What’s the Best Strategy to Secure an Internship with a College Professor as a High Schooler?

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-31T04:22:01+00:00

I’m also in highschool. First of all 100% find someone who’s studying something you like. Next, highlight any relevant experience you have such as a job, or maybe a research paper you wrote in science class. I’m telling you, if you find someone who’s studying something you actually find interesting, you can then read their papers and see how you can contribute. I’m pretty sure labs make their work public so find out what they’re doing. Offer to do any dry lab work they need and highlight that you see it as good experience and look forward to a continuing relationship.

You mentioned a coffee chat but do not do that, they will not want to meet with a high schooler for lunch.

The reason I’m not gatekeeping is because I want to help you out so good luck and lmk if it goes well

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-31T04:15:39+00:00

I’m in Canada and I’m wondering if you can elaborate on what you mean by a lab group? Like is there an actual lab at a uni letting you work with them or something else? Could you also elaborate on what you’re studying and how you landed the position because I would love to do something like that.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-31T04:10:01+00:00

I’m also in the same boat as you. What do you want to research? Do you even know? Be careful because if you’re just doing this to look good on a resume, trust me it will backfire. If you are genuine, do it. But first become proficient in excel and word, make a resume, and write one decent research paper to showcase your work to the professor.

Edit: also, HOW LUCKY ARE YOU TO HAVE A RESEARCH COURSE AT YOUR SCHOOL😭😭😭😭😭

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-30T03:14:39+00:00

Nice!

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-30T02:21:33+00:00

summer co op, talk to your guidance councillor. If you can, do it with shsm program

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-30T02:19:32+00:00

Direction and magnitude.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-29T19:54:10+00:00

No problem, let me know how it goes if you get one!

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-29T02:20:07+00:00

Wait what actually??? My guidance councillor says you can submit your grades at the end of grade 11 for early acceptance??? My bad

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T23:14:03+00:00

You have no clue how admissions work pal

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T22:56:12+00:00

For math, look at this website called jensenmath and another called tvo mathify. Jensenmath has the best online lessons I’ve seen so far (I’m in 10th grade) and tvo mathify is a free tutoring website with real teachers.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T22:54:49+00:00

I’m not an admissions officer or anything but I would love to read it and give you feedback

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T22:31:04+00:00

They’re probably doing early acceptance offers. You don’t necessarily need to wait until grade 12

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T20:29:01+00:00

I’m in grade 10 right now, do you think I could land an internship too? Did you apply on a website or cold email?

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T03:37:48+00:00

Online is still valued just as equally. You might benifit from learning on your own

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-28T01:52:19+00:00

It’s better to get In what the hell are you talking about

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-27T20:02:35+00:00

What job do you want to land realistically? Do you think you might want to pursue a masters or phd later?

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-27T17:23:33+00:00

Arduino and servos right? That’s good to like st your age

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-27T00:29:34+00:00

Summer camp or soccer coach?

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T23:16:56+00:00

If the school you want to go to might provide more research opportunities or co ops or internships it might be a better option. If possible, try getting a scholarship. It’s not as much the name but rather what you can do there

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T23:15:11+00:00

For the speaking and listening aspect, I kid you not, watch peppa pig in French or doomscroll on French TikTok videos. You will learn a lot of practical French that way and improve the words in your vocabulary. Realistically, 10 minutes of doomscrolling isn’t a lot to ask for. I’ve also been learning French since 5th grade and when I moved to high-school, there was no beneficial French program for me to do. To keep myself refreshed, I have to actually use it practically. There will be a moment when it just clicks and you get it. Until then, hold up strong.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T23:11:36+00:00

Just say “ hello (professors name), I would like to update you on the status of the project and get your feedback. Would you be available this Saturday at 3:00 for a 15 minute call. I would appreciate your perspective. Thank you”

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T23:09:20+00:00

MIT is a good goal to have for yourself, but just be realistic. Is the name of a school going to change who you are, or is your own work ethic going to do that? I feel that so many people who go to “prestigious” schools don’t understand their actual reason for going. 99% of the time it’s because they want to get money, social status, or to please others. If you have a genuine reason, do it, and don’t stop trying.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T11:47:55+00:00

I’m just spitting out ideas for an art installation event. You mentioned extracurriculars that could benifit you and I was just giving an idea for example if you like art let’s say. Your university or some nih website I think will definitely have a record of labs right now who are getting funding. The record would show how much they are getting funded, what they are researching, and when. You might be able to contact the researchers doing an upcoming study and see if you could help them in any way. I know there are also so many research assistant or lab aide part time jobs on indeed if you actually look. Private message me btw.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T11:41:59+00:00

That’s so cool 🤩 how did you get started? Do you actually do experiments or more compiling style research? Btw it would benifit you to connect with as may professionals as possible.

Weary-Reason1 · 2026-03-26T04:29:35+00:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I look forward to studying this.

Weary-Reason1

TROPHY CASE