Getting Started

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Why Research?

Research is one of the most rewarding extracurricular activities you can pursue in high school. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into specific, advanced topics, uncover truths, and develop solutions that enhance our understanding of diseases, the mechanics of the world, and more. The process is not only intellectually stimulating but also profoundly impactful, allowing you to explore the world in a meaningful and scientific way.

However, it's crucial to ask yourself: why do you want to do research? Understanding your motivation is essential to determine whether investing your time in research is worthwhile. Generally, people undertake research for two main reasons, although it can be a mix or for other reasons:

1. Passion for Learning: Some individuals have a genuine love for learning about the world. They excel in subjects like math, physics, biology, and chemistry, and they naturally seek out ways to explore their curiosity. These people often pursue PhDs and are constantly contemplating the workings of the world. They discover research and fall in love with it.

2. Path to Prestige: For others, research is a means to enhance their academic profile and improve their chances of getting accepted into prestigious universities. Conducting research in high school is particularly impressive as it involves working with university-level concepts, often under the guidance of professors, doctors, or university students. This can significantly boost college applications.

So, which category do you fall into?

Reflect on your reasons for wanting to do research. Be honest with yourself, as this self-awareness will help you identify your true passion. Your motivation might be a blend of both reasons, and that's perfectly fine. The important thing is to recognize that embarking on a research path requires a significant time commitment. You will spend countless hours writing abstracts, drawing conclusions, coding, debugging, and reading highly advanced papers. It will be a challenging journey.

By understanding your true motivation, you'll be better equipped to decide if the time spent on research will be worthwhile. Balancing a social life, other extracurricular activities, homework, and research will be tough, so it's essential to spend your time wisely.

If you decide to stick with research, the rest of this guide will provide a step-by-step roadmap to success.

Final Reminder

Research is time-intensive and challenging, but if you persevere, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll have in high school, guaranteed.

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Set Your Goals

Now that you've decided to pursue research, it's essential to define your goals. What do you hope to achieve? For many high school students, success in research might mean participating in prestigious competitions like ISEF, winning grand prizes or special awards, or becoming the first author of a published paper. However, your goal could also be something more personal, like competing at a regional fair. Whatever it is, clarity on your objective will help you chart a path to success. Bear in mind that all competitions have deadlines, so it's crucial to stay aware of these dates and work consistently towards your goal. Break down the steps needed to achieve your objective. Research isn't accomplished in a day; it requires dedication over time. Spend 20 minutes daily reviewing literature related to your topic, allocate 20 minutes to explore potential research programs, and talk to students who have previous research experience to gain insights. The key takeaway is to set clear goals and outline the steps necessary to reach them. By setting small, manageable tasks, you will gradually work your way towards your ultimate research goals.

Start the Research

Setting goals is the easy part; turning those goals into reality is where the real work begins. Whether your aim is to win first place at ISEF or compete at the regional level, certain steps are essential for every research project. Here’s a guide to help you succeed:

1.  Getting Help

Completing an entire research project and conducting analysis on your own can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the necessary topics and data science tools. Seeking help is crucial. This means finding a mentor to guide you through the research process and teach you the skills you need. It also means connecting with other students who have experience in science fairs and research. Our website offers a wealth of introductory materials on research and the science fair process to get you started.

Regardless of your approach, seeking out a mentor is the most crucial step in creating a successful research project. Before reaching out to potential mentors, consider the following:

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1. Type of Research: Determine whether you want to pursue a lab-based or computational project. This decision will influence whether the location matters for your project. Lab-based research is typically more time-intensive, requiring commuting, lab setup, and hands-on work. Balancing this with school commitments can be challenging. On the other hand, computational projects involve extensive coding and dataset creation but offer more flexibility in terms of location. If you have coding experience and limited time, a computational project might be more suitable. Additionally, computational projects allow you to seek mentors from anywhere in the world.

2. Brainstorm Ideas and Become an Expert: Don’t email professors without having a clear understanding of their work or a project idea in mind. Research the topic you want to study thoroughly, read relevant papers, and understand the key concepts and problems. Review the professor's work and prepare questions to ask. This shows your genuine interest and makes mentors more willing to help. Ensure the topic excites you, as passion will drive you to delve deeper and achieve more. Professors appreciate talking about their work with knowledgeable and enthusiastic individuals. However, even if you don’t fully grasp their project, reaching out is still beneficial. It’s better to find a mentor who can guide you through the process than to struggle alone.​

Summer Research Programs

1. Securing a mentor is a key strategy for entering the research field and gaining invaluable support, but it’s not the only pathway. Attending a research program is another excellent option. These programs not only introduce you to research but also connect you with mentors who may guide you long after the program ends.

2. Finding a Research Program

3. The internet is your best resource for discovering research programs. Platforms like Reddit often feature advice and reviews from previous attendees, who can share what worked well and what didn’t. You can also connect with past participants through Discord servers, LinkedIn, and personal networks. Additionally, the Unity Network provides reviews of various research programs, including personal insights into RSI, BU RISE, SSP, and more. These reviews are categorized by U.S. regions on our website, so be sure to check them out.

Selecting a Program

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you choose the right program based on critical factors:

1. Location: Programs are available worldwide, with many located on the East and West coasts of the U.S. in cities like Boston, New York, and across California. Local colleges often welcome high school students for research opportunities, so explore those as well. Consider whether you’re willing to travel far, live away from home for 1-2 months, and manage the associated travel costs.

2. Prestige: Prestige is a significant factor if you’re not heavily constrained by cost and location. Attending top programs like the Research Science Institute (RSI) or the Summer Science Program (SSP) can provide excellent mentorship and enhance your college applications. RSI has a highly competitive acceptance rate of 60-80 students from over 2,000 applicants, while SSP has about a 10% acceptance rate.

3. Costs: Financial considerations are crucial. RSI is not only highly regarded but also completely free, covering all expenses. Other programs like SSP can cost between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on financial aid. Local programs or research opportunities at nearby universities are often more affordable and can offer similar or greater benefits.

4. Other Factors: Consider the program’s duration, the specific areas of science they cover, and the level of mentor engagement with students. These smaller factors can also influence your decision.

5. Ultimately, weigh your options carefully. Attending a prestigious program may be worthwhile despite high costs, but remember it’s not the only path to success. Many students conduct research at local universities and achieve significant accomplishments, such as publishing in journals or qualifying for competitions like ISEF and Regeneron STS. Assess your options based on these factors to make the best decision for your research journey.