<p>After looking through the CC forums I see that research experience is very helpful to one's application. This summer I applied to several research programs but was not offered admission (the acceptance rate was literally 0.5% for some of them, 2,000 applications for 10 spots).</p>
<p>I would love to do some research and am certain that I would do well. I have been doing science projects since I was a kid, as evidenced by the numerous stains and burn marks on my carpet. :D Anyways, how could I get some research experience? My teacher suggested emailing some professors at a local state university asking if they would like a volunteer. Do you guys think this is a good idea? If I were a professor I wouldn't want a high school kid working in my lab! What other opportunities are there?</p>
<p>It is up to the generosity and patience of professors whether they open their labs to high schoolers.
Realistically, it is their grad students that babysit and teach lab procedures to high school volunteers.
You could be given just washing test tubes to actual generating data.
If you can responsibly commit time every weekday in the summer you may be offered a spot.
It has to be treated like a non-paying job.
You start reading about local professors’ work and start emailing them in January for next summer.
It is competitive because every high schooler is wanting research experience.</p>
<p>Does your hs have job shadowing?
That is a good way to meet professionals that you may want to have as a mentor or internship/research.</p>