Join us for The Importance of Leadership in College Admissions on 7/16 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
Join us for The Importance of Leadership in College Admissions on 7/16 at 8 pm EST. Space is limited, register today!
If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, social sciences or humanities—and you want to do more than just take classes—research might be your next step.
Colleges love seeing students engage in intellectual curiosity outside the classroom. Participating in research not only builds impressive skills, but can also help you stand out in competitive admissions.
Research doesn’t just mean working in a lab. It can include:
The key is to explore a question deeply, apply structured methods and synthesize findings.
Many universities recognize the value of introducing high school students to academic research and offer structured summer programs designed specifically for this purpose. These programs typically pair students with faculty mentors to work on actual research projects, providing an authentic taste of academic life and the research process.
What to expect: Students usually work 20-40 hours per week in research labs, attend seminars and workshops, and often present their findings at the program’s conclusion. Popular programs include the Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT, the Stanford University Math Camp (SUMaC) or the Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program.
Local colleges, research labs, hospitals and scientific institutions can provide accessible entry points into research, even without formal high school programs.
How to approach: Start by identifying researchers whose work aligns with your interests. You can write a personalized email explaining your passion for the field and eagerness to learn often opens doors. Many researchers appreciate enthusiastic students and may offer shadowing opportunities, volunteer positions or summer internships.
College Impact’s Research Program connects high school students with faculty and PhD mentors from top universities. Through 1-on-1 virtual collaboration, students pursue a personalized research engagement, culminating in a published paper or other impactful deliverable.
What to expect: Each project is unique and tailored to the student’s interests and goals. Here, you’ll find a list of projects our students have done before. Or, please schedule a call to discuss the program and we’ll create a bespoke opportunity.
Research experiences during high school create ripple effects that extend far beyond college admissions. Students develop intellectual independence, learn to think critically about complex problems and gain confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields. They also develop practical skills, such as project management, data analysis and scientific communication, that serve them throughout their academic and professional careers.
Perhaps most importantly, research experiences help students discover their passions and potential career paths while they still have time to shape their educational journey accordingly. A summer spent in a marine biology lab might inspire a student to pursue oceanography, while a project analyzing social media data might spark interest in computational social science.
The summer research experience your teen embarks upon today might very well be the first step toward groundbreaking discoveries, innovative solutions to global challenges or simply a deeper understanding of how they impact those around them. The investment in research experience is ultimately an investment in your teen’s future as a thoughtful, capable and confident contributor to society.
Need Help Finding and Applying to Summer Research Programs? At AcceptU, we help students identify the best-fit summer research opportunities based on their strengths, interests, and goals. From selecting the right programs to crafting standout applications, our team is here to support every step of the journey. Book a free consultation to get started!
