<p>I'm a high school junior and got a research internship at Caltech (in a field which I intend to major in) for the summer. I was really stoked about it until the professor told me the hours... Monday-Friday 9-5, with "likely work on the weekends". This is an unpaid research internship. </p>
<p>Are most unpaid research internships like this? I mean... it'll basically take up my whole summer and I won't have much time to do anything else at all... </p>
<p>Also, would this help me a lot on my college application? I'm not doing it solely for that, because I'm actually really interested in the research topic, but just wondering. Basically, are all these hours worth it?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! :)</p>
<p>Bump bump! </p>
<p>Also, is it okay if I try to negotiate my hours or is that too much to ask for?</p>
<p>hahah i believe it is a huge plus and shows that your really dedicated… sorry i dont know much but i would take it and be stoked that you have the oppurtunity… sorry i cant help that much :/</p>
<p>Most research internships expect 40 hrs per week for a specified number of weeks. A lot of high school students do it for getting into science fairs, have their name on a research paper or to show research experience. Caltech name will stand out on your resume. </p>
<p>It is upto you whether you want to take it. Can you get into a college without this internship?</p>
<p>I’m definitely taking it; I was just wondering if it was reasonable, but according to texaspg it sounds normal. And yeah, I’m pretty sure it’ll boost my resume a good bit 
Thanks!</p>
<p>9-5 is pretty typical, though the weekends is fairly unusual. I’d ask what sort of duties you’ll be expected to perform in the lab.</p>
<p>I think this will be a great opportunity. You can not only put this down as experience, you might also want to ask the professor for a recommendation. And of course, there’s that college essay to write and certainly something from this experience can be a great topic. It’s unfortunate that it’s your whole summer and it’s not paid, but focus on the advantages. And if you’re worried about friends busting you because it’s unpaid, don’t tell them.</p>