How exactly does one go about finding a research internship at a university. Unlike summer programs, it doesn’t seem that somebody can just apply for a research internship. I really would like to do one this upcoming summer (going into my senior year). Specifically, I am interested in microbiology/molecular genetics. I would look into summer programs at a university, but from what I have read, it doesn’t seem that they really do anything for you when it comes to college admissions. Thank you for your help!
bump
You’ll be hard-pressed to find meaningful research internships for high school students at universities, as those are generally given to college students, who have had the relevant course background to make it a meaningful project and a direct affiliation with a university.
Generally, if the universities you’ve been looking at don’t have a formal summer program for high school students that you’re interested in, and you haven’t a direct relationship with someone already involved in research, you may not find anything. You can always start cold calling (or - cold emailing) faculty, but unless you have a compelling reason or distinction, they will probably not be interested… you are competing with current undergrads - and maybe even grads.
Additionally, you shouldn’t look for these opportunities for the perceived college boost they may provide. If a summer program is interesting to you, it’s more meaningful to do that than to take on something just because you think it’ll improve your admissions chances.