Strategic Action Plan

Program: SEA offers high school summer programs (typically called “SEA Quest” or “Summer Session”) aboard tall ships, combining oceanography, marine policy, and hands-on sailing. Students conduct actual oceanographic research at sea.

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (some programs open to rising sophomores). No prior sailing experience needed.

Selectivity: Moderately selective. They look for academic curiosity, interest in the ocean, and willingness to live in close quarters aboard a vessel.

What students do: Sail aboard a research vessel, collect plankton samples, measure ocean chemistry, study marine policy, navigate by celestial means, and write a research paper. This is genuinely transformative — students live the marine science life.

Why it matters for applications: Nothing says “I am serious about marine biology” like conducting research at sea. This is a gold-standard experience.

sea.edu — look under “High School Programs” or “Summer Programs”

Covered in detail in the Research Competitions section below, but noted here because the summer before senior year is prime research time.

Finding a mentor and beginning an independent marine biology research project during the summer between junior and senior year is arguably the single highest-impact activity for elite college admissions.

Program: Mote offers a High School Internship Program and summer research experiences. Students work alongside Mote scientists on active research.

Eligibility: Typically rising juniors and seniors, age 16+. Must commit to the full program duration.

Selectivity: Competitive. They want students who demonstrate genuine scientific interest.

What students do: Work in real research labs — coral reef restoration, sea turtle research, shark biology, water quality analysis. Students may contribute to publications.

Why it matters: Hands-on lab experience at a nationally recognized marine lab. If she can get a project that leads to data she can present at ISEF or submit to Regeneron STS, this is extremely powerful.

mote.org/education/internships

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors.

What students do: Marine ecology field work, dolphin and sea turtle research exposure, estuary ecology, lab techniques.

marinelab.duke.edu | Duke Pre-College

Program: Scripps has offered summer programs for high school students, sometimes through UCSD’s pre-college division or specific outreach programs (e.g., “Scripps Classroom Connection” or SURF-related outreach). Also look for the UCSD Academic Connections program which sometimes includes oceanography courses.

Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors.

What students do: Depending on the specific offering, could include oceanographic sampling, marine biology labs, exposure to Scripps’ world-class researchers.

scripps.ucsd.edu | UCSD Academic Connections

NOAA’s educational pathways include several relevant options:

• NOAA Office of Education sponsors various programs. Not all are directly for HS students, but some partner programs are.
• Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship — this is for undergrads, BUT knowing about it for future reference is strategic.
• NOAA Teacher at Sea — for teachers, but if she can connect with a participating teacher, she can leverage that network.
• NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Programs — the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (in Washington!) sometimes has volunteer and education opportunities.
• NOAA Fisheries — look for regional volunteer/educational programs.

noaa.gov/education | olympiccoast.noaa.gov

Eligibility: Typically 18+ for formal internships, but some programs or special arrangements may be available for exceptional HS students. Worth inquiring.

What students do: Real ecological research — invasive species, marine ecology, environmental monitoring.

Strategy: Even if the formal program requires college enrollment, she should email the education coordinator expressing interest. Sometimes exceptional HS students are accommodated informally.

serc.si.edu/education/internships

Program: MBL is primarily known for advanced graduate/professional courses, but their broader educational ecosystem in Woods Hole connects to several HS-accessible programs. Look for:

• The Woods Hole Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP)
• Summer courses through the broader Woods Hole community
• MBL may also participate in or direct students to appropriate HS programs

Strategy: MBL is a long shot for a direct HS program, but being aware of it and engaging with the Woods Hole community (which includes SEA, WHOI, MBL, USGS, NOAA all in one town) is valuable. If she does SEA Semester, she’s already in that ecosystem.

mbl.edu/education

Program: FHL is one of the premier marine biology field stations in the world, and it’s IN HER STATE. FHL primarily offers courses for UW undergrads and graduate students, but:

• Some courses may be open to advanced high school students through UW’s pre-college pathways or Running Start.
• UW’s Robinson Center for Young Scholars may provide a pathway.
• Critical strategy: She should contact FHL directly and ask about any HS student opportunities, volunteering, or shadowing. Even an informal connection here is extremely valuable.
• If enrolled in Running Start or UW in the High School, she may be able to take an FHL summer course for credit.

