OYA Prep by Emmerich - One-Year Admission Preparation via Research

Frequently Asked Questions

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Grade 9-12 (12th grade is possible if planning to take a gap year before applying for college).
Interested in topics that involve sciences, data analytics, and/or programming components.
Open to all majors (STEM background is a plus).

A prolific Indonesian professor in an Ivy Plus, top-10 US university with 20 years of research advising experience with over 200 students mentored in research.
The director of Emmerich Research Center with 15 years of experience running a large research lab with over 100 high-school students mentored.

Flexible and personalized format
- Remote/online: students perform research from their laptop anywhere and anytime (fits for data-analytic / programming type of research).
- In-person lab: if needed, students also perform research at the Emmerich Research Center (fits for science research that requires lab equipment).
One year commitment
- 1-hour per week consultancy and group mentoring.
- At least 5 hours per week of do-it-yourself activities on regular semesters.
- 20 hours per week during the 1 to 2 months (unpaid) remote/hybrid summer internship at Emmerich Research Center (or other companies).

Increasing competition: During this pivotal time, many students, particularly those determined to land a spot at a prestigious university, consider exploring research opportunities outside of class.
Statistical findings: 25% increase in top-tier admissions, with Harvard showing 8x higher acceptance rates and 33% of UPenn admits having research experience.
Commitment (depth), quantitative vs. qualitative merit: Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, dedication, and commitment to the chosen field— qualities that stand out for college admissions.
Unique traits: By completing at least a year of research, the student has shown the ability to manage long-term projects, distinguishing themselves from peers focused on short-term classwork and exams.

OYAPREP

What are the advantages of OYA Prep compared to other research mentoring programs?

Our mentors include an Indonesian professor from a top-10 Ivy Plus US university and the Emmerich Research Center Director, offering unparalleled academic guidance.

Students get the opportunity to publish their research in credible academic journals, enhancing their college applications significantly.

We provide personalized, caring mentorship that adapts to each student's needs, ensuring they feel supported throughout their research journey.

Our comprehensive one-year program includes rigorous research activities plus 1-2 months of internship experience.

Receive strong letters of recommendation from a top Ivy professor and research director, making your application stand out.

Students can explore and declare their subject of interest through hands-on research, helping them discover their true academic passion.

Beyond technical skills, we develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities essential for college success.

Our program uniquely understands the Indonesian educational context, providing culturally relevant guidance for students from Indonesia.

Testimonials

What did prior students say about our mentors in their existing programs?

To be honest, his program has opened me to a world that I didn't know existed. Other students may have seen his program as a great opportunity, but to me, I believe this is a life changer. I was so nervous about the future, for a person like me who didn't quite have the organization or experience, or anything else fancy. Unexpectedly all of that doesn't matter in this grand scheme of things, I fit just right in with his program. It's surprising how welcoming the research community is and I'm glad now I'm part of it.

In terms of research, this was my first time working in an international context. Initially, it felt overwhelming and beyond my reach. But he designed his program in such a structured and thoughtful way—breaking down major challenges into smaller, manageable steps. This approach made the journey feel far more achievable and ultimately led me to success.

One of the most powerful aspects of his teaching style is its emphasis on mindset. He didn't just teach us technical skills—he taught us how to think like independent researchers. From the beginning, we were encouraged to take initiative, to own our projects as if they were our own startups, and to communicate our progress regularly. His training develops not only professionalism but also resilience and self-discipline—qualities that are vital in long-term research careers.

His training class is amazing; it does not only cover the technical about how to do research but also how to deal with other stuff that comes along with it. His attention to details is outstanding, whether in a group scenario or in person-by-person feedback scenario. I feel like his instruction truly facilitates me in my research pursuit by not forcing too much to go into one direction. It is truly an amazing training experience and a big enabler to jump into the international research scene. His program has raised my confidence, reshaped the way I think, and has helped me to become a far better researcher.

The instructor really opened my eyes to the world of research and opportunities that I had never imagined before. Through the training and mentoring provided, I feel more confident in understanding the research process in a more structured and in-depth way. His teaching not only provides knowledge, but also forms a critical and strategic way of thinking that is very useful, both for continuing studies and entering the world of work.

What sets his program apart is the personal attention and mentoring. He treats every student as an individual, offering detailed feedback and even personal advice. He helps us one by one, with patience and care, responding to our unique strengths, interests, and struggles. He gave us the courage to attempt what once seemed out of reach, including reproducing Q1 research papers, one step at a time, with the right guidance and tools.