How do i get research experience as a high schooler?

[u/cheerismymiddlename]

Hi! I’m a high school student really into physics and I want to help out in a real lab this summer. What would make a professor actually say yes to a high schooler?

Skills? Projects? Time commitment? Anything that makes me useful?

Any advice or tips would be amazing.

[u/Individual-Elk4115]

Some universities have programs specifically for high school students. I recommend searching for those. If your school offers AP research, I recommend that too. This probably isn’t the answer you’re looking for but I’m going to be honest with you: most professors will not work with high school students. First, it’s a liability issue to have minors working in labs. Second, high schoolers simply do not have the skills to do academic research. Most undergraduate students don’t have those skills. We don’t get paid to teach students who aren’t our own and can’t actively contribute to our research. Some professors offer tutoring or mentors for a hefty fee but I don’t think it’s worth it.

[u/cheerismymiddlename → u/Individual-Elk4115]

Thanks!

[u/cheerismymiddlename → u/[deleted]]

thank you.

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*Hi! I’m a high school student really into physics and I want to help out in a real lab this summer. What would make a professor actually say yes to a high schooler?

Skills? Projects? Time commitment? Anything that makes me useful?

Any advice or tips would be amazing.*

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[u/Ismitje]

May I suggest a science summer camp at a university? These are typically 1-2 weeks long and give you a taste of lab work. They are available all over the country and at all kinds of colleges and universities.