FAQ - Nova Scholar

About Nova Scholar

What is Nova Scholar?

Nova is a mentorship-driven program that empowers students through personalized, project-based learning.Specializing in AI, research, patent development, and more, Nova connects students with expert mentors from Harvard,Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and MIT, guiding them toward achieving their academic and career aspirations.

How is Nova Scholar different from other mentorship programs?

Nova stands out for its exceptional mentors—all are either current students or alumni of top-tier universities like Harvard, Stanford, Yale,Princeton, and MIT. Nova offers a unique blend of personalized mentorship, project-based learning, and access to publication and patent opportunities, ensuring studentsgain real-world experience and portfolio-worthy achievements.

Are Nova programs online or in-person?

AllNova programs are conducted online, allowing students to participate from anywhere in the world.

What programs do you recommend for middle school students (grades 6–8)?

Middle school students are encouraged to begin with Nova AI Fundamentals, which equips them with essential AI knowledge for today’s world, or Nova Research, where they engage in in-depth research and inquiry.

What programs do you recommend for high school students (grades 9–12)?

High school students can engage in Nova Research, where they conduct in-depth research, write a scholarly paper, and prepare it for submission.Alternatively, they can participate in Nova Patent, a program inspired by aStanford curriculum, where they collaborate in teams to develop a complex invention and file for a patent on their work.

How do I know which program is right for me?

What topics can I study at Nova?

You can explore a wide range of topics—from 19th-century literature to convolutional neural networks. Our Nova Research projects are fully customized; students have built machine learning models and conducted environmental research. Nova Patent is open to students from all backgrounds, including non-engineering students. Past projects have ranged from healthcare apps aimed at improving volunteer opportunities in hospitals to legal apps designed to simplify contract analysis and accessibility.

Do I need specific coursework or experience to apply?

No prior coursework is required. Nova programs are designed for students at all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

Does Nova Scholar help students brainstorm their project idea in Nova Research and Patent?

Yes! Nova Research allows students to start with a broad domain of interest and refine their research focus with guidance from expert mentors. In Nova Patent, students develop project ideas through user interviews, ensuring they create innovations that are both meaningful and impactful for their communities. Our programs are designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving!

Is Nova Scholar a summer program?

Yes! For many students, Nova Scholar is a premier summer program, but we also offer programs year-round, including Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions.

Many students take advantage of our summer offerings by enrolling in two concurrent tracks—Patent and Research—to maximize their experience. Whether you're looking for an immersive summer opportunity or a flexible program during the academic year, Nova Scholar provides the mentorship and structure to help students excel.

How long are Nova Scholar programs?

Nova Scholar offers flexible program durations to fit different learning goals and schedules. Nova AI runs for one month, while Nova Research spans 2.5 to 4.5 months, and Nova Patent lasts 2 to 3 months, depending on the chosen track. Whether students seek a short-term intensive or a more in-depth research experience, our programs provide the structure and mentorship to help them excel.

I want to refer a friend to the program. How do referral bonuses work?

Tell your friend to enter your email in the "How did you hear about us?" section of the application. If they are accepted into the program, we will send you an email from admin@novascholar.education with the next steps. Please note that only one referral source is allowed—multiple friends or sources cannot be listed.

If you are the student applicant and are accepted into the program, you will also receive a discount code via email.

Is Nova Scholar“Pay-to-Play”?

Like many top-tier extracurricular programs, Nova Scholar requires tuition to fairly compensate our expert mentors, provide a superior user experience, and ensure students, counselors, and families receive high-quality, timely support.

That said, we have a selective admissions process, including a rigorous interview to ensure our students are truly dedicated. Our mentors actively support students they believe have the potential to succeed. Historically, our programs have maintained an acceptance rate of approximately 40-50%.

However, our mission has always been rooted in accessibility—we began by helping low-income students in the San Francisco School District access research mentorship, and we continue to actively collaborate with nonprofits to bring our best-in-class mentorship to underserved communities. Additionally, we offer financial aid to students who qualify based on need, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to transformative learning experiences.

How can I learn more about Nova?

Watch our webinar or contact us for more details.

Admissions and Acceptance

What is Nova Scholar's acceptance rate?

