program taught by a professor from your dream school, that is of
course the best option. But more importantly, the course should be in your area of interest and
demonstrate your academic capability to work on independent research. But if your chosen
college is not available, you should go for the best university's faculty in general.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
6. Common mistakes to avoid
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
6.1 Missteps in the Application Process
Rushing the Application: Completing the application at the last minute often leads to careless
errors, a lack of depth and details in answers, and missed opportunities to demonstrate your
strengths.
Ignoring Instructions: Each section of the application typically has specific guidelines, and
overlooking any details can hurt your chances. Ensure you follow all formatting rules and
character limits, and provide the necessary documents with an appropriate name. Don’t write
the minimum number of words, but try to be close to the maximum limit without writing
irrelevant information.
Failing to Proofread: Spelling or grammatical errors reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
Always proofread your application or ask someone else to review it, and don’t use AI tools.
Providing Incomplete Information: Leaving sections of the application blank or providing
insufficient answers can suggest a lack of seriousness or preparedness. Each question is an
opportunity to showcase who you are, so take your time to craft thorough and thoughtful
responses.
6.2 Underestimating the Importance of Research Interests
One of the most important aspects of the IRIS application is demonstrating your passion for
research. Many students mistakenly underplay the importance of showcasing their interests in
specific research fields. When you apply:
• Be Specific: Vague answers like "I love science" are insufficient. The tip here is to “show,
don’t tell." Highlight specific areas of research that fascinate you, explain why, and
explain how you’ve pursued those interests in or outside of school. If you're passionate
about climate change or biomedical research, dive deep into why these matters.
• Choose the suitable IRIS Track: The program offers a range of research fields, or "tracks."
Aligning your interests with those provided by IRIS, choose a good fit between your
academic aspirations and the program’s goals.
6.3 Avoiding Generic Statements in Your Application
Using generic statements or clichés in your essays is a common mistake among all applicants.
The admissions officer reads thousands of applications, so it's crucial to stand out with your
unique experiences and ideas. Be in the reader's mind always. This will be achieved by creating
your own story, unique experiences, and emotional mark. Avoid the following:
• Cliché Statements: Phrases like "I want to change the world" or "I have always loved
science" are overused. Instead, provide concrete examples of how your research interest
has shaped your academic or extracurricular experiences, how you will change the world,
and why you like science.
• Lack of Personal Insight: Your essays should not just summarize showing achievements.
Instead, delve deeper into what drives your passion for research. Share stories, specific
challenges you've overcome, or personal moments that inspired you. They want to know
who you are.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
7. Next Steps: Life after IRIS
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
Finishing the IRIS program is just the start of your adventure. The abilities, backgrounds, and
networks you acquire will unlock doors to potential academic and career prospects like:
7.1 Taking Advantage of Your IRIS Experience for College Applications
The college selection process becomes more and more competitive each year. Doing a research
internship or program shows that you are someone with interests, an initiative to
pursue
those
interests, ambition, and an eagerness to learn. You also show that you’ve been able to work in a
professional environment early on, along with other expert researchers. One of the most
important pros though is that doing research offers ample opportunities to
write
about an
important experience in your college applications.
• Discuss your research work in your personal statement or supplemental essays.
Emphasize the challenges you faced, the discoveries you made, and how the program
shaped your academic goals.
• Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Highlight specific examples where you applied creative
thinking or critical analysis in your projects.
• Reference Mentorship: Describe the guidance you received from mentors, as well as how it
influenced your approach to learning and research. This shows your ability to collaborate
with professionals and learn from experienced individuals.
7.2 Continuing Research After the Program
Indigo provides high school students with a comprehensive roadmap and mentoring structure,
ensuring you have every opportunity to turn your dedication, effort, and perseverance into
meaningful long-term outcomes.
• Learn the fundamentals that underpin college success, including key theoretical concepts
and core ethical and academic principles.
• With your passion at the helm, complete your journey more intellectually excited,
confident, and curious than ever before.
• Boost your college admissions profile with distinctive honors and accomplishments.
• Experience a new network of engaged scholars—both like-minded peers and seasoned
academic scholars.
• If you're interested, attend a real academic conference where you can present your
research in the company of other inspiring young scholars while enjoying additional
mentoring and networking perks.
• NEW: Earn 2 college credits from UC Santa Barbara for your efforts! Credits are
generally transferable to a wide range of universities.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
7.3 Staying connected with the IRIS Community
The IRIS Program has a strong sense of community among its scholars, mentors, and alumni.
This is the thing I love, and you should focus on it also. To stay connected:
• Join the Alumni Network: Many programs, such as IRIS, offer alumni networks where
former scholars can stay in touch, share opportunities, and collaborate on future projects.
Participate in these networks to maintain professional relationships.
• Attend conferences and seminars: IRIS alumni often receive invitations to attend
conferences, seminars, and other educational events. Use these opportunities to expand
your knowledge and network.
• Stay in Touch with Mentors: Don’t lose contact with your mentors after the program ends.
Keep them updated on your progress, seek their advice on new research opportunities,
and maintain the professional relationship you've built because it’s a treasure.
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
8. Final Thoughts and Tips
Indigo Intensive Research Seasonal Guide
If you are a self-motivated individual excited about crafting your own research
proposal and learning fundamental research skills, a publishable research paper
could be a beneficial extracurricular project for adding distinction to your college
apps. Your accomplishments should also open up additional opportunities in college,
making this kind of extracurricular something to seriously consider.
Keep in mind that there may be some scheduled activities for new students, as well
as fully flexible scheduling options, so it's always wise to communicate with Indigo
early on about any interests you may have.
If you want the freedom to explore and choose your own research field and topic,
along with 1:1 mentoring from graduate students, PhDs, postdoctoral researchers,
and professors, as well as support for publishing your research in academic journals,
Indigo provides all of these in one place.
One of the main benefits of teaming up with Indigo, as opposed to going into research
alone, is the significantly higher chances of achieving success. In the end, developing
research that can be published will require the cultivation and application of skills
that most young scholars only learn in college over the course of one year or more!
Choosing to pursue fulfillment and success with Indigo is a more effective strategy
than going alone, as solo endeavors raise the risk of veering off track and becoming
lost in confusion and frustration.
Best wishes, and good luck!
