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OYAPREP

One Year (College) Admission Preparation via Research

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The Overview

OyaPrep is a College Preparation program via research. More specifically, OyaPrep stands for One-Year (college) Admission Preparation via Research, Experiments, and Publications.

 

 

Below we provide the executive summary followed with more details about the program.

 

 

Hope you join us!

Values and benefits that students will receive from OyaPrep
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R

Remote research experience

I

Internship experience

P

Pivotal technical and soft skills

P

Publication of research experiments 

L

Letters of Reference from top international professor and research director

E

Evaluation of student overall academic life

Who can apply?
  • Grade 9-12 (12th grade is possible if planning to take a gap year before applying for college).

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  • Interested in topics that involve sciences, data analytics, and/or programming components.

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  • Open to all majors (STEM background is a plus).

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  • 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.

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  • Emmerich’s research center director with 15 years of experience running a large research lab with over 100 high-school students mentored.

Who will be the research mentors?

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  • 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).

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  • 1-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- month (unpaid) remote/hybrid summer internship at Emmerich Research Center (or other companies).

What is the format, duration, and time commitment?

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  • 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.

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  • Statistical findings: 25% increase in top-tier admissions, with Harvard showing 8x higher acceptance rates and 33% of UPenn admits having research experience.

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  • Commitment (depth), quantitative vs. qualitative merit: Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, dedication, and commitment to the chosen field— qualities that stand out for college admissions.

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  • 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.

Why does high school research become so important for admission to top schools?

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Graduation Caps Scene

OYAPREP

What are the advantages of OyaPrep VS other research mentoring programs?

  • Directly advised by a top full professor from a prestigious university and a doctorate-degree research director.

  • Our mentors are active in publishing a combined of 6000 paper citations and H-index above 40.

  • The professor and the director will commit substantial time in developing their mentees and are deeply invested in student success.

  • 1-year program, combining do it yourself activities and summer internship, unlike other research training that is more short term (8-10 weeks).

  • Two recommendation letters from the two mentors, while other programs might not provide recommendation letters.

  • Deep guidance for the students to find research areas that they love and good at, and align them to what the world needs, rather than just matchmaking programs based on pre-existing subjects of interest.

  • Not only focusing on technical skills, our program builds and applies personalized strategy for shaping and improving student’s soft skills.

  • Consider the student's cultural background and way of thinking to give the student a better experience.

  • Additional service by the professor in providing feedback for student’s main college essays.

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

"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. In addition, the instructor is very supportive and able to guide us with a motivating and constructive approach, so that I feel more encouraged to set higher goals in the future. It is very beneficial for the development of Indonesian students."

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

"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."

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

"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 even in the absence of direct instructions. His training develops not only professionalism but also resilience and self-discipline— qualities that are vital in long-term research careers."

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

"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."

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 reminded me of the small fish and the big pond analogy, I wouldn't go into detail on that but I think we can get it. It’s surprising how welcoming the research community is and I’m glad now I’m part of it."

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

"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. I still when I first tried to propose a high-impact research idea to a local lecturer, and was immediately told to lower my expectations and give up on aiming for Q1 journals. It was disheartening. But in his teaching style, I found the opposite: encouragement, belief, and a structured pathway to aim high. 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."

For further information

(to see our Full and Detailed Roadmap,

Full Background and Bio of the Mentors,

Terms & Conditions, FAQs, etc)

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