Acceptance rates vary by program—around 60% for Nova Research and 25% for Nova Patent. However, more than just numbers, we seek students with genuine intellectual passion, curiosity, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with our mentors. Unlike traditional programs, we don’t require recommendation letters or transcripts because we believe success in a Nova Scholar project comes down to intellectual passion and grit—qualities we assess through direct conversations with students.

What are the steps to submit my application?

Visit the application page, complete the form outlining your interests, goals, and relevant background, and submit it.

For Nova Patent and Nova Research programs, selected applicants may be invited for an interview and will receive an acceptance decision after their interview within 2–3 days. Nova AI Fundamentals is meant to be universally accessible—all students who meet the background requirements will be admitted if capacity allows.

For details on the application process, please view our Application Process.

What happens after I submit my application?

Your application will be reviewed by Nova’s team. For Nova Research and Nova Patent you will be contacted for a video interview after submission. Accepted students will receive an offer letter with instructions on next steps. Please review the Application Process page for more detail.

Please note that the written application should take under 30 minutes—we emphasize the video interview because we want to ensure that students genuinely care, can work well in teams, and can confidently talk about their passions. It's easier than ever to write words, but interviewing and articulating one's background is a valuable life skill.

Can I apply now to start at a later date?

Yes! You can apply now and defer your start date by indicating your preference on the application.

Will I get a certificate of completion?

Yes! All students who successfully complete any Nova program receive a certificate of completion. After your program has been completed, please email admin@novascholar.education to recieve your certificate.

What is program tuition?

Program costs vary based on the required resources to adequately compensate mentors and cover logistical expenses.
- Nova Research Standard is $2,900 USD
- Nova Research Premium is $4,950 USD
- Nova Patent is $4,499 USD, and
- Nova AI Fundamentals is $490 USD.

Nova Patent

What is the Nova Patent program?

For high school students eager to turn their innovations into reality: collaborate with a Stanford instructor and a driven cohort to design, develop, and even apply for a patent on your own mobile app or hardware project.The program offers two dynamic tracks: Nova Patent: Hardware – Dive into product development by integrating mechanical and electrical engineering principles. Gain hands-on experience in prototyping, system design, and hardware innovation. Nova Patent: Software – Build a sophisticated mobile application while mastering advanced programming, user experience (UX) design, and software development methodologies.Whether you're passionate about hardware or software, Nova Patent provides the mentorship, resources, and structure to bring your vision to life.

Are there predefined project topics?

No.Students discuss their interests during the application and interview, and we group them based on skill sets and shared interests. The first session is dedicated to brainstorming ideas, followed by conducting user interviews to refine and determine what the team will build.

Do I need a complete idea to enroll?

No. Brainstorming sessions will help refine and shape your innovation. Even well-developed ideas evolve through user interviews to ensure they meet real needs.

I already have an app/project idea. Will you help me build it?

To some extent. The project is a collective team decision, ensuring it is viable and has real user demand.

Do I need specific coursework or experience to apply?

No prior coursework is required. Each cohort will have at least one student with a background in computer science, but skills in writing, design, and other areas are just as important. When we accept students, we focus on building well-rounded teams.

How long does it take to file a patent?

The filing will happen within the program. We’ll help you file for either a provisional utility patent or a utility patent.

How long is the program?

The program runs for 2 to 4 months (7 to 14 weeks), depending on the cohort. Ashorter, accelerated 7-week option is available during the summer, while the school-year program spans 14 weeks.

What’s the acceptance rate?

Acceptance rates vary by program— 25% for Nova Patent. However, more than just numbers, we seek students with genuine intellectual passion, curiosity, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with our mentors. Unlike traditional programs, we don’t require recommendation letters or transcripts because we believe success in a Nova Scholar project comes down to intellectual passion and grit—qualities we assess through direct conversations with students.

When are the cohort timings?

There are set default meeting times. However, since this is a small-group class, the first session will include a discussion to determine if there’s a better time that works for everyone. That said, please ensure you’re available for the default time, as changes will only be made if all participants agree on a mutually better schedule.

Is there flexibility in scheduling?

Yes, sessions can be rescheduled if the entire cohort and instructor agrees to the new timing.

How often will I meet with my mentor?

You’ll meet with your mentor once per week, with an option for twice-weekly sessions in the summer.

Can I communicate with my mentor between sessions?

