I’m looking to conduct research at some point in my high school career at a nearby college, and there aren’t any programs that cater to such interests available for high school students. So, I am planning on approaching a professor (by email), and asking them if I would be able to assist in their current research, hoping that eventually, once I get to know them, I can eventually see about conducting my own research. Does anyone who went through this experience have any tips on what specifically to say/tell them about yourself in the initial communication? I have been told to give a list of credentials, etc. I already have narrowed down a small list of professors that I plan on contacting, so that step is out of the way. Thanks!
Also google “how high schoolers get research at college” for tips …and why some professors don’t take HS students…they usually use undergraduates.
I went through this process. I emailed over 15 professors at various Depts. in the local state university. Many will not respond, and you will get one or two who are benevolent. Realize that as HS student, you really bring nothing to the table. You haven’t taken college level sciences and you’ve probably never worked at a lab before.
Once you get a response, portray a bunch of enthusiastism even if you need to feign. For the first year you will not do any research, but rather do busy work — I cleaned dishes and put things away — but stick with it and you may get the opportunity to do some really cool stuff in a university Lab, which is the goal