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Research Opportunities Database for High School Students

A comprehensive guide to research opportunities and science competitions available for high school students across the US. We've compiled a detailed list of research opportunities by region, subject and institution below!

Research opportunities in circles

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Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence Core is an online research program that connects motivated high school students with expert mentors from top universities. Founded by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, Polygence helps you explore any topic you're passionate about through one-on-one mentoring over 3–6 months, ending with a project of your choice—like an academic research paper ready for publication, a prototype, or podcast.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

Dec 15, 2024

Recommended for you

Categories

Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Sci, Econ, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine, Neuro, Psychology

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Polygence Pods Research Program

Summary

Learn Academic Research skills and build a foundational understanding of cutting edge subjects in Polygence Pods. Join a group of 6 students and meet weekly with a PhD-level mentor who is an expert in their respective field. Perfect for beginners, your program will culminate in a short-form research paper.

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Cost

Starting at $495

Application Deadline

Varies by program

Short courses

Categories

Biology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Other

Explore the program

Other programs

Boston University's Research in Science and Engineering Internship (RISE)

See website

Hosting Institution

RISE

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

$8,558

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

RISE (Research in Science & Engineering) is a six-week program designed for intellectually driven rising seniors who have a strong interest in scientific research. It offers two distinct tracks: Internship and Practicum, catering to different research preferences. The RISE Internship track provides students with the opportunity to engage in research projects alongside faculty mentors. Students in this track dedicate 40 hours per week to their research work, working closely with a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student mentor. By immersing themselves in their chosen discipline, Internship students acquire valuable technical and analytical skills through their research endeavors. On the other hand, the RISE Practicum track focuses on group research in computational neurobiology. Practicum students collaborate on research projects within a university environment under the guidance of a Boston University instructor. This track allows students to gain hands-on experience in conducting research and exploring the field of computational neurobiology. Both tracks of the RISE program provide students with an immersive research experience, allowing them to work alongside experienced mentors and engage in scientific inquiry. These experiences equip students with valuable skills and insights that can contribute to their academic and professional development in the scientific field.

Accelerated Research Practicum

See website

Hosting Institution

Scholar Launch

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$3,000-$3,800

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering, Comp Sci, Busines...

Summary

Accelerated Research Practicum combines both recorded and live sessions with the Faculty Advisor and allows students to achieve tangible outcomes and potentially earn a letter of recommendation in a shorter period of time. Cohort Size: 2-5 students per cohort or 1-on-1 Target Students: Students in 7-12th grade who wish to complete a research project with a prestigious professor rapidly

Summer Science Program (SSP)

See website

Hosting Institution

MIT

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

$8,400

Application Deadline

Mar 2, 2023

Categories

Biology, Engineering, Physics,...

Summary

The Summer Science Program offers teens an exhilarating and inspiring immersion into hands-on experimental science. Working in teams of three, 36 participants and 7 faculty form a supportive “living and learning community” over 39 days. Each team completes a real research project, taking and analyzing original data. Afterward, they join a worldwide network of 2,500+ alumni of all ages. Open to current high school juniors (and a few truly exceptional sophomores) who have completed the pre-requisites by summer, and will be at least 15 years old, but not yet 19, during the program.

Foundation for Private Enterprise Education’s Washington Business Week

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Hosting Institution

Washington Business Week.

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Business

Summary

Washington Business Week offers high school students an immersive experience in which they step into the shoes of industry professionals, launch a company, develop their communication skills, and tackle real-world problems. With the guidance of a mentor from a local business, students collaborate with their peers, explore various career opportunities, and establish valuable networks with professionals and future leaders. Each day, participants engage in a business simulation within their chosen career pathway, working as a team to make decisions and complete interactive projects alongside other student-run companies. Throughout the program, business leaders from across the state provide valuable insights and guidance. The program culminates with students presenting their business plans to industry professionals, having created a marketing video campaign, and honing their networking skills on social media. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to earn two transferable college credits from Renton Technical College.

MoonBeam

See website

Hosting Institution

MoonBeam

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Social Science

Summary

MoonBeam is an AI-powered tool that offers personalized feedback and data-driven writing assistance for long-form content, which is especially useful for college applications. With MoonBeam, you can generate essay outlines from short prompts, create presentation outlines and content based on your notes, or even input detailed prompts to generate rough drafts for your statement of purpose. The tool is known for its versatility and intuitive content generation, making it a valuable resource for tackling the daunting task of writing college application essays, cover letters, and letters of motivation. Give MoonBeam a try and leverage its capabilities to enhance your next college application.

