
competitions
MIT THINK Scholars Program
Work on a research project with MIT undergrads
What is MIT THINK about?
THINK caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project and are looking for additional guidance in the early stages of their project. The program is organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT.
Selected finalists have weekly mentorship meetings with THINK team members for technical guidance, helpful resources, and updates on the projects progress and are given up to $1,000 in funding for their project.
Additionally, if permitting, finalists are invited to a four-day all-expenses paid trip to MIT's campus, where they tour labs, present their research to MIT students and faculty, and hang out with members of the THINK team.
You can read about the MIT THINK Program's website.
What work is involved?
At stage 1 you will first submit a research proposal. A video interview will follow, in which you will introduce your thoughts on the project. Finally, finalists will be invited to come to MIT for one semester with all costs covered, and a research budget of up to $1,000. At MIT, the finalists will be paired with MIT undergraduate mentors to complete the proposed research together.
Am I eligible?
US-based high school students can apply. Note that you have to be a US permanent resident (but you do not have to be a US citizen) to be eligible to submit your proposal to MIT THINK. You can choose to submit your work by yourself, or work with a partner.
When can I apply?
For the 2024 edition of the MIT THINK Program, applications run from 1 November 2023 to 1 January 2024. Finalists will be announced shortly after, while the MIT trip for finalists will take place in February 2024.
How will

help
We will guide you every step of the way:
Ideation: you will brainstorm and discuss your research ideas with your Ariton mentor.
Expert technical training: you will work closely with your Ariton mentor to learn about different techniques relevant to your research, including data analysis methods, computer programming and any other technical skills you might need to complete your preliminary research.
Mentorship: an experienced Ariton consultant with years of academic research and innovation experience will be working with you on a weekly basis. Our mentors previously published research papers in international journals, headed complex projects for international corporations and led teams to successfully compete in the science competitions.
Coaching sessions: from ideation to support in experiment design and extensive review of your proposal, your Ariton mentor will be with you every step of the way.
Project management: there is a lot of work involved in completing the MIT THINK research proposal, and it will be your Ariton mentor's priority to ensure you stay on track.
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