It depends on your student’s goals. Our Core Program runs 3–6 months; Core Project Bundles run 4–8 months; and Scholar Pathways run 12–18 months. Timelines are always flexible — we build the schedule around your student, not the other way around.

Yes — meaningfully so. Independent research signals intellectual curiosity, depth, and follow-through. But the kind of research matters. A project that’s genuinely the student’s own — with a unique question and a real outcome — is far more compelling to admissions officers than a program where every student produces the same thing.

Admissions readers consistently say they’re looking for authentic interest and original thinking. That means a student who chose their own question, pursued it deeply, and produced something specific and personal — not a template paper on a pre-selected topic.

Absolutely not. Polygence students produce original research papers, mobile apps, documentaries, podcasts, science fair projects, and more. The form of the project is determined by what the student is trying to say and create — not by a program requirement.

Most programs are built around a fixed curriculum that every student follows. Polygence is built around each individual student. Your student chooses their question, their format, and their direction. Their mentor is matched specifically to their interest area. Their timeline adapts to their life. No two Polygence projects look the same — because they shouldn’t.

Students who are curious about something specific and want more than a classroom can give them. Some are applying to highly selective colleges and want a compelling, differentiated application. Others just want to go deep on something they love. Both are exactly who Polygence is built for.

Students meet 1-on-1 with their mentor via Zoom. Session frequency, timing, and structure are all flexible. Between sessions, students work on their project independently — with their mentor available for questions and feedback throughout.