<p>Alright, now I’m leaning towards dropping band and keeping research. I definitely have the drive and interest. And I am looking to do science/math stuff in college so I guess research would have more benefits. Now to look for a position at a lab… So far I’ve only contacted one professor and no reply yet. I asked him a couple of questions about his research and planned on exchanging a couple of emails before asking to work in his lab. Am I doing this wrong? How did you guys get to work in a lab or get a mentor?</p>
<p>I live in the East Bay. It would take me over an hour each way to commute to Stanford. Every professor I emailed said that undergrads can’t even get positions, so no one would take me as a high school kid. And I have research experience (summer program) and AP science classes. After ten people told me there was no way, I’m pretty sure it isn’t easy. I’m just saying, you can’t tell OP it’s a walk in the park, because it’s not.</p>
<p>@OP You don’t ASK a professor about his/her research. You read their publications and what they are currently doing, and then write a compelling email about why you are really interested in what they are doing and that you would like to meet with them and ask more questions. Also, it’s better to try to meet professors by going to talks they give–I know at Cal they do a speech series about science. I went to all of them (after doing a ton of research about the professors speaking) and talked to each professor afterward.</p>
<p>I’m really not that great at writing and my parents are immigrants so they can’t edit my emails. Do you guys have tips for writing a compelling email to a professor? I’m not really sure how to convey my interest besides saying, “I found your research very interesting” and naming some specifics I found fascinating. And should this be one size fits all so I could send it to multiple people?</p>
<p>You could possibly have your science/English teacher look over then. it would be in your best interest to tailor a new email to each professor, because each professor will likely be doing a very specific project. As for what to write, make it sound sort of like a cover letter. Start out with what you find interesting, then relate it to your science classes and mention your grades. Also include any scientific accomplishments you may have acheieved. I’m pretty sure there’s a thread already written about applying for independent research internships, so search for that. Or maybe someone can link it? </p>
<p>Keep in mind that this is a long process, and you will probably get many rejects before you get an acceptance (if you do get one).</p>
<p>Is this the thread you’re talking about? <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1063234-how-apply-independent-research-internships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/summer-programs/1063234-how-apply-independent-research-internships.html</a></p>
<p>And on top of this emailing process, my friends dad also has contacts at nearby universities who work in my area of interest so hopefully that works out and I could get to work in a lab for the summer.</p>
<p>Yeah that’s the thread. </p>
<p>The contacts will help immensely. Ask your dad to start asking them asap.</p>
<p>Besides the friend’s dad, ask your own math and science teachers. These profs can get many blind emails, so yours needs to get noticed- just saying “I’m interested” is not going to get attention, nor will pretense. Yours has to be quick, to the point- and relevant. Sometimes, a call to the dept admin can help you learn which profs may have had prior hs assistants and might be open to a phone call.</p>
<p>Be willing to do whatever is available- the idea that you’d get to hold an important role is not realistic. You are untested, a complete stranger and something of a risk. It’s fine to work for/with a grad student in a low level capacity. Many kids can write great blurbs about how they learned about the pressures, protocols, teamwork, even failures, just by putting themselves in the context.</p>
<p>brb public schools for the loss</p>