Apply to the Summer Research Program

Step 1: Speak with one of the following:

1. Two teacher references (science and/or math)
2. One teacher reference (science and/or math) and one supervisor or community member (someone who can speak to your work/involvement in the community)

These teachers can be your current science or math teachers or from a previous semester. 

Step 2: Fill out the Teacher/Community Reference Information on Application Form

• Please fill in Section 4-6 on your application form with the correct information by March 23, 2026. 
• References will only be contacted if you are shortlisted, you will be notified by us what the next steps are, should you be shortlisted. 
• Only 2 references will be reviewed, please do not ask for more than two references.

After you submit this Google Form, you will receive an automated email from wisest@ualberta.ca. It will contain all the information you need to fully submit your application for the 2026 Summer Research Program and details on how the interview platform will work. 

You are welcome to prepare for the interview in advance by thinking through your responses to the questions provided. Please note that pre-recorded videos will not be accepted. You will be asked the questions provided below and there will be other standard interview questions asked in addition to the ones provided. 

These media files will only be used for adjudicating applications and will not be shared publicly. 

While preparing to answer the questions, make sure you are also showing your:

• Personality! We want to get to know you, be sure to answer these questions using your authentic voice vs. saying what you think we want to hear
• Passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Alignment with WISEST’s values
• Openness to exploring a variety of STEM fields 
• Interest in STEM fields underrepresented by women, Indigenous, racialized, and gender-diverse people 

SparkHire Video Response: Short Answer Questions (4.5 minutes):   

• Question 1: In a few sentences, tell us about yourself and what this opportunity means to you. What excites you most about the program? (1.5 minute video)
• Question 2: Why do you want to participate in the Summer Research Program?  (1.5 minute video)
• Question 3: How does your personal understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion align with your values and the WISEST values?  (1.5 minute video)

SparkHire Video Response: Personal Response Questions (9 minutes):

• Question 1: What inspired your love of STEM? You can talk about a STEM memory, a class you have taken, a topic you’re interested in, a problem you want to solve, etc. (3 minute video)
• Question 2: How would you define success in this program, and what strengths or perspectives do you hope to bring? (3 minute video)
• Question 3: What can you do today that you didn’t think you could a year ago? Please reflect on how you learned and developed this skill, any support you received, and how you encourage yourself when trying something new. (3 minute video)

Interview Questions (4.5 minutes): 

• 3 Standard Interview Questions (1.5 minute video each)

Please note: Only shortlisted applicants will be required to provide their academic transcript within a short notification and you will need to regularly monitor your email to ensure timely completion of all requirements. In the case that you are shortlisted, you can prepare in advance by contacting your school counsellor by April 3, 2026 or ensure you have access to your online school portal by April 3, 2026 to download your transcript and interim marks. 

Step 1: Ensure you meet the minimum grade requirement* or, if not, have received prior approval from WISEST over email

• Math 20-1
• Math 30-1

• Biology 20 or 30
• Chemistry 20 or 30
• Physics 20 or 30

We cannot take 20 and 30 level marks of the same course (ex. Bio 20 and 30). We will use your interim grades to calculate this average for any courses currently in progress.

Step 2: Acquire your transcript and interim grade documents 

For Albertan students, you must upload two documents.

• Your Detailed Academic Report or Official Transcript from MyPass
• A dated screenshot of your school’s grade portal with your current interim grades

For out-of-province students, please provide us with the equivalent documents and information to those listed above. Please contact us at wisest@ualberta.ca with any questions about out-of-province grade information requirements.

Step 3: Rename and upload files 

• Transcript naming convention: FirstName_LastName_schoolname_Transcript_SRP2026
  • Ex. Jane_Doe_EdmontonHigh_Transcript_SRP2026
• Interim Grade naming convention: FirstName_LastName_schoolname_InterimGrades_SRP2025  
  • Ex. Jane_Doe_EdmontonHigh_InterimGrades_SRP2026
• This question will only accept a shareable google link and your settings must be put to "anyone with the link can view". 

Note: You will need to upload multiple images for each subject interim report so please create one Google Document with all the interim report images or a folder and link the whole folder. 

*We have the grade requirements to ensure students succeed in an academically challenging research project.  We have accepted students with less than 85% averages in the past if they have a compelling reason. 

If you are applying with less than an 85% average, we ask that, as well as the application requirements, you also submit a supplementary statement detailing why you do not have the necessary academic background and why your application should be considered. 

Supplementary statements should be a maximum of 250 words. They must be emailed to the WISEST office (wisest@ualberta.ca) by the application deadline with the following subject line: "Request for Consideration for SRP Based on Modified Academic Standing."