Research Opportunites For College-Bound H.S Senior

In summary, a high school senior is seeking advice on how to boost their application for graduate school, particularly for the top 5 schools they plan to apply to. Suggestions include approaching professors for volunteering or work opportunities in their labs, learning programming languages like C++ or MATLAB, and developing skills that would be beneficial for undergraduate research experience programs. It is noted that finding a research spot may be difficult without contacts, but it is worth asking once in college.
  • #1
rakbarut
10
0
Hey everyone, I'm currently a high school senior and I was just wondering if there was anything I could do this upcoming summer to help boost my application for graduate school. I know it is way far down the road, but seeing many of you guys report on how difficult it is to get into a top 5 grad. school, I wanted to get busy early. And not only am I trying to build my application, but spending a year doing something physics related sounds so appealing. So, do any of you have suggestions on what I can do??

P.S If this makes any difference, the schools I am applying to are Uni. of Chicago, UCSB, UCLA, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins and Carnegie Mellon...

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
If you live near any universities (or even community colleges) you can always approach professors to see if they are looking for any volunteers or have any work opportunities in their labs.

Another option is to develop some skills that will help you get a spot in a formal undergraduate research experience program such as learning a programming language or familiarizing yourself with a program like MATLAB.
 
  • #3
Choppy said:
Another option is to develop some skills that will help you get a spot in a formal undergraduate research experience program such as learning a programming language or familiarizing yourself with a program like MATLAB.

How hard is it to teach oneself a programming language like C++ or how to use a program like MATLAB? Expanding on that point, what languages would best advantage me if I were going to be applying to REU's during my undergraduate studies?
 
  • #4
Any other comments on my original question?
 
  • #5
Which programming languages would be most useful depends a lot on what you ultimately want to do. But learning C, C++, or Perl would help you either way - at least you'd be learning how to program, and after you've done that the rest is just syntax. There are plenty of good introductory programming books out there. I'd recommend this one for Perl. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0596520107/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Without having any contacts, it will be hard to find a professor wiling to take on a student who hasn't even started college yet as a research assistant. There wouldn't be a whole lot you could do. Once you get into a school, you could always ask them if they offer anything, but the schools you mentioned have plenty of grad students and undergrads who have higher priority for getting a research spot.
 
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FAQ: Research Opportunites For College-Bound H.S Senior

What are research opportunities for college-bound high school seniors?

Research opportunities for college-bound high school seniors refer to programs or opportunities that allow students to gain hands-on experience in conducting research, usually in a specific field of study. These opportunities can include internships, mentorship programs, summer research programs, and more.

Why should high school seniors participate in research opportunities?

Participating in research opportunities can provide valuable experiences and benefits for high school seniors. It can strengthen their college applications, as it demonstrates their interest and dedication to a particular field of study. It also allows students to gain practical skills, explore potential career paths, and network with professionals and other students with similar interests.

How can high school seniors find research opportunities?

There are several ways for high school seniors to find research opportunities. They can reach out to their school's guidance counselor or science department for recommendations. They can also search online for programs or organizations that offer research opportunities for high school students. Additionally, students can contact professors at local universities or reach out to professionals in their field of interest to inquire about potential research opportunities.

What are the benefits of participating in research as a high school student?

Participating in research as a high school student can have many benefits. It can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, improve their understanding of a particular subject, and build their resumes for college and future career opportunities. Research experience can also help students stand out in college admissions and scholarship applications.

Are research opportunities only available in science and technology fields?

No, research opportunities for high school students are available in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, math, social sciences, humanities, and more. Students interested in research can explore opportunities in their specific areas of interest and find programs that align with their career goals.

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