Why it matters: FHL is world-class AND local. Demonstrating a connection here shows admissions committees she’s plugged into serious marine science in her own backyard.

fhl.uw.edu

Program: MBARI is primarily a research institute and doesn’t have a formal HS summer program. However:

• The connected Monterey Bay Aquarium has teen volunteer and internship programs.
• MBARI occasionally participates in educational outreach.
• The CSUMB (Cal State Monterey Bay) REU programs sometimes connect to MBARI resources.

Strategy: The Monterey Bay Aquarium teen programs are more accessible and still very strong for applications.

mbari.org | montereybayaquarium.org

Program: UH Manoa’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) has occasionally offered summer programs for HS students, and UH Hilo has marine science offerings. Look for “UH Summer Research Experience” or “SOEST summer program.” The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) on Coconut Island sometimes has educational programs.

Cost/Logistics: Can be expensive due to travel to Hawaii, but are extraordinary experiences.

soest.hawaii.edu | himb.hawaii.edu

University of Washington — Various Pathways

• UW Pre-College / Summer Programs: UW offers various summer programs for HS students. Check the “Summer Youth Programs” page.
• UW College of the Environment: May offer workshops or programs connecting to marine/environmental science.
• UW School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS): She should explore research opportunities here. SAFS faculty sometimes take on motivated HS students as research assistants.
• UW’s Robinson Center for Young Scholars: For academically advanced students; can provide early access to university courses.

washington.edu/precollege | fish.uw.edu

Washington State University

WSU has offered summer research experiences. Less marine-focused than UW but has wildlife biology strength.

Salish Sea Expeditions

This is a KEY local program. Based in the San Juan Islands area, this program takes students on sailing vessels to conduct marine research in the Salish Sea. Very similar concept to SEA Semester but local.

Why it matters: Local, hands-on, research-based, and directly connected to Puget Sound marine ecology.

Western Washington University — Shannon Point Marine Center

Located in Anacortes, WA. Shannon Point has historically offered some educational programs and may have summer opportunities.

wp.wwu.edu/shannonpoint

Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

NOAA-affiliated site in Washington. Educational programs and volunteer opportunities.

padillabay.gov

School for Field Studies (SFS)

Offers pre-college summer programs in marine environments (Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, etc.). Rigorous field ecology programs, typically 3–4 weeks, $4,000–$7,000+.

fieldstudies.org

Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) — California

Summer camp programs with a marine science focus. More camp-like than research-based, but valuable for younger students or as a foundational experience.

Acadia Institute of Oceanography — Maine

Summer program for HS students focused on oceanographic research techniques. Smaller, more intimate, well-regarded.

acadiainstitute.com

Operation Wallacea

International field research expeditions for students. Locations in Indonesia, Honduras, etc. Students work alongside PhD researchers on real biodiversity surveys. Cost: ~$2,000–$4,000+, but produces real research data students can use for competitions.

opwall.com

What to Do NOW

1. Find a research mentor — ideally a professor at UW, a scientist at a marine lab, or a professional researcher. Cold-email faculty whose work interests her. Be specific about what she’d want to study.
2. Begin an independent research project this summer (between junior and senior year). The project needs to be substantially her own work, though guidance from a mentor is expected and valued.
3. The project should be novel — not a replication of existing work, but an original question with original data collection and analysis.
4. Write it up as a formal scientific paper by fall of senior year.

Marine/Wildlife Biology Project Ideas That Win

• Analysis of microplastic contamination in local waterways with novel detection methods
• Population genetics of a local marine species using DNA barcoding
• Effects of ocean acidification on shell-forming organisms (can be done with relatively simple lab setups)
• Ecological impact studies using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species presence
• Novel citizen-science data analysis — using large iNaturalist or eBird datasets to identify ecological patterns
• Machine learning applied to species identification or ecological modeling
• Coral reef health monitoring using novel sensor technologies
• Behavioral ecology studies of local marine or wildlife species

Strategy for Finding a Mentor

• Search UW SAFS, UW Biology, UW Oceanography faculty pages. Find someone whose research interests align with hers.
• Email them a SHORT, specific message: who she is, what she’s interested in, one specific project idea, and ask if they’d be willing to mentor or if they know someone who would.
• Also try: Seattle Aquarium research staff, WDFW scientists, NOAA scientists at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle.
• Success rate for cold emails is maybe 10–20%, so she should email 10–15 people.

societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts

How to qualify: Must advance through a regional/state affiliated science fair. In Washington, this means:

1. Compete at a regional science fair (check which region she’s in — there are several in WA)
2. Win at regionals to advance to the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF)
3. Top finishers at state may qualify for ISEF

What she needs: A substantial, original research project — the same project can serve for both ISEF and STS.

