Updated: August 2024 (Originally published: January 2018)
The Importance of Research Experience for High School Students
Students often hear the word “research,” but they might not fully understand what it means. It’s a term that pops up in phrases like “do your research,” which simply means digging deeper to learn more about something. But in academic circles, research holds a lot more weight. When scholars cite “research,” they’re referring to studies or experiments that have been carefully conducted, analyzed, and published. This gives the phrase “according to research” a lot more credibility.
In the world of high school education, the term “research” is increasingly tied to the idea that students should gain research experience. But what does that really mean? And more importantly, is participating in a research program actually going to help with college applications?
“By engaging in research firsthand, students find it easier to understand the rationale underlying others’ research… Undergraduate research can provide students with an ongoing source of one-on-one mentorship that is otherwise unheard of in the undergraduate curriculum.”
Source: The Benefits of Undergraduate Research: The Student’s Perspective (Penn State Journals).
Why Research Experience Can Boost College Applications
In today’s ultra-competitive college admissions process—especially at top U.S. universities—having research experience can really make a difference. The most prestigious universities are classified as Research 1 institutions, meaning they receive significant funding to support research. They’re always looking for students who are eager to dive into research because it’s such a big part of what these schools do. But here’s the thing: landing a research opportunity isn’t easy. You’ve got to be academically talented and highly motivated to get your foot in the door.
“Students who participate in undergraduate research experience many benefits including increased persistence; increased interest in, and pursuit of entrance into, graduate school; higher gains in research skills including gathering and analyzing data and speaking effectively; and gains in professional advancement, professional development, and personal development.
“Source: University of Oregon – Benefits of Undergraduate Research (UO Research).
Getting Started with Research in High School
If you’re serious about getting into research, the best time to start is in high school. Summers, in particular, are a great time to spend six to eight weeks completely immersed in the research process. And let’s be clear—research isn’t just for science geeks. It applies to the humanities and social sciences too. At the very least, dipping your toes into research will give you an introduction to how it all works. Whether you’re coding qualitative data or documenting methods, the experience will show college admissions offices that you have a knack for research. This could even open doors to programs like the Presidential Research Scholars at Cornell University, which is no small feat.
Why Local Research Opportunities Matter
Doing research close to home, at a nearby college or university, can be incredibly rewarding. It’s an educational experience that introduces you to the research process, which usually starts with a question or inquiry. From there, you develop a hypothesis, figure out your methods, gather data, and finally, discuss your findings. Understanding why research matters will help you see how you can contribute to new discoveries. Who knows, you might even catch the research bug and decide that you want to become a scholar.
Exploring the Solomon Research Program
For students looking to make a real impact with their research experience, specialized programs can be a game-changer. The Solomon Research Program is one such opportunity, offering high school students a chance to work with top-tier researchers. This kind of experience not only helps you develop critical skills but also enhances your college application by showcasing your commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
All of our blog posts are written by Former College Admission Officers who serve as members of our admission consultant team.
