<p>A while ago, I learned that it's possible for high school students to partake in research internships at universities & such. This really interested me, so I contacted the head of research at my local university. She directed me to the dean of science. She & I were supposed to set up a time to meet & discuss opportunities for me to do this, but she didn't respond to my email for a week. So yesterday I called her & left a message. </p>
<p>My question is... what should I do about this? I really don't think she cares. :/ I think I'll be the first high school student in my area who wants to do this, which is really upsetting because it means they don't take me seriously. Should I call her again if she doesn't respond? Or should I just start approaching individual professors to see if they'll take me? I'm really worried now because this is something I was so excited about doing & I don't want to let this possible opportunity slip. Has this ever happened to anyone? Do you have any advice or anything? Gahh, I'm really worried.</p>
<p>If you’re the first person in your area, then the better. Make an essay about it for your college admission as well. It will make you seem unique person in your area. </p>
<p>Usually they are very open to having a student come work with their professors. I had an experience similar to yours, actually. I was essentially committed to a lab and a project with a professor, and then he did not respond to my correspondence for 1.5 months. I ended up finding another, even better, research opportunity, but low and behold, after 6 weeks the old professor emails me to recap on what we would be doing. </p>
<p>Although I ended up finding another place, the moral is the same. You have to understand that the researchers and especially the dean has many other things to do in their life. It is very difficult to put aside time in a busy schedule. If I were you, I’d continue on this track and see where it goes, but I warn you, it might be a slow process. Email some professors as well, who may be able to meet with you a bit more freely. Also, expand your horizons if there is another university near you. You need to look as far and wide as you can to find a good opportunity. Expect to be rejected by much more than half of the professors, but you’re bound to find someone who will have you. And in many cases, the professor that hosts you is the best one you looked for.
So good luck! Hope that helped!</p>
<p>Thanks a lot, everyone! I’m definitely not giving up on this because it’s the only university within 2 hours of where I live. I’ll just try & email some other professors but if it doesn’t work… I WILL PHONE THEM. </p>
<p>yes, to everything said here. Try another professor. And next year, start early on this “contacing and setting up” because it does take time, and summer is precious. you want to get in a lot of hours too. keep trying to talk to the professors. Calling may be more effiicient, but I would be too shy to do that haha. But considering your predicament, call first, since professors don’t always check their emails.</p>
<p>I’ve been trying to do this for months. The dean never cared until now… briefly. & I emailed some profs as well but they never responded. LOL, I’m also a bit nervous about calling but I have to do it.</p>
<p>How many hours do you think I should have in the lab? Will it be really bad if I don’t get many? D: My local uni doesn’t normally do this… I’ll be the first HS student to go after a lab position, I think. That has to count for something, right?!</p>
<p>:( Never mind. One of the profs I contacted already has 2 HS students in her lab… the dean lied. Or just didn’t know. Either way, I had no idea about this & I think I’m still one of the first… that counts for something?</p>
I’m definitely not giving up on this because it’s the only university within 2 hours of where I live. I’ll just try & email some other professors but if it doesn’t work… I WILL PHONE THEM. </p>
The dean never cared until now… briefly. & I emailed some profs as well but they never responded. LOL, I’m also a bit nervous about calling but I have to do it.</p>