Frequently Asked Questions

 


Should I Apply 

What does it take to be a WISEST student?
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm, open-mindedness, and flexibility to explore fields in which their gender is currently underrepresented
  • Will strive to make the most of this unique opportunity.
  • Demonstrates initiative, adapts quickly to new situations, and has the confidence to learn independently and in a team.
  • Has a minimum of an 85% overall average in their Grade 11 math and science courses. (However, grades are NOT considered once the minimum requirement has been met)
  • Will prepare and present a research poster about their research project and commit to presenting their WISEST research experience to teachers, peers, and younger science classes in their school.
  • Commit themselves to the research team’s work expectations which often is scheduled by projects, students are expected to participate accordingly and must commit fully to the 6-week program with no time off for vacations or competitions.
  • Students must be able to work in Canada and have a social insurance number before the program start date.
I have work, sports, or other summer commitments. Can I still apply?
Due to the intensive nature of the 6-week program, we highly discourage students from working other part-time jobs or having other involvements (volunteer, sports, summer school, etc.) that demand more than 10 hours a week.
SRP sounds great, except I only have STEM experience in school. I've only taken regular classes, and I've never done any research. Do I have a chance?

We want you to apply if you have a genuine interest in STEM! As long as you meet the grade requirements, we encourage you to apply. 

Don’t worry about whether you know how to do research. If you are accepted into the program, this is what you will learn. 

Your lab supervisors know you are in high school and expect to teach you lots, which they are excited to do. 

SRP may be the first time your peers have done research, so everyone will be challenged. No one will be bored!

Is it essential to have work experience or some sort of training before joining?

No, we primarily look for a genuine interest and openness to STEM. Any training required will be provided either by us or by the lab.  

Are admissions very selective?

The number of successful applicants can vary each year depending on the number of positions that WISEST has available for the program. Placements depend on funding and the ability of researchers to take on students in their labs. Typically WISEST accommodates 40 students each summer. 

I’m not in grade 11, but I’d love to do this program. Should I apply?

We accept grade 11 students going into grade 12 in the following September. If you have non-traditional schooling, please send us an email at wisest.events@ualberta.ca to inquire about eligibility. If you are graduating in 2025, you will likely be eligible for the SRP 2024 program. 

I will need to arrive late, leave early, or leave for a few days because of different activities. e.g. summer camp/ a family wedding/ a sports tournament / an award I’m receiving / a concert I’m performing in etc. Should I apply?

Applicants must be willing to fully commit to the entire 6 weeks of the program (no holidays or conflicting commitments).

I still need to take grade 11 science courses. May I still apply?

We require you to have completed 2 20-level sciences in order to have foundational STEM knowledge that will allow you to complete your project successfully. If you are graduating in 2025, you will likely be eligible for the SRP 2024 program. Please email us at wisest.events@ualberta.ca with the courses you have taken, and we will discuss further. 

Do you accept applicants outside of Alberta? Outside Canada?

Students are required to be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident and have a Canadian SIN number to participate.

We welcome applications from students across Canada.  

I’m not from Alberta. How do I know what grades to submit?

Please submit your transcripts, and if we still need your grades, we will ask. If you have a guidance counselor at your school, they often help students who transfer between provinces and will have a better idea of the equivalent courses to what we are looking for. 

I am considering applying to the HYRS and WISEST’s Summer Research Program, but I need clarification on how they differ.

In terms of placements, the SRP differs from HYRS because we do not have medical-based placements. Both medicine and pharmacy are disciplines where women are generally well represented. So, although these are science-based careers, WISEST focuses on areas where under-representation exists. 

You cannot participate in both HYRS and the WISEST SRP, but you can apply to both. We recommend that you consider which program most closely aligns with your goals and interests if accepted to both programs.
I don’t have an 85% average, but I still really want to apply. Can I?

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 (Google Form, personal response, transcripts), 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 by the application deadline with the following subject line: "Request for Consideration for SRP Based on Modified Academic Standing."


How to apply

What should I know about deadlines?

