3 Reasons to Participate in High School Research
Once a student makes it to high school, their choices in life expand significantly. Suddenly, they get to pick which sports, clubs, or classes to take and for many kids, high school is the first time they start making real decisions about who they want to be.
During this pivotal time, many students–particularly those determined to land a spot at a prestigious university–consider exploring research opportunities outside of class. Whether that decision is spurred by determination, curiosity, or some encouragement from their parents, the opportunity for higher learning remains the same.
For most, research is synonymous with undergraduate and graduate coursework. But our adolescent scholars are more than capable of participating in rigorous research. In fact, there are substantial benefits to exploring higher learning at an earlier age. Our own Scholar Launch alumni stand as a testament to the opportunities that await high school researchers.
Research Programs Improve Your Chances Of College Admission
The first and most apparent reason for participating in high school research is the positive impact it can have on your college application results.
For decades, standardized test scores and GPAs were the primary merits colleges used to decide which students to admit to their schools. But times are changing. And in an effort to make admissions more equitable, higher learning institutions have begun considering other ways of measuring the value of applications.
Schools are seeking applicants who are not only good students, but who also demonstrate an intellectual creativity and flexibility needed to thrive in a collegiate environment. When students participate in high school research, they reveal an originality and curiosity that proves enviable academic ability. And most reputable schools are catching on to the promise of young researchers.
The Harvard Admissions Office recently revealed that students who demonstrate “significant scholarship or academic creativity” are a whopping 8 times more likely to be admitted to their university.
We lean on data like this to inform our own efforts when helping our scholars achieve their dreams. The ever-growing list of colleges and universities Scholar Launch alumni received acceptance letters from includes:
Harvard University
Hong Kong University
Princeton University
Dartmouth College
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Cambridge
And it wasn’t grades alone that got them there. Your research project proves to schools that you’re capable of long-term, dedicated, in-depth academic work that requires critical thinking and the honing of transferable skills. Which is precisely the type of student they’re looking for.
Explore Advanced or Alternative Subjects Beyond The Classroom
We offer a wide, constantly expanding range of research topics for students to explore. Most high schools don’t have the capacity to offer subjects beyond general education. At most, high school students can enroll in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses that offer extended versions of their gen-ed counterparts, like physics and U.S. history.
But the professors and faculty advisors we work with are excited to teach students about elevated subject matters like:
Music as Medicine: The Connections Between Musical Sound and Science
Legal Dilemmas and Philosophical Quandries: How to Think About Life’s Most Challenging Questions
Crypto Assets: Fundamentals, Price History and Investing Strategies
Students who enroll in a Scholar Launch research program have the world at their fingertips and get to challenge themselves with far-reaching topics they wouldn’t typically have access to in the classroom.
Gain Early Exposure to Career Possibilities
This exposure to what’s possible in the realm of academia could serve as an introduction to career possibilities in the future. Our programs allow students to explore various environments in healthcare, finance, fashion and more. For a young person who has thus far been focused on academic success, researching new interests may reveal new passions. This would help inform that student’s identity and choice of colleges and universities. We want to show our scholars what they’re capable of so they demand more of themselves as they graduate into college and the professional world beyond it.
In the end, more education is always a net positive. As we proudly consider the success of our Scholar launch alumni, we invite the next class of scholars to join our ranks and make the most of their time in high school. Participating in high school research is the golden ticket to the school of your dreams.