<p>^1. I don’t really know how much notice professors need…I started interning 3 days after my professor responded to my email (which I had sent about a week earlier)…it’s not a hard deadline or anything. I think it depends on the professor. </p>
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<li>Uhm…I don’t know, I think I’d be a little annoyed if I were a professor.</li>
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<p>Yes, but think about it from our standpoint. Wouldn’t you rather go to a program that’s more nationally recognized that specifically helps with a high schooler’s research needs? They’re trained to help high school students and have done it many times before. That’s why they establish a high school program. And they know how to help you with papers and contests and what not. AND they pay you $1000+.</p>
<p>I know what you mean - this summer, I’m applying to RSI, SSP, Clark Scholars, etc etc …there is a good chance you would get more out of a summer program than an individual internship. Then again, maybe not. </p>
<p>But I’m not trying to refute the benefits of a high school summer research program. I’m just saying the professor might find it inconsiderate and be annoyed. </p>
<p>Maybe you should wait for the results to come back in the spring and email professors after.</p>
<p>But by then they’ll all be full? Everyone says I should email over winter break.</p>
<p>^If you email them before results come out it’ll be inconsiderate and you might lose a potential mentor =(</p>
<p>Ideally, you could email over winter break, work something out with a professor for the summer and start reading background papers and familiarizing yourself with the equipment beforehand so you could maximize your productivity during the summer. There will be less research positions available, but if you could email in March/April-ish. Like I said before, there’s not a hard deadline for an individual internship. </p>
<p>You’re the best judge of your own situation, but I would avoid the remotest possibility of annoying a professor or mentor…</p>
<p>hmm, I emailed professors in mid-march, and managed to get an internship. But really, I think I got lucky, and I emailed ALOT of labs. many had full summer labs by then, so I don’t recommend waiting that long. I think winter break time is perfect. I had interviews after emails (really more of a get to know you type of thing), to finalize whether I would be working there or not. I think in person interviews are important, unless you already know what the lab is like…</p>
<p>Tell them (during the interview? I find these things easier to say in person) that you are considering working there, but are also considering some other options (summer programs), and you’ll let them know by so and so date. I’m sure they’ll understand- as a high school student, its not like your obligated to work in a lab. Plus, even when people get jobs, they have a certain amount of time to decide if they actually want to work there or not. </p>
<p>good luck!</p>
<p>^If you do have an in person interview, what would you recommend as a general dress code?</p>
<p>business casual would probable be best. no jeans or torn clothes, but something nice. at the same time, you don’t need to wear a suit, because people usually wear jeans and t-shirts in the lab.</p>
<p>This past summer, I know of 3 high school students who wrote to professors in their local universities and got research internships. None of them were paid. 2 were juniors and 1 was a sophomore. 2 worked at a top university which just happened to be local to them.</p>
<p>Go for it. You never know until you try.</p>
<p>yeah me too. I know at least 5-6 rising juniors and sophomores who worked in labs. Don’t get discouraged when labs are full or you don’t get a reply…</p>
<p>The last few posters have encouraged me and I finally took the plunge and emailed some CS professors from local schools. I did not know what to say but I just introduced myself and told them how I was interested in the field. Hopefully one of them contacts me back!</p>
<p>What about for students interested in Political Science/International Relations? Is feasible that a professor at a local university in one of those fields (or something very closely related) would want an intern?</p>
<p>Can anyone who’s successfully e-mailed professors before send me an example via PM?</p>
<p>I’d also be grateful if someone could send me an example; I’m not sure where to start.</p>
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<p>There’s no harm trying I suppose.</p>
<p>I’m also interested in the possibility of lab research this summer.
Is it necessary to have a basis for research already formed when you go to email professors or is it ok to just introduce yourself, express interest in the field and ask about interning?</p>
<p>I think it’s best if you do some research before you write the email because you can’t possibly write that you’re interested in biology or whatever because there are so many fields in biology.</p>
<p>I did propose a project for my research though.</p>
<p>But then it’s a catch-22. If you can’t do research with a professor until you’ve already completed other research, how is anyone supposed to get started?</p>
<p>I did some independent research (at home), but it is by no means necessary. Everyone has to start somewhere. </p>
<p>I think you could do research, as in read up on the different aspects of biology, and choose what interests you most.</p>