All parts of your application must be completed and submitted through the submission Google Form no later than 11:59 pm on April 3, 2024

Teacher references have the same due date but are submitted directly by your teachers.

Students must submit their applications through the Google Form. If you run into issues submitting the files through the Google Form, please email WISEST so we can help troubleshoot or provide an alternative.

We appreciate and encourage you to submit your application before the deadline, especially in case of any technical issues. We may be unable to accommodate requests for extensions due to technical reasons if you apply very close to the deadline. We can help troubleshoot or provide alternatives to students who experience technical difficulties if you email us by April 2nd.

I'm still taking [math/chemistry/biology/physics] and don't have my grades yet, what do I do?
If you have everything else required for your submission then you can submit everything through the Google Form. Your interim grades (ie. the unofficial grade you have as of the submission deadline) can be submitted by emailing wisest.events@ualberta.ca.
How do you calculate our grades?

We are looking for a combined average of over 85% in Math 20-1 and your top two science courses. 

If you have taken Math 30/31 or any Science 30 courses and have a better grade than your grade 11 classes, then we will consider those. 

We cannot accept Math 20-2 or 30-2 as the UofA Science and Engineering undergraduate applications require Math 30-1 as a prerequisite. 

Once the 85% average requirement is met, grades are NO LONGER considered in the adjudication process. There is no advantage to having a very high average and no disadvantage if your average meets the minimum requirements. 

Furthermore, if you have one grade 11 math and two grade 11 sciences completed, they are on your full transcript, and they meet the minimum grade requirement, we do not need further interim marks as we only look at your best of the courses listed above to calculate your average.

What classes can I use for my average?

When you submit your interim grades and transcript, we will pick your top grades out of the following:

One of the following:

  • Math 20-1
  • Math 30-1

Two of the following:

  • 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). 

Do you consider grades above and beyond the 85% average?

No. Once you obtain the 85% average, we consider you eligible! There is no advantage or disadvantage to having a high average if your average meets the minimum requirements. Grades are NO LONGER if the 85% average is met. 

Can I see an example calculation of grades?

Alex Doe

Transcript:

Biology 20 = 87% 

Math 20-1 = 95%

Interim marks (as of April 1st):

Chemistry 20 = 83%


87+95+83 = 265/3 = 88

88% is above the 85% minimum requirement; therefore, Alex is eligible for the program. 

Would a ‘detailed academic report’ on [MyPass/ other school grades portal] be sufficient for my transcript?

Yes, that'd work perfectly! Furthermore, if you have one grade 11 math and two grade 11 sciences already completed and they are on your full transcript, we do not need further interim marks as we only look at your best of the courses listed above to calculate your average.

Does my transcript have to be stamped by my school?

No. Furthermore, if you have one grade 11 math and two grade 11 sciences already completed and they are on your full transcript, we do not need further interim marks as we only look at your best of the courses listed above to calculate your average.

Is it okay to print a page from [Powerschool/other grade portal name] for the Interim marks, or does it need to be from the school?

A print-off from your school grade portal is perfectly fine. Make sure it has your name and the date on it.

Is it secure to send a Detailed Academic Report for my proof of grades? Or could I cross out personal information, like my ASN?

Please feel free to block sensitive information, such as your ASN, on your Detailed Academic Report. We just need to see your name, school, courses and grades. A small adjudication committee reviews applications.  All responses are confidential and will only be shared among the application reviewers.

Should I answer all of the personal response prompts?

No. Please only answer 2-3 of the prompts in the allotted space (500-700 words or 3.5 minutes). 

It is much better to provide detailed responses for 2-3 questions than to try to answer all of them in your limited word space, and your score will reflect this. Choose prompts that you feel your answer will convey who you are, your love for STEM, and how your values align with the WISEST values.

What format do I submit my personal response in?

You will submit your personal response in the Google form. 

You can choose to submit a response in written essay form between 500-700 words, typed in 12-point Calibri font (.pdf) or through other media i.e.) video (.mp4) or podcast (.mp3) no longer than 3.5 minutes in length.  A piece of original art (done by you), accompanied by an artist statement, addressing the prompts below would also be accepted. 