Relevant categories: Animal Sciences, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Plant Sciences, Microbiology, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics.

societyforscience.org/isef

What it is: Students present original research. Regional symposia feed into a national competition.

In Washington: Check the Pacific Northwest JSHS regional competition.

Why it matters: Less well-known than ISEF/STS but very well-regarded by college admissions. The presentation format (oral and poster) builds valuable skills.

jshs.org

What it is: An international competition for water-related research projects. Compete first in the national competition (in the US, administered by the Water Environment Federation). US winner goes to Stockholm for the international finals.

Why it’s perfect for her: If her research project involves water quality, marine ecology, aquatic ecosystems, etc., this is an ideal fit.

wef.org/sjwp | siwi.org

Run by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs. Includes categories for creative writing, visual art, film, music, AND interactive/multimedia projects about ocean issues.

Strategy: A strong entry could be based on her marine research experience — turning scientific understanding into creative communication.

bowseat.org

Biotechnology-focused research competition. If her project involves molecular biology, genetics, or biotech approaches to marine science, this is relevant.

Awarded by the Davidson Institute for profoundly gifted students with significant projects. A marine biology research project could qualify under Science or Technology categories.

davidsongifted.org

Why: Nearly every serious marine biologist is SCUBA certified. Getting certified in HS shows commitment and gives her practical field skills.

Progression Path

1. PADI Open Water Diver (or SSI equivalent) — can start at age 15 (junior certification at 10–14, full at 15+). This is the essential first step. Typically 3–5 days of training, ~$300–$500.
2. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver — after Open Water, typically 2 days of additional diving, ~$250–$400. Includes deep dive and navigation.
3. PADI Rescue Diver — more advanced; includes emergency management training. Great resume builder. ~$300–$500.
4. Specialty certifications of interest: Underwater Naturalist, AWARE Fish Identification, Underwater Photography.

Where in Washington: Multiple PADI dive shops in the Puget Sound area offer certifications. Cold-water diving experience in the PNW is actually impressive on an application because it shows she can handle challenging conditions.

Cost total: Getting through Advanced Open Water would run approximately $600–$1,000 total.

AAUS Scientific Diver certification — this is the professional standard for scientific diving. Typically requires being enrolled in a university program, but knowing about it and working toward the prerequisites is strategic.

Why it matters: Many marine biology field research programs involve small boat work. Having this certification shows practical readiness.

Advanced option: Look into sailing courses (relevant for SEA Semester-type programs) through local sailing clubs or community sailing programs.

parks.wa.gov/boating/education

Why: GIS is used extensively in wildlife management, marine spatial planning, and ecological research. It’s a highly marketable technical skill.

Options for HS Students

• Esri (ArcGIS) offers free accounts for students through their K-12 education program. Teachers can request institutional access, or students can access ArcGIS Online.
• QGIS — free, open-source GIS software. Excellent tutorials available online.
• Esri’s “GIS for Everyone” MOOC or similar courses on their learning platform.
• Coursera / edX courses: “Geographic Information Systems” by UC Davis (on Coursera) is well-regarded and free to audit.
• NOAA’s GIS resources: NOAA provides datasets and tutorials perfect for marine applications.

Project idea: Create a GIS-based mapping project relevant to local marine ecology — e.g., mapping eelgrass beds in Puget Sound, visualizing salmon migration routes, or analyzing spatial patterns of marine debris. This could become part of a competition project.

Why: Data analysis is central to modern biology. Python and R are the two primary languages.