Hosting Institution

Quetab

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Data Science

Summary

Quetab is an excellent resource for visual learners, offering AI-powered flashcards to enhance the learning process. By inputting the words, concepts, or prompts you need to study, Quetab's AI program generates flashcards quickly and efficiently. This tool is particularly helpful for memorization and review. Quetab prioritizes a clutter-free and beginner-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless studying experience without distractions or advertisements. Moreover, Quetab provides additional features such as summarizing large texts, creating questions from given content, and generating keywords. These features can assist in organizing and comprehending complex information. Whether you are preparing for exams, consolidating knowledge, or seeking a structured study aid, Quetab's AI-powered flashcards offer a valuable resource to enhance your learning process.

ChatGPT

See website

Hosting Institution

Open AI

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

ChatGPT is indeed a versatile tool that can assist you in various aspects of your college admissions journey. With its Natural Language Processing capabilities, it can generate prompts and outlines for your essays, providing you with inspiration and structure. You can also utilize ChatGPT to simulate interviews by posing as an interviewer from a specific university or program, allowing you to practice your responses and receive feedback. It's important to note that while rehearsing answers can be helpful, it's essential to maintain authenticity and avoid sounding overly scripted. Lastly, ChatGPT can offer ideas and information on different clubs and organizations that can contribute to your diversity essay, providing you with a good starting point and potential outlines. Remember to leverage ChatGPT as a tool to enhance your preparation and creativity while still maintaining your unique voice and perspective.

AdmitYogi

See website

Hosting Institution

AdmitYogi

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

AdmitYogi is an online platform that offers a unique opportunity for college applicants to gain insights and inspiration from successful past applicants. Using an AI-powered recommendation algorithm, AdmitYogi matches users with similar profiles, taking into account demographics, statistics, and intended majors. By accessing the college applications of matched students who were admitted to their dream schools, users can read their essays and activity descriptions to gain valuable insights and inspiration for their own application process. This platform aims to help students overcome writer's block and build a strong admission profile by learning from the experiences of successful applicants who share similar backgrounds and aspirations.

Northwestern University’s Summer Playwriting Intensive

See website

Hosting Institution

National High School

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Business

Summary

Northwestern University offers a unique summer program called the Summer Playwriting Intensive, which is perfect for those interested in the art of writing plays. This course provides participants with a professional and educational environment to develop their playwriting skills. Each morning, students engage in a master class led by a professional playwright, allowing them to receive valuable feedback and guidance on their writing. In the afternoons, they join classes alongside the NHSI Theatre Institute and a Television Pilot Class, providing a well-rounded learning experience. Evenings are filled with exciting activities, including field trips to Chicago theaters, film screenings, and master classes with the NHSI Film Institute. This program not only offers the opportunity to write and refine a play but also exposes participants to the vibrant theater and film scene in Chicago. It is an excellent choice for aspiring playwrights looking to enhance their craft in a supportive and enriching environment.

Fairfield University’s BASE Camp

See website

Hosting Institution

North Benson RoadFairfield

Online/In Person

Online

Location

No location

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Comp Sci

Summary

The Broadening Access to Science Education (BASE) program is a highly selective two-week residential summer program designed for students interested in scientific research. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in the fields of natural sciences and mathematics, working closely with experienced faculty and mentors. Throughout the program, students will gain valuable research skills and knowledge, culminating in a final project that showcases their findings. With a focus on broadening access to science education, the program is free of cost and admits a limited number of students, ensuring a personalized and impactful experience.

What is a Research Project?

A research project is a structured and systematic investigation into specific topic or question. It involves a series of planned activities. Research projects often require students to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, surveys, or literature reviews, and present their findings in a clear and organized manner. These projects foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper appreciation for the research process. They provide students with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to contribute to their field of interest while enhancing their academic and personal growth.

Why do a research project as a high school student?

Research projects can play a pivotal role in shaping the academic journey and future prospects of high school students. Engaging in research while still in school not only helps students discover their passions but also significantly enhances their chances of successful college admissions.

Exploring research projects allows high school students to delve into various fields of study, providing them with a firsthand experience of what truly interests them. This hands-on exposure aids in identifying their passions and helps them make informed decisions when selecting a college major or career path. It's a crucial step in personal and academic development.

Moreover, active participation in research demonstrates dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to go beyond the standard curriculum, qualities highly valued by college admissions committees. Admissions officers are often impressed by applicants who have shown initiative and a genuine interest in learning through research experiences. These opportunities can set students apart from their peers and greatly improve their chances of gaining admission to their dream colleges.

Ready to start your own research project?
Apply today!

We're so excited that you're interested in pursuing a path in research. Polygence is an online research academy dedicated to democratizing access to research opportunities for high school students. Whether you are interested in quantitative biology, fashion history, or privacy law, expert Polygence mentors will help you explore your area of interest.

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