--- title: "Honors Introduction to Research Methods | Elite Prep" description: "Build college-ready research skills with college professors as instructors, earn UC honors credit, and write your own research proposal." url: "https://eliteprep.com/extracurriculars/research-proposal-program/" image: "https://eliteprep.com/og/program/en/extracurriculars/research-proposal-program.png" language: "en" source: "eliteprep build" --- # Honors Introduction to Research Methods UC Honors Credit Course • Grades 9-12 [Contact us](https://eliteprep.com/contact-us/) **Summer 2026 • June 16 – August 8\ 8-Week Live Online Course** --------------------------- Honors Introduction to Research Methods is a incredible opportunity for students to develop vital research skills in preparation for college. Meet with our expert instructors to **learn about research methods** and **develop your own research proposal.** And because Introduction to Research Methods is a **UC-approved honors course** offered by WASC-accredited Elite Open School, you will earn **one-semester credit,** a **weighted grade**, and an **impressive elective** to add to your transcript! Interested in applying for a specific major but have no experience in that field? In this course, you’ll be able to research a topic specifically related to your **college major**, demonstrate your **intellectual curiosity**, and express interest in **your field of study**. - **Pre-Med Track, Cohort #1**\ Instructor: Dr. Eric Bortz • University of Alaska • PhD, Molecular Biology\ Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA - **Pre-Med Track, Cohort #2**\ Instructor: Dr. Eric Bortz • University of Alaska • PhD, Molecular Biology\ Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA - **Psychology Track**\ Caroline Shin • Indiana University • EdS, Counseling Psychology\ Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA - **STEM Track**\ Dr. Camille Bernal • Caltech • PhD, Materials Science\ Weekly Lecture Schedule: TBA ## Prerequisites - This program is open to students with strong writing skills in 11th and 12th grades. - No research experience or predetermined topic is necessary. ## Program Details - **Research Methods Seminar**\ Students will learn what research is, discover how to conduct scholarly research, and be assigned to brainstorm research topics, questions, and hypotheses. - **Small Group Session by Subject**\ Students will share with their chosen topic with their group and research questions. The instructor will provide feedback on their topics. Students will compile 15-20 scholarly sources based on their topic. - **One-on-One Consultation with College Professor**\ The instructor will review the sources with each student and help them narrow their focus. - **Submit Research Proposal for Approval and Endorsement**\ Students will receive feedback on their proposals. If necessary, students will be given an additional 2 weeks to revise and resubmit their proposals for review. ## Boost Your College Applications - Express your interest in the field of study related to your major - Demonstrate your ability to research significant topics - Show colleges your intellectual curiosity - Gain valuable experience to list in your extracurricular activities and write about in your college application essays - Build important skills that many college freshmen lack: - Learn to write in APA format - Find scholarly sources - Draft a scholarly research proposal ## Takeaways - Participating students will leave the program with a 7-10 page research proposal on the topic of their choice - Passing students will receive a certificate of completion and may be eligible for an official academic achievement (e.g. "Best Proposal in the Field of Human Genetics") - Students will gain valuable knowledge and experience that can be shared in college application personal statements and supplemental essays - Because Introduction to Research Methods is a UC-approved honors course offered by WASC-accredited Elite Open School, you will earn one-semester credit, a weighted grade, and an impressive elective to add to your transcript * Elite Open School Niche 2026 A+ School * Elite Open School Niche top 5% Of private K-12 schools in America * Elite Prep Parenting OC Readers’ Choice Best College Prep Program ![Accreditation logos: WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools, Cognia, Niche 2026 A+ School, and National Test Prep Association member.](https://media.eliteprep.com/image-1-webp-w400.webp) ![Student in a houndstooth blazer typing on a laptop beside stacks of notes, papers, and a pen](https://media.eliteprep.com/Research-Program-webp-w400.webp) ### ——— **Jun 16 – Aug 9, 2026** **Live Online Course • Grades 10-12\ Weekly Lectures: June 15 – July 3 (3 Weeks)\ One-on-One Guidance: July 6 – July 18 (2 Weeks)\ Writing Phase: July 20 – August 8 (3 Weeks)\ Lecture Schedule TBA** **Ready to get started? Fill out the form below, and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible!** **Or contact us directly at (949) 654-8523.** ## Send Us a Message Please provide some details about the student, and we will connect you with the appropriate staff member at your center. Form: Send message ## More in Stand Out - [Summer Program Application Services](https://eliteprep.com/summer-program-application-services/) - [Honors Research Foundations](https://eliteprep.com/extracurriculars/intro-to-research/) - [Business Case Competition](https://eliteprep.com/extracurriculars/business-case-competition/) - [Elite Math Competition Club – Lower Division • Grades 6–8](https://eliteprep.com/extracurriculars/emc2-lower-division/) - [Elite Math Competition Club – Upper Division • Grades 9-12](https://eliteprep.com/extracurriculars/emc2-upper-division/) - [IMPACT ChangeMakers Club](https://eliteprep.com/impact-changemakers/) [See everything in Stand Out](https://eliteprep.com/programs/#extracurriculars) ## You Do Not Have to Navigate College Admissions Alone Whether your student is just beginning the journey or preparing applications now, Elite Prep provides the guidance, accountability and support to move forward with confidence. 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