Python Resources

• Codecademy — free introductory Python course
• DataCamp — has biology-specific data science tracks
• Python for Biologists (pythonforbiologists.com) — specifically designed for biology students
• Automate the Boring Stuff with Python — free online textbook
• She should learn: data manipulation (pandas), visualization (matplotlib, seaborn), and basic statistics (scipy, scikit-learn)

R Resources

• R for Data Science (r4ds.had.co.nz) — free online textbook
• Swirl — learn R inside R itself
• R is particularly strong for statistical ecology, population modeling, and biodiversity analysis
• Key packages to learn: tidyverse, ggplot2, vegan (community ecology)

Specific Skills to Target

• Statistical analysis of ecological data
• Data visualization
• Basic machine learning for species identification
• Working with environmental datasets (NOAA data, iNaturalist data, eBird data)

Strategy: Pick ONE language to start (Python is more versatile), get comfortable with basics, then apply it to a real dataset. Analyzing iNaturalist data for a project is a perfect intersection of programming + marine biology.

• Standard First Aid / CPR: Through Red Cross or similar. Quick (1–2 days), ~$80–$100. Get this as a baseline.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA): A 16-hour course covering backcountry medicine. Offered by NOLS, REI, and others. ~$200–$350.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR): An 80-hour (typically 9–10 day) intensive course. This is the gold standard for field scientists and expedition leaders. ~$700–$900. NOLS Wilderness Medicine is the most well-known provider. WFR is usually taken by people 18+, but there’s no strict age minimum for most courses.

Recommendation: Get standard First Aid/CPR now. Consider WFA in the near term. WFR could be a gap year or early college activity.

Why it matters: Demonstrates field-readiness and responsibility. Many research expeditions require at least WFA certification.

iNaturalist

• A platform for recording and identifying organisms. Used by real scientists for biodiversity research.
• Create an account and start documenting species in her area.
• Focus on a specific taxonomic group or habitat (e.g., intertidal species of Puget Sound).
• Contribute to BioBlitz events — organized efforts to document all species in a specific area.
• Aim to become a top contributor in her area for a specific taxon. This demonstrates expertise and dedication.
• Her observations become data that researchers actually use.

inaturalist.org

eBird

• Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s bird observation database.
• Relevance: Seabirds, shorebirds, and waterbirds are key components of marine ecosystems.
• Regular birding, especially at coastal sites. Submit checklists consistently.

ebird.org

Other Citizen Science Platforms

• Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF): Fish survey data collection while snorkeling/diving.
• Whale Alert: Report whale sightings.
• CoralWatch: More relevant if she dives in tropical areas, but worth knowing.
• Globe Observer / GLOBE Program: NASA-affiliated citizen science for environmental observations.
• Washington state-specific: Beach Watch (Audubon), SoundToxins (harmful algal bloom monitoring), and the Washington NatureMapping Program.

Why: The ability to write clearly about science is essential and surprisingly rare in HS students.

How to Develop This Skill

1. Read scientific papers. Start with review articles in journals like Marine Ecology Progress Series, Conservation Biology, or Frontiers in Marine Science (many articles are open access). Even if she doesn’t understand everything, she’ll absorb the structure and style.
2. Write summaries of papers she reads. Practice distilling complex findings into clear explanations.
3. Start a science blog or newsletter. Even a simple Substack or WordPress blog where she writes about local marine biology.
4. Submit to student journals: Some journals publish HS student research. Examples include the Journal of Emerging Investigators (emerginginvestigators.org), The Concord Review (humanities-focused but demonstrates writing ability), and Young Scientists Journal.
5. Enter science writing contests: Many organizations run science communication competitions.
6. Learn to write an abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion section. Practice by writing up a small observational study.

What volunteers do: Interpretive programs, animal care support, beach naturalist programs, conservation education.

Beach Naturalist Program: Seattle Aquarium trains volunteers to lead intertidal exploration programs at local beaches. This is an outstanding activity because it combines marine biology knowledge with public education/leadership.

seattleaquarium.org/get-involved

Youth Programs: Zoo Teen volunteer program and internship opportunities.

Relevance: While not marine-focused, wildlife biology and conservation experience is valuable and demonstrates breadth.

zoo.org/volunteers

Teen Volunteer Program: Historically has offered volunteer and internship opportunities for teens. Aquarium section is directly relevant to marine biology.

pdza.org

Volunteer Programs: WDFW occasionally has volunteer opportunities including fish surveys, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration.

Specific Opportunities to Look For

• Salmon spawner surveys (fall — seasonal but incredible experience)
• Puget Sound nearshore monitoring
• Wildlife area habitat restoration events

Strategy: Also look for WDFW job postings for “biological aide” positions — some are seasonal and may be available to students 18+. Even if she’s not yet 18, knowing these exist helps her plan for the summer after senior year.

wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/volunteer

Puget Sound Partnership: The state agency coordinating Puget Sound recovery. They maintain a list of volunteer opportunities and partner organizations.

