How to email professors for research?

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

I am in high school and I want to do researches on multiple topics with some professors. As a high school student, I have limited knowledge in those topics and a very active imagination. I want to contact professors through email in the nearby colleges, but I do not know what to say? Please help.

2

The content of your email will vary depending on the subject of their research.

Are you looking to be paid for research assistance? If yes, you better start networking in person real fast. Honestly, you have little to no chance because you’re competing with graduate students seeking graduate research assistance (GRAs). Why hire a high school student when I can hire a graduate student?

If you’re not looking to paid for research assistance, then you should try non-research universities like community colleges because although most professors won’t be doing research at them, there is far less competition from more educated applicants.

3

@Noteworthy I want to do an unpaid research, and would it help if i had lab experience + shadowing (neurosurgeon) experience?

4

BUMPPPP

5

Pick a school, pick a department, read the faculty websites for the department.

Pick a faculty member who’s work interests you. Read some papers from his/her research group.

Craft a letter of inquiry based on your research.

Dear Professor X,
My name is Blank and I’m a high school senior interested in Blank. I am interested in finding an opportunity to work in a lab on Blank. If you have any particular qualifications (e.g. advanced science or math classes, relevant programming languages, previous experience) mention them in a sentence or two.

Ask for a meeting. Give permission for the professor to forward your email to a colleague that might be interested.

Regards,
Your Name Here

6

I know it’s considered nitpicking to criticize grammar on the Internet, but in contacting a professor, please do not say “researches” or “a research.”

@AroundHere’s advice is excellent.

7

@AroundHere Thank you so much, I wasn’t sure on what to say.
@poblob14 Thank you too, you weren’t “nitpicky” it was a good reminder!