Ensure you submit an appropriate media file, the form will not accept files in the incorrect format.

These media will only be used for adjudicating applications and not be shared publicly. Please title your personal response using the following format:

FirstInitial_LastInitial_school__personalresponse_SRP2024
*please only use initials, not full names

Ex. D_J_EdmontonHigh_personalresponse_SRP2024

What should I keep in mind when crafting my personal response?

There are 5 things we recommend keeping in mind: 

  1. 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
  2. Passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
  3. Alignment with WISEST’s values 
  4. Openness to exploring a variety of STEM fields 
  5. Interest in STEM fields underrepresented by women and gender-diverse people
Can I submit 3 teacher references?

No. We only review the first two references that are submitted.

I don’t have a current science teacher to complete your form! My math teacher is new [or online] and doesn’t know me personally. May I ask my previous teacher? My math and science teachers are the same person. May I ask another teacher to complete the teacher reference form?

We highly recommend and prefer references from science and/or math teachers. Please email WISEST to get permission PRIOR to using a teacher reference from another class. 

If my application is a day or two late, will it still be reviewed?

No, unless you contact us before the deadline for permission with extenuating circumstances. 


Financial

Do we have to pay for the program?
The only cost associated with the program would be an on-campus residence program for out-of-town students. You can find more information here.
How do I apply for financial aid?

In the google form, you’ll be asked if you require financial support. WISEST will contact you if you are shortlisted for the program. 

What does financial aid include?

WISEST awards The “Margaret-Ann Armour Endowment Fund” based on need for a limited number of students. Funds are available to assist with residence, travel, and food costs based on individual needs. This funding can be applied to reduce the cost of on-campus residence or for students from outside the greater Edmonton area to assist with off-campus living expenses. The funding can be used for food and transportation. 

What constitutes the “need” for financial aid?

Each student/family can define “need” according to their circumstances. The questions asked are as follows: 

  • Can you provide any insight as to why you have requested this funding support?  We are not asking for personal financial information, just some more detail to demonstrate/describe financial need.
  • Multiple students are applying for funding assistance, and a limited amount is available each year.  How much support is needed for your child to participate? e.g. $250
What are my chances of receiving aid?

This award is given based on the following criteria:

  • The student lives further than the commuting distance to Edmonton
  • The student requires financial assistance for housing or travel costs associated with participating in the program
  • The student has had little opportunity to become familiar with university or college settings
  • The student is seriously considering attending the U of A

WISEST strives to provide some level of assistance to most students who request support. The amount awarded depends on the number of eligible students applying to the program and the funds available to disperse.

Does applying for financial aid affect my chances of being accepted?

No, we offer financial aid to decrease overall barriers to potential SRP students. If you are unsure if you will require financial assistance, please indicate so in the Google Form, and we will follow up later on in the application process. 


After you apply

My interim marks won’t be in until [a date past the deadline]. Is that a problem?

No, email us your grades whenever they are available, but please let us know if there will be a delay in our receiving them. Additionally, if you have one grade 11 math and two grade 11 sciences already completed and they are on your full transcript, we do not need further interim marks as we only look at your best of the courses listed above to calculate your average.

I sent everything in. How can I confirm it was received and is complete?

Due to the volume of applications we do not send confirmation of receipt of documents. The Google form will send a copy of your responses, however. The WISEST office receives many applications for processing, and we will contact you if there are any outstanding questions or concerns.

Who decides whether I will get in?

Each application is read and carefully considered by an Admissions Committee of volunteers, SRP alumni, and current staff. Each application is reviewed twice, and decisions are made through discussion with committee members. All responses are confidential and will only be shared among the application reviewers.

I havent heard anything about my application yet, what should I do?

Please be patient with us. As per the application form, "WISEST is unable to accept phone calls or emails regarding the status of my application." You will know one way or another by May 31. 

Will all applicants be notified of their status despite being successful or not?
Yes! You will receive an email with your application status by May 31st. Please ensure you check you spam folder, as sometimes our emails inadvertently get tagged as spam, especially if you are using a school email address. 
If I end up on the Alternate List, what are my chances of getting in?