Specific Groups to Search

• EarthCorps — ecological restoration in the Puget Sound region. Has programs for various age groups.
• Sound Action (formerly People for Puget Sound)
• Puget Soundkeeper Alliance — water quality monitoring and advocacy
• Local land trusts — many conduct habitat restoration on shoreline properties

pugetsoundpartnership.org

Located near Olympia, Nisqually NWR is one of the most accessible refuges in WA.

What volunteers do: Trail maintenance, wildlife surveys, invasive species removal, educational programs.

Strategy: Refuges love consistent, committed volunteers. Showing up regularly over months is more impressive than a single event.

fws.gov/refuge/nisqually

• Friday Harbor Labs (UW): Covered in Section 1. Even informal volunteering or shadowing here is valuable.
• San Juan Island National Historical Park / San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge: Volunteer opportunities.
• The Whale Museum (Friday Harbor): Has volunteer and education programs focused on orca conservation. Extremely relevant. — whalemuseum.org
• Center for Whale Research: Conducts orca population research in the San Juans. They may have volunteer or observation opportunities. — whaleresearch.com
• Orca Network: Another local organization focused on orca conservation.

THIS IS KEY. One of only a few national marine sanctuaries on the West Coast, and it’s in her state.

Volunteer/citizen science opportunities: The sanctuary has historically offered volunteer programs including beach monitoring, marine debris surveys, and citizen science.

Strategy: Contact the sanctuary directly. Ask about volunteer opportunities, citizen science projects, or educational programs. Having “National Marine Sanctuary volunteer” on her application is extremely compelling.

olympiccoast.noaa.gov

• Salish Sea Expeditions / Salish Sea School: Combines sailing with marine research.
• MaST Center (Marine Science & Technology Center): In Des Moines, WA. A community marine science center with aquariums and educational programs. May have volunteer opportunities.
• Skagit Marine Resources Committee and other local MRCs throughout Puget Sound.
• Tribes’ natural resources departments: Several Washington tribes conduct significant marine research and habitat restoration. The Tulalip, Lummi, Swinomish, and Nisqually tribes, among others, have active natural resources programs. Some may welcome collaborative or volunteer involvement, especially for respectful students interested in co-management of marine resources.

What: SCA places young people in conservation service positions at national parks, forests, refuges, and other public lands. HS programs include Community Programs (local projects) and summer Crew Programs (team-based conservation projects at public lands).

Why it matters: Real fieldwork, conservation leadership, and a nationally recognized program. Admissions officers know SCA.

thesca.org

What: Earthwatch places paying volunteers on scientific research expeditions worldwide. Teen expeditions work alongside scientists on topics like coral reef ecology, sea turtle conservation, and wildlife surveys.

Why it matters: International field research experience is uncommon and impressive for a HS student.

earthwatch.org

The US Fish & Wildlife Service manages 560+ national wildlife refuges, many with volunteer programs.

Local options: Nisqually NWR, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR, Dungeness NWR, Willapa NWR, Ridgefield NWR.

fws.gov/volunteers

• The Nature Conservancy — Washington Chapter: Conducts conservation work throughout Washington, including marine/coastal projects. May have volunteer opportunities. — nature.org (WA)
• Sierra Club / Audubon Society Local Chapters: Both have active Washington chapters with volunteer and advocacy programs. Washington Audubon chapters conduct regular bird surveys and habitat restoration.

Why this matters enormously: Admissions officers want to see students who don’t just participate but CREATE. Starting something from scratch demonstrates initiative, passion, and leadership.

Ideas

• Marine Biology/Oceanography Club: Host guest speakers (invite local scientists), organize beach cleanups, run ocean literacy events.
• Adopt-a-Beach Program: Partner with NOAA Marine Debris or Surfrider Foundation for regular beach monitoring.
• School Watershed Project: Study and monitor the waterways near her school. Connect it to Puget Sound health.
• Marine conservation film screenings with discussion panels.
• Ocean Plastics Reduction Campaign: Advocate for reducing single-use plastics in her school or community.

Scale it up: If she starts a club at her school, she can then expand it to a district-wide or statewide initiative, or create a model that other schools adopt. This is how a club becomes a “spike.”