Yes! Students can reach out to their mentor via email for questions or updates between sessions. Typically, a group chat with the mentor is also set up for easier communication.

Are there any additional fees?

No—everything needed for mobile app development, software, and patent filings is included. The only exception is for hardware projects in the NovaPatent program. If you’re in a hardware cohort, you’ll need access to any necessary components for your project, including materials such as a 3D printer, laser cutter, Arduinos, and motors.

Who owns the app, product, or patent application?

Students retain full ownership of their app, product, and patent application. Nova takes no ownership or rights over any student-created work.

Are there any additional fees?

Does Nova help students prepare for competitions?

Yes, students have access to resources and guidance on competitions, helping them navigate the application process and maximize their chances of success. Additionally, many of our mentors have experience competing in or judging high school challenges, including prestigious events like the Congressional App Challenge. Their insights and expertise provide students with valuable mentorship, strategic advice, and industry-level feedback to strengthen their projects and competition submissions.

Nova Research

What is the Nova Research program?

The Nova Research program is a structured mentorship experience where students conduct independent research and write a research paper with support from Nova Publication experts to prepare for high school research journals. With guidance from expert mentors, students explore topics of their choice, develop critical research skills, and gain valuable experience in academic writing and analysis.

Which grades can participate?

Middle school, high school, and college students (grades 6–12+) are eligible tojoin the program.

Is the program one-on-one?

Yes, mentorship is entirely one-on-one, providing personalized attention and a custom syllabus tailored to each student.

What is the program structure?

The program consists of recurring 1-hour lessons and runs for 10 to 17 weeks, typically spanning 2.5 to 4 months. Students in the 17-week track have the option to double their sessions, allowing them to complete the program in 2.5months.

Can the program be accelerated?

No, research requires deep understanding and cannot be rushed, even during the summer.

Is there flexibility in scheduling?

Yes, sessions can be rescheduled, and students may pause the program for holidays or personal reasons.

Is the program start date flexible?

While the program aims for a unified start date, individual accommodations can be made.

What if students face challenges during the program?

Mentors and program managers are flexible and work to support students facing personal or family difficulties.

Do I need to have a research idea before applying?

No, students don’t need a predefined research topic. Mentors will help them refine their interests and define a research question.

Are there predefined research topics?

No.Students discuss their interests during the application and interview, and mentors help refine their ideas.

Can research bridge multiple fields?

Yes, interdisciplinary research—such as bioengineering—is encouraged.

Can students use in-person labs?

Nova does not provide in-person labs but supports students who have access to one through other programs.

Can students without previous research experience participate?

No previous research experience or coursework is required to apply. Nova programsare designed for students at all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

Do students need to conduct experiments?

Most projects involve theoretical work, literature reviews, or existing data analysis.

What is the mentor matching process?

Our team reviews your application and interview responses, then discusses yourgoals with potential mentors to find the best match for your interests and objectives.

Can I publish my research project?

Yes, Nova publication experts provide guidance on preparing your work for publication in high school journals or other platforms.

Where can research be published?

Possible journals include The Concord Review, Journal of Emerging Investigators, and National HighSchool Journal of Contemporary Scholarship. Nova provides guidance on submitting research to the most suitable journals.

How long is the program?

Nova Research programs typically last 2.5 to 4.5 months, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

What is the time commitment for the program?

Students meet with their mentor for 1 hour weekly and spend 3–7 hours independently on tasks like reading, writing, and data analysis.

Can I participate in science fairs through Nova?

Yes! Nova mentors can help you develop and refine a science fair project, as well as prepare for competition submissions.

What are examples of research competitions?

Students can participate in competitions like ISEF and regional/national science fairs.

How long does it take to publish in a high school research journal?

The timeline varies by journal, but on average, the publication process for a high school research journal takes 3 to 6 months.This includes submission, peer review, revisions, and final acceptance. Some journals may have faster or slower review cycles depending on their schedule and submission volume. We maintain a database of specific journal requirements, timelines, and acceptance rates, and you'll have access to a publication expert to help refine your work for submission.

Nova AI Fundamentals

What is the Nova AI Fundamentals program?

The AI Fundamentals program features weekly small-group mentorship sessions, where students learn core AI concepts and explore how AI is shaping the fields they’re passionate about. The program notonly builds technical skills but also deepens students’ understanding of AI’s impact on the world—helping them think critically about what they want tocreate or pursue in the future.

