At this point in the year, many formal summer STEM programs have closed their applications. However, many of the strongest STEM applicants pursue another path: independent research with professors or in research labs. This is a very common route for students who later apply to selective STEM programs and universities.
Most research opportunities are not publicly advertised. They often happen because a student reaches out thoughtfully and demonstrates genuine curiosity. Below is a guide to help you try to make this happen.
1. Identify the right type of lab
Focus on universities, research hospitals, or research institutes near you. Professors are much more likely to work with students who can participate locally and can show up if needed. Good places to look include:
- University department websites (physics, engineering, computer science, psychology, human development, kinesiology, math)
- Research labs within those departments
- Medical research institutes
- National labs or science centers
When researching labs, look for work that genuinely interests you, rather than emailing randomly.
2. Read a little about their research
Before emailing a professor, spend some time learning about their work. This step helps your message stand out. Try to:
- Read the lab’s website or research description
- Skim one or two recent research papers
- Understand the general goal of its research
You do not need to understand everything. The goal is to show you took the time to learn about their work.
3. Send a short, thoughtful email
When you reach out, express curiosity and ask whether there may be opportunities to learn or assist with research. A strong outreach email usually includes:
- Who you are (grade, school, academic interests)
- What specifically interested you about their research
- Any relevant coursework, projects, or activities
- A polite request to learn more or potentially assist
Professors often respond well to students who show initiative and intellectual curiosity, even if the role begins in a small way. Common starting points include:
- Shadowing
- Assisting a graduate student
- Helping with data collection
- Reading research papers and attending lab meetings
- Completing a small independent project within the lab
4. Email more than one lab
It is normal to contact 10–20 labs before finding an opening. Professors are busy, and many will not respond. Persistence is part of the process.
5. Be open to starting small
Most high school researchers begin with foundational tasks such as:
- Data entry
- Literature reviews
- Coding assistance
- Building or testing equipment
- Running simulations
While these may seem small at first, they often lead to:
- Longer term mentorship
- Deeper research projects
- Sometimes, conference presentations or co-authorship
6. Start now, don’t wait
March and April (even into early May!) are the best times for securing summer research opportunities. Labs are often flexible if:
- A graduate student is willing to supervise
- You demonstrate strong initiative
- You won’t need extensive training
In many cases, students work most closely with a graduate student mentor, rather than directly with the professor.
7. What makes someone say yes
Professors are most likely to respond to students who demonstrate:
Initiative — reaching out after learning about the lab
Genuine curiosity — not simply résumé building
Basic preparation — relevant classes, independent research/projects, competitions, etc., all made clear to them
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