Over the recent years, more top-tier American universities have started looking for students with research abilities. The University of Pennsylvania's Dean of Admissions, Whitney Soule, stated in 2022 that the average GPA of admitted students is around 3.89, and almost a third of them have research experience. This indicates that, given the overall excellence of applicants, prior research experience can boost the application.
High school students who are curious about a particular academic field and enjoy exploring questions should try conducting academic research. The field of research does not have to be limited to STEM; there are many questions in humanities and social sciences that need answers.
For high school students, academic research not only serves as a stepping stone to top universities but also enriches high school life. It provides an opportunity to gain practical guidance outside the classroom, exposure to lab equipment and their usage, and an early adaptation to a university research environment.
Academic research also enhances the comprehensive capabilities of high school students. It helps them develop skills such as analysis, quantification, communication, and collaboration.
Given the multiple benefits of academic research, how should high school students get started? Here are four ways to secure research positions:
- Local Research Projects: The most common way is to conduct research in your school lab. However, not all schools have sufficiently professional lab equipment, and the first-hand scientific research information you can get is relatively limited. If you're seeking better experimental opportunities, you can check if there are university, hospital, or company labs in your city where you can gain research experience. For students in foreign high schools, labs often have limited opportunities for high school students, and it takes a lot of effort to get them. For instance, you can write a cover letter for the position, introduce your academic background, express your interest in their research, and explain how you can assist them. It's advisable to attach your resume for them to understand your relevant experience.
- Online Research Projects: The pandemic has given rise to numerous online remote research projects. These positions don't require you to be in a lab; you can assist with data collection and analysis. For busy students, remote research projects are a good choice due to their flexibility.
- Participating in Research-oriented Summer Schools: In recent years, summer schools where students can conduct research under the guidance of professors have become popular. Noteworthy summer schools include the MIT-endorsed Summer Science Program (SSP) and the Research Science Institute (RSI). These top-tier summer schools are only open to high school students, and their admission rate is as competitive as that of Ivy League schools. If admitted and able to produce results, it can significantly boost college applications.
- Undertaking Independent Research Projects: The last option is pursuing independent research, which suits disciplined students as it requires a long-term commitment of time and energy. If you decide to do independent research, it will take at least a year from start to finish. This doesn't include the time taken to write and submit a paper for publication. The biggest risk for high school students undertaking independent research is the timing issue. It's possible that your academic paper may not be published by the time college applications begin.