• NOAA’s Youth Advisory Council: Check if NOAA has a current youth advisory body.
• National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Youth Board: Check for opportunities to advise on sanctuary management.
• Seattle Aquarium Youth Advisory Board: If one exists.
• Local government: Many cities and counties in WA have environmental advisory committees. Some have youth seats or are open to youth participation. Check her city/county’s environmental commission, sustainability committee, or parks board. Even attending public comment sessions and speaking about marine conservation is powerful.
• Washington State Youth Environmental Council or similar state-level youth bodies.

Annual summit bringing together youth ocean conservation leaders for networking, presentations, and collaboration. Being a participant, presenter, or organizer all add value.

youthoceanconservation.org (verify current status)

Start a blog, YouTube channel, podcast, or social media presence focused on marine biology.

Options

• Blog (Substack, WordPress, Medium): Write about marine biology topics, local Puget Sound ecology, species profiles, conservation issues. Aim for weekly or biweekly posts.
• YouTube: Create videos about local marine life, tide pool explorations, science explainers.
• Instagram / TikTok: Short-form science communication about marine organisms and conservation.
• Podcast: Interview local marine scientists, conservation leaders, tribal fisheries managers.

Why this matters for applications: Science communication is highly valued in modern academia. Demonstrating the ability to translate complex science for public audiences shows maturity and impact.

Growth strategy: Submit posts to established science blogs (guest posts), apply to join the Young Science Communicators Network or similar organizations.

Local Level

• Attend city council or county commission meetings on environmental issues.
• Submit written testimony on marine conservation policies.
• Advocate for local marine protected areas or shoreline protection.

State Level

• The Washington State Legislature considers environmental and fisheries legislation. She can testify before committee hearings (virtual testimony is often available), contact her state representatives about marine conservation priorities, and connect with organizations like Washington Environmental Council or Washington Conservation Action for advocacy opportunities.

Federal Level

• Write to US Senators/Representatives about NOAA funding, marine sanctuaries, or the Endangered Species Act.
• Apply for NOAA Student Opportunities or similar programs.

Why this matters: Showing policy engagement demonstrates that she understands conservation is not just science but also governance, advocacy, and community engagement. This is sophisticated and mature.

Submit to Student Science Journals

• Journal of Emerging Investigators — publishes original research by HS students, peer-reviewed.
• Young Scientists Journal
• Scientific Kenyon (check if accepting HS submissions)

Other Outlets

• Write op-eds for local newspapers about marine conservation issues.
• Submit to science writing contests: AAAS has occasionally run science communication contests, and various environmental writing contests exist.

Key Admissions Factors

1. Demonstrated, sustained passion for marine/wildlife biology — not just a summer program, but a consistent thread throughout high school.
2. Original research experience — ideally with a mentor, resulting in a project that can be described in detail.
3. Field experience — hands-on work in natural environments, not just classroom learning.
4. Scientific skills — lab techniques, data analysis, field methods.
5. Academic excellence — strong grades, especially in biology, chemistry, math, and physics. AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Environmental Science, and AP Stats/Calculus are all relevant.
6. Intellectual curiosity — evidence of reading scientific literature, asking questions, exploring beyond the curriculum.
7. Impact and leadership — not just participating but creating, leading, inspiring others.
8. Communication skills — the ability to write and speak about science clearly. The college essay is the primary test of this.

Elite colleges increasingly favor students with a demonstrated “spike” — extraordinary depth in one area rather than superficial breadth across many.

Her spike should be marine/wildlife biology. Every activity, award, and experience should point toward this central passion.

This does NOT mean she should only do marine biology activities. It means her most significant accomplishments should be in this area, creating a coherent narrative.

Having 2–3 DEEP marine biology experiences is far more powerful than 10 surface-level activities.

For Marine Biology Specifically

• UC San Diego (Scripps): Undergraduate marine biology through the biology department with access to Scripps. Values research experience, quantitative skills.
• UC Santa Barbara: Top marine science program. Values field experience, quantitative skills, demonstrated research.
• University of Washington: One of the best marine biology programs in the world (SAFS + FHL). Local advantage. Values research, field experience, connection to PNW ecology.
• Duke University: Marine Lab in Beaufort, NC. Values research experience, interdisciplinary thinking.
• Stanford University (Hopkins Marine Station): Elite research station. Values exceptional academic achievement and original research.
• University of Miami (Rosenstiel): Strong marine science. Values research experience.
• Oregon State University: Excellent marine biology program (Hatfield). Strong field component.
• University of Hawaii at Manoa: HIMB and SOEST are world-class. Values Pacific Island connection and marine experience.
• Brown University: Flexible curriculum allows deep marine biology focus. Values intellectual curiosity and self-direction.
• Bowdoin, Colby, Williams (top LACs): Excellent marine biology for those wanting a liberal arts education with field station access.

For Wildlife Biology

• UC Davis: Top wildlife biology program. Values field experience, conservation commitment.
• Cornell University: Strong ecology and evolutionary biology. Values research and field experience.
• University of Montana: Outstanding wildlife biology program in a spectacular field setting.
• Colorado State University: Strong natural resources and wildlife programs.
• Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Excellent marine/wildlife biology with hands-on emphasis.

1. Research mentor — If she does independent research with a university professor or lab scientist, that person’s letter is GOLD. This is the most important rec for a science-focused applicant.
2. Science teacher — Her AP Bio or AP Environmental Science teacher who knows her work in class.
3. Non-science teacher — Admissions wants to see she’s well-rounded intellectually. English or History teacher who can speak to her writing, thinking, and engagement.
4. Supplementary letter from a program director, conservation organization leader, or other mentor who has seen her in action in the field.

What makes a great letter: Specific anecdotes. Not “she’s a hard worker” but something like “when we were collecting samples at -2 tide, she noticed an unusual organism that turned out to be a range extension for that species. She then designed a follow-up survey protocol on her own initiative.”

The test: Can she talk about each experience for 10 minutes with genuine enthusiasm and specific details? If yes, it’s genuine. If she’d struggle after 30 seconds, it might be padding.

A gap year can be EXTREMELY beneficial for students applying to marine/wildlife biology programs because:

1. It allows extended field experience that’s hard to get during high school.
2. Students mature and bring richer perspectives to college.
3. Many top programs actually value gap year experience — it shows commitment.

When it makes sense: If she has a specific, structured plan — not just “taking time off.”

When it might not make sense: If she’s accepted to a top program and the program doesn’t defer, or if she’s eager to start college.

Deferral strategy: Most top universities (Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, MIT, Yale, etc.) explicitly ENCOURAGE students to take gap years and readily grant deferrals. She should apply to colleges during senior year, get accepted, then request a deferral if she wants to take a gap year. This is the safest strategy.

• SEA Semester also offers gap year programs for recent HS graduates.
• Class Afloat: Canadian-based program offering a semester or year aboard a tall ship with academic credit. — classafloat.com
• Ocean Passages: UK-based sailing/marine education programs.

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC)

A program of the Washington Department of Ecology. Members serve on crews doing ecological restoration, habitat enhancement, and environmental monitoring throughout Washington. Must be 18–25. Members receive a living stipend and an AmeriCorps education award (~$6,500+) for college. This is an outstanding option — structured, productive, and directly relevant.

ecology.wa.gov — WCC

Other Corps Programs

• Student Conservation Association (SCA): Also offers gap year / longer-term positions.
• AmeriCorps NCCC: 10-month service program. Some teams work on environmental conservation projects.
• California Conservation Corps: Strong option if she’s willing to go to CA.
• Northwest Youth Corps (NW Oregon/Washington): Conservation work for young people.

• Operation Wallacea: Gap year placements on research expeditions.
• Earthwatch: Longer-term or multiple expedition options.
• Frontier: Conservation and research expeditions in locations worldwide (marine programs in Madagascar, Fiji, etc.).
• GVI (Global Vision International): Marine conservation programs in various tropical locations.

Caution: Some “voluntourism” programs are expensive and may not provide substantive research experience. She should prioritize programs where she’ll collect real data, work with published scientists, and learn genuine field techniques. Ask for references from past participants.

• Dynamy Internship Year (Worcester, MA): Structured gap year with internship placements. Could potentially arrange a marine science internship.
• Global Citizen Year / Where There Be Dragons / NOLS Semester: Not marine-specific but develop leadership and field skills.
• NOLS Semester in Baja: A NOLS semester course in Baja California, Mexico that includes sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. Combines wilderness skills with exposure to one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.