Everyone on our Alternate List is qualified to attend. WISEST may offer admission, but you should have a backup plan for the summer.

How many people tend to apply to the program?
We tend to have about 200 applicants each year.
In regards to the research topics, are we given a topic or presented with a choice of topic?

We aim to place you in a project that best suits your interests and that will familiarize you with a field in which your gender is currently underrepresented.  Please list your top three areas of interest.  If you would like to see what placements past SRP students have done, please visit the website and look at our historical Journals of Student Research as well as this page that details some of our past placements. 

While the WISEST team makes every effort to align the interests of the successful student with their placement, we cannot guarantee that students will be matched with a placement that meets their preferred criteria.  Given that one of the goals of the WISEST Summer Research Program is to help students become aware of an explore new and different STEM pathways, we encourage all applicants to remain open to new experiences and potential placements. Not all past placements are repeated year to year  and research projects vary each year and are dependent on the projects and proposals submitted by researchers at the University of Alberta. 
How are student placements chosen?

We aim to place you in a project that best suits your interests and that will familiarize you with a field in which your gender is currently underrepresented.  Please list your top three areas of interest.  If you would like to see what placements past SRP students have done, please visit the website and look at our historical Journals of Student Research as well as this page that details some of our past placements. 

While the WISEST team makes every effort to align the interests of the successful student with their placement, we cannot guarantee that students will be matched with a placement that meets their preferred criteria.  Given that one of the goals of the WISEST Summer Research Program is to help students become aware of an explore new and different STEM pathways, we encourage all applicants to remain open to new experiences and potential placements. Not all past placements are repeated year to year  and research projects vary each year and are dependent on the projects and proposals submitted by researchers at the University of Alberta. 

During the program

What does housing on campus look like?

There are options for students from outside the greater Edmonton area to reside on campus, and you can find more information about housing here. 

What does a typical day look like?

Students are placed in research labs on campus where they work on a project as part of the research team with their supervisors from the lab. Students work full-time Monday to Friday, generally from 9-5, but this can vary depending on their research placement (i.e., 8:30-4:30).

As well as working in their lab, students in the SRP participate in Lunch n' Learn and Professional Development activities run by WISEST staff. We also offer social events outside of work hours for the students in the cohort. Exactly what each student's work day consists of will depend on what lab they are placed in! You can find examples of potential placements and research projects here.

How many hours are expected to be worked during this program?

Students will work approximately 35 hours a week, Monday through Friday, for 6 weeks. The student and their supervisor at the beginning of the program will determine the exact hours on each of those days. In most situations, it is 8:30-4:30 or 9:00-5:00 or something similar.

This is more than just a summer job, however, so there are also a number of unpaid, optional, community-building activities put on throughout the summer as well. It is a full-time job and students do find they spend a few extra hours engaging with their peers during the program. 

If accepted, will we be responsible for getting ourselves to and from locations? Ex; to field studies, lab, work location

This depends on your placement. Some placements have transportation requirements, but most are on the University of Alberta Campus. All WISEST activities take place on the UofA campus except for potential field trips where transportation would be provided. 

What are the student wages?

Students are paid $15 per hour.

For the student final project, is that something that each person is responsible for figuring out themselves?

The degree to which students have the ability to choose the direction of their project is highly dependent on the placement. That said, every project will fit within the broader scope of the larger research project(s) being done in the lab. Generally speaking, the supervisors have an idea of what the project will be for the students and will mentor them through the completion of the project. 

How strict is the program with attendance, if a student wouldn’t be able to attend for one day, would that be potential issue?

We understand that illness, appointments etc. happen, what we ask is that students are not planning to take time off beyond these occasional circumstances. The program is short and most students find they need the full 6 weeks to complete their projects. 


After the program

Can I use the SRP as hours for my school’s Work Experience?

WISEST does not participate in the “Off-Campus Education Program” or any related work placement programs. Hours worked during the SRP cannot be used as work experience credits.

How do I access my T4?
You will need to login to your Beartracks account. Please see the detailed instructions here.