Q1: What is the application process? 

A: The application for this program launches on November 1st and is due January 1st. Students who have been selected for an interview will be notified by February 1st. Select students will be invited for an interview during the month of February. Notices of acceptance or rejection will be sent out by March 17th. Students must confirm participation in the program and submit initial registration materials by April 1st (second round of materials to be submitted later). 

 

Q2: When is the program? 

A: July 3rd - August 4th. 

 

Q3: When will I be notified of the results? 

A: See answer to “Q1: What is the application process?”.

 

Q4: Is there a cap on how many people will be accepted? 

A: No. We also will not accept students who we don’t think are a good fit, so regardless of if there are thousands of applications or five applicants, your chances are the same, and your competition is yourself. 

 

Q5: What if English isn’t my native language? 

A: This is okay, but please note that lectures WILL NOT be translated, and recitations will be conducted in English. You are required to participate in homework sessions, recitations, etc. which will only be possible if your english is proficient. Your interviewer will note if your English level is significantly impairing peer-to-peer interaction, and this will likely result in rejection, as this is a collaborative program. Thus, we recommend only applying to this program if your spoken and written English is proficient. 

 

Q6: Who should I ask to write my letter of recommendation?

A: The recommendation requirement has been lifted, students are no longer required to submit one.

 

Q7: Where can I find out more? 

A: Visit our website at youthneuro.org or email with specific questions. Questions that are answered clearly in this document will be ignored. 
 

Q8: If I participated last year, can I participate again? 

A: Yes. We recommend all students start with neuroscience I since Neuroscience II will rely heavily on skills gained for the experimental neuroscience lectures of Neuroscience I. Students who have completed the 2022 IYNA Summer Program may enroll in Neuroscience I and II in tandem with a recommendation from their 2022 TA or Jacob Umans. Please refer your TA or Jacob Umans to the recommendation requirements, as this is not a traditional recommendation. Please note Jacob Umans is not required to write you a recommendation but may be used as a last resort if you absolutely cannot contact your previous TA. Khayla Black will not write recommendations for any students, so please do not ask. 

 

Q9: I am participating in a number of other summer activities. Should I apply? 

A: Each program is expected to take 20-25 hours a week. If you choose to partake in this program, the IYNA is not responsible for making sure you can study for other programs, manage your other activities, etc. You will be expected to complete the requirements regardless of what other programs you participate in. Please take this into careful consideration and note that we will not pass students who do not complete the requirements. 

 

Q10: What are the prerequisites for this program? 

A: Students who have a basic knowledge of high school cellular and molecular biology, basic chemistry, and working knowledge of mathematics should enroll in Neuroscience I. Students who have experience in neuroscience at an advanced high school level or elementary undergraduate level may choose to enroll in Neuroscience II. If you are uncomfortable reading scientific literature, it is recommended you enroll in Neuroscience I. Please note, there is zero advantage you get by enrolling in a course that is beyond your level. Our courses are intensive, and you are not likely to gain anything from Neuroscience II if you are not comfortable with topics in Neuroscience I. You do not need to be an expert in mathematics, but basic skills with numbers are necessary to do computations and approach scientific literature. If you have completed high school level Algebra II, you should be good to go. 

 

Q12: What is the difference between Neuroscience I and Neuroscience II? 

A: Neuroscience I focuses on the basics of neuroscience and experimental research. Neuroscience II focuses on advanced neuroscience topics and assumes a working knowledge of experimental research. Students who have a basic knowledge of high school cellular and molecular biology, basic chemistry, and working knowledge of mathematics should enroll in Neuroscience I. Students who have experience in neuroscience at an advanced high school level or elementary undergraduate level may choose to enroll in Neuroscience II. If you are uncomfortable reading scientific literature, it is recommended you enroll in Neuroscience I. Please note, there is zero advantage you get by enrolling in a course that is beyond your level. Our courses are intensive, and you are not likely to gain anything from Neuroscience II if you are not comfortable with topics in Neuroscience I. Students who wish to dually enroll are required to complete an additional portion of the application. Please note that each program is anticipated to take 20-25 hours a week, meaning dual enrollment could take 40-50 hours a week. We only recommend this for students who wish to dedicate the majority of the month of July to this program, as you will not be able to work, do internships, etc. while completing dual enrollment. For the topics covered by Neuroscience I and Neuroscience II, see the Youth Neuroscience Summer Program page.