What if I have no computer science background and/or don’t want to go into technology?

AI fundamentals provide critical knowledge for any field you choose to pursue.From law to the humanities, industries are evolving with AI—startups likeHarvey are transforming legal work, and AI-powered tools like Midjourney are shaping creative fields. To be a leader in your field, understanding AI is becoming essential, no matter your career path.

Which grades can participate?

Middle school students (grades 6–8) can join the program. High school students can participate in Nova Research or Nova Patent.

What is the program structure?

The program follows a small-group lecture and discussion format. Each session includes a mini-lecture on an AI topic, a hands-on project, a guided discussion, and a recap with a preview of the next session.

Who is eligible for AI Fundamentals?

The program is open to students in grades 6–8 and designed to be accessible to all skill levels. Admission depends on class capacity.

How long is the program?

The program lasts 4 weeks and spans ten hours.

What will I learn?

You will learn core AI concepts (e.g., machine learning, neural networks, and data ethics) and gain hands-on technical skills. Additionally, you’ll develop teamwork abilities and learn how to contribute effectively to discussions—an essential skill for college-level seminars, where you’ll be expected to engage thoughtfully and build on conversations.

What can I do after?

AI Fundamentals graduates receive automatic acceptance into Nova Research and a priority advantage for Nova Patent.

Logistics

What are my payment options?

We accept payments via Stripe. For assistance, please email us at admin@novascholar.education.

What is the refund policy?

Students may rescind their enrollment within three days of payment for a full refund, minus credit card processing fees. If a student chooses to withdraw anytime before 24 hours after the first session, we will issue a refund—minus the prorated cost of the first session and credit card processing fees. No refunds will be issued after the second session.

If a student decides to change cohorts (e.g., from Spring to Summer) within 24 hours of the first session, they may do so free of charge. Additionally, if they would like to switch from the Patent Program to the Research Program within 24 hours of their first Patent Program session, they will be refunded the difference in program price.

CanI pause my program and resume later?

Yes, Nova offers a Project Pause option for up to six months. Banked sessions can beresumed under specific conditions. Please note that after resuming, you may or may not have the same mentor, depending on their availability.

What happens if I don’t like my mentor?

If you feel your mentor isn’t the right fit, contact Nova support at admin@novascholar.education. We’ll work to rematch you with a mentor better aligned to your needs. Please reach out within 24 hours after your first session.

General

How do I showcase a Nova Scholar research or project on my college application?

We provide guides and resources for our students on this topic, but some common examples include:
‍
1. Publication in a High School Journal: Students may have the opportunity to publish their research in The Concord Review, Journal of Emerging Investigators, or the STEM Fellowship Journal, among other reputable high school research journals.

2. Patent Pending: Nova Patent projects result in a submitted patent application, allowing students to protect and showcase their innovation, with guidance from Nova mentors on the application process.

3. Mobile App in the App Store: Students working on app development can publish their projects on platforms like the Apple App Store Store, turning their ideas into real-world applications.

4. Competitions: Students can submit their work to prestigious competitions such as ISEF or the Congressional App Challenge, gaining recognition for their research and projects.

5. Letter of Recommendation: Outstanding students may receive a letter of recommendation from a Nova mentor, supporting their college or scholarship applications with a strong endorsement from experienced researchers.

These opportunities ensure that students receive meaningful recognition for their work and can effectively showcase their achievements in college applications and beyond.

Do you offer financial aid?

Yes! When students apply to Nova Scholar for financial aid, they'll need to provide proof of family income as part of the application process.

Can Nova help with applications for internships or competitions??

Yes! Mentors can provide guidance on refining your applications, essays, andpresentations for internships or competitions. While they may not be experts inthe specific field you’re interested in, specifying your goals in yourapplication or interview allows our mentor matching team to consider this whenpairing you with a mentor.

Will my mentor write a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)for me?

Yes! Mentors can write LORs for students who demonstrate commitment andsignificant progress in their projects. Be sure to request one early. However,note that this is mentor-dependent—just like a teacher, it is ultimately theirchoice.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Nova Scholar

Admissions and Acceptance

Nova Patent

Nova Research

Nova AI Fundamentals

Logistics

General