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20+ handpicked research opportunities to help you stand out in your career.
What could Stephen Hawking have achieved with a ten-year head start on his research on black holes?
What about Albert Einstein and Marie Curie? With a decade-long jump on their interests, what more could they have discovered about physics and cures for cancer?
The next wave of genius researchers is alive and well within Gen Z, and it’s our mission to give them as much runway as possible to change the world. 🚀
BETA Camp isn’t a research program for high schoolers, but students can use their time with us to craft flawless applications for their dream research opportunities. Not to mention that they’ll stand out on applications to colleges, internships, and more when they add “CEO of my own startup” to their resumes.
Because BETA Camp specializes in hands-on learning with real-world outcomes, we’re always on the lookout for research programs that fit the bill.
And since our workshops and mentorship opportunities are carefully curated for ambitious high schoolers, we know a thing or two about quality program design.
If you think you might have the next Hawking, Einstein, or Curie under your roof, read on. We’re about to show you 20 research opportunities for high school students to give your teenager a head start in their career. 🏃♀️
How (and why!) to do research in high school
It might seem like publishing research is something your kid needs to wait until college to do, but in reality, high school research can give students an edge when submitting college applications.
According to the CollegeVine ranking system, research is a Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurricular activity, demonstrating “high levels of achievement and leadership.”
And according to AdmissionSight, high school research is a powerful indicator of intellectual curiosity, dedication, perseverance, analytical skills, and more. 🏋️
Don’t believe us? BETA Camp’s own Anagha Hamsala recently completed an Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship with Georgetown University as a freshman in high school. She’ll be publishing her research in an academic journal. How cool is that?
How we built our list
To compile the best research programs available for high schoolers, we looked at cost, application requirements, application deadline, length, format, and acceptance rate.
We also honed in on each program’s unique characteristics and what your teen can do to stand out in the applicant pool.
Ready? Let’s get started. 🙌
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be at least 16 years old and juniors or seniors in high school at the time of submission. They must also be living in and attending school in the United States and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Application deadline: February 24, 2024
Length: Eight weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 3%
SIMR is one of the most competitive research programs available to high school students.
Over the course of eight weeks, participants perform research with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and other researchers. Each project is medically based and designed to increase interest in the biological sciences.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, focus on nailing the essay portion of the application. Show Stanford what makes you and your research goals special.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be rising seniors in high school at the time of submission.
Application deadline: December 13, 2023
Length: Seven weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 5%
With a single-digit acceptance rate, RSI is another highly competitive research program, designed specifically for students going into their senior year of high school.
After a preparatory first week of humanities courses, students participate in six weeks of biology, chemistry, engineering, and math