<p>Hey, so I just finished my junior year of high school! This summer I am working in a Cancer Genetics Research Laboratory with a renowned Ph.D in cancer genetics research, at a top-5 university in the country according to both Forbes and US News and World. I actually am doing things along the lines of researching issues and conducting my own experiments under her supervision and help. How much of an impact will this experience have on my admission to a great school? Should I have her (the Ph.D) write me a letter of recommendation? If so, how much will that help? </p>
<p>There’s no way to quantify. A rec from the researcher could be helpful assuming he/she gets to know you well and writes about your qualities. Publishing a paper is a very big achievement, but in a summer it’s hard to do a whole lot. I’d say focus on learning a lot and having a good experience, and get to know your advisor (and vice versa), and then get a rec at the end. It’ll be a good summer activity and could be something you write an essay on. </p>