When applying to college, students often emphasize their passions and intellectual curiosity through extracurricular activities. While academic factors still reign supreme in the application review process, how students spend their free time has become increasingly important—especially as selective colleges get even more selective.
Extracurricular engagement looks different for every student, but patterns and trends emerge. Over the past few years, one rising trend has been a growing interest in conducting research while still in high school.
The increase in teenage researchers has led to a lot of questions:
Do I need research experience to be successful in the college admissions process?
Answer: No
But what if I want to go to a really selective college? Do I need research experience then?
Answer: Still No
Can research help me stand out in the college admissions process?
Answer: Maybe
What does research look like for a high school student? Where do I start?
Answer: Keep reading
Let’s start by reiterating that research is not necessary for a successful college application. Like all extracurricular activities, research should spring from a genuine interest in a particular field. If conducting academic research doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, that’s okay! Both you and your college application will be better off if you pursue something that excites you.
For those of you who are intrigued by the idea of conducting research—maybe you have a burning question you want to pursue independently or wish to gain experience helping in a professor’s lab—this post will help you explore different types of research opportunities for high school students, how to find them, and how to share your findings.
RESEARCH IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
Research experience can be a valuable addition to a college application. It shows that students have a strong interest in their field of study and have taken initiative to gain hands-on experience. Research lets students tackle complex questions, refine their critical thinking skills, and gain new knowledge and abilities.
Research experience can also help a student stand out after admission. For students interested in research-heavy fields like the sciences, research during high school can help build an academic resume that will benefit them when applying for research positions in college.
That said, admissions officers understand that research opportunities are not accessible to everyone. Research requires a lot of time, effort, and, sometimes, resources. While research experience can enhance a college application, it is by no means a requirement or “expectation” for admission.
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
One of the most common ways high school students get research experience is by reaching out to local professors. Professors often have ongoing projects and may be willing to provide opportunities for motivated high school students.
Students can also choose to pursue independent research. This involves forming a research question, finding a mentor, conducting independent research, and deciding how to present your findings. Independent research allows students to explore their own research topic in greater depth and be as hands-on as they like.
Additionally, there are programs that facilitate research opportunities for high school students. Summer programs that match students with a research mentor or provide students with structured research experiences are becoming increasingly popular. If this interests you, be sure to evaluate the program’s credibility and whether its objectives meet your goals.
It's worth mentioning that some summer research programs are expensive. If the cost is prohibitive, other great options like contacting local professors or devising an independent research project are still available. While these options can be more challenging than a ready-made program, they are more accessible to a broader range of students.
FINDING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Finding research opportunities as a high school student can feel intimidating, and many students don’t know where to begin.
Helping with Research
To help a professor with their current research, begin by researching your local universities. For your area of interest, visit the departmental page on the college’s website to learn about the professors and their research. Look for professors who are exploring fields that align with your interests and reach out by email.
When reaching out to a professor, make sure you understand the basics of their research and that it makes sense for you to participate based on your interests and experiences. You should not email every professor in the same department since their research areas might be very different!
Your inquiry email should outline your interests and why you want to work with them. Include any academic and extracurricular experiences related to the field. Your proposal should be concise and professional, demonstrating that you have put thought into the potential collaboration.
Not all professors will have opportunities that are suitable for high school students. While it can be discouraging to receive a no, don't give up! Try reaching out to another professor or expanding your search to other institutions.
Independent Research
Students who plan to conduct independent research can also reach out to local professors to find a mentor for their research. Follow the steps above, but also include your research question and an overview of your intended research plan.
These students may also have a teacher at their school who would be a good mentor, especially if they plan to expand on something learned in the classroom.
Credible Research Programs
Ask around and use your resources. Your teachers, school counselor, or college consultant may know of opportunities related to your interests. See if local colleges, museums, libraries, or even businesses offer summer programs related to research. You could also use existing programs, like the ones mentioned in our blog post on online learning, to develop your own independent research plan.
SHARING YOUR RESEARCH
Okay, you’ve gotten a research opportunity. Maybe you’re already conducting said research. What comes next? Once you have completed your research, consider how you might share your findings with others.
Sharing your research findings allows you to communicate the significance of your work to others and demonstrate your research experience to colleges. There are different ways to share your research when the time comes.
You may consider presenting your research. This can range from presenting your results to classmates to speaking at a conference. Some conferences have special sessions or competitions for high school students, which can be a great way to receive feedback on your research and develop your communication and presentation skills.
Another way to share your work is by publishing your findings. You can draft a research paper independently or with your mentor or research team, then pursue having your paper published by an outlet relating to your field of study. While publication can be competitive, several academic journals publish student work. You can also self-publish your work online through your own website or an outlet like Medium.
Sharing your findings is an opportunity to showcase your hard work and skills, and it can also contribute to larger conversations in your field of study.
GET RESEARCHING!
Remember, research experience isn’t necessary for a successful college application, but it can be rewarding and valuable for students who want to explore their interests in greater depth. Finding research opportunities can be challenging, but with effort and dedication, it's possible to find an option that's a good fit.
Pursuing research opportunities can enhance a college application, but more importantly, it can also help you develop essential skills and knowledge in your field of interest. So don't hesitate to take the leap and get started! Who knows what you may discover?