What is the difference between the Independent Research Class and the Intern/Mentor Program?
In both classes, students are conducting college-level research. Independent Research students attend class during the regularly scheduled class periods. However, students participating in the Intern/Mentor Program spend their class time working with a mentor outside of the school. Often, students who take the Independent Research class in 10th or 11th grade, apply for the Intern/Mentor class in the 12th grade.
If a student did not take Independent Research can s/he take Intern/Mentor?
Yes. Although it is helpful to have taken the Independent Research class prior to participating in the Intern/Mentor Program, it is not mandatory.
How does a student enroll in a G/T Advanced Research class at Reservoir High School?
To apply to the Independent Research course or the Intern/Mentor Program:
Complete & submit the application by the due date listed on the application.
Ask two teachers if they would be willing to complete a recommendation form. If they say yes, email them the teacher recommendation link so they can complete the form.
Schedule an interview with Ms. Kucik in G/T Resource office located in the Media Center if you are applying to the Intern/Mentor Program.
How many hours does an intern spend at the mentor site?
If a student is taking the course for 1 credit, s/he is required to spend 3-4 hours a week on-site. If a student is enrolled for 2 credits, s/he must double the hour requirement. Students spend Mondays in class and are allowed to sign-out on the other days. Typically, students do not to their internships every day. Rather, they go once or twice a week for 2-4 hours. On the other days, they work on their research in the classroom/Media Center or go home.
Do the students need transportation?
Students in Independent Research do NOT need transportation. Students in the Intern/Mentor Program MUST provide their own transportation.
Which class is appropriate if a student does not have a career interest in mind?
Independent Research
What if a mentor is not located for a student?
Every effort will be made to help place each student in an internship working with his/her mentor as quickly as possible. Finding quality mentors in some fields can be exceedingly difficult; and, in some cases impossible given the severe shortage of mentors in those fields and extreme competition from other in-county, out-of-county, and college programs. In rare cases, students may be asked to select another class instead of the Intern/Mentor Program.
If a student is enrolled in Intern/Mentor, when does s/he have an opportunity to meet with the G/T Resource teacher?
For the first half of the year, students attend class every Monday to attend a mandatory "seminar," a class where the students receive instruction regarding their research, product and public speaking assignments. During second semester, seminars are held every other Monday. Students receive credit for a mentor hour for attending class during seminars.
Intern/Mentor students also sign-up for mandatory monthly conferences with Ms. Kucik. These 15-20 minute meetings typically occur during the class period, during lunch or before school.
Students can also email Ms. Kucik to schedule an appointment to meet at other times.
If a student hopes to enroll in an ARL program, can they also take one of these classes?
Yes! Many students who have taken Independent Research go on to participate in ARL programs. They often research a topic related to the program in which they hope to participate, and they report that the class helped prepare them for success in these programs!
If a student hopes to enroll in classes at Howard Community College (HCC), can they also take one of these classes?
Yes! Many students who have enrolled in HCC classes find that Independent Research prepared them well for the research assignments at HCC. Additionally, juniors and seniors have found that participating in an internship works well when taking classes out of the building. HCCs location opens up internship opportunities closer to the heart of Columbia.
How does the AP Seminar fit into the Advanced GT Research Program?
Beginning in the fall of 2024, HCPSS will offer this introductory research class in their course catalog. Students who enroll in this class will follow the AP curriculum and assessment process explained on the College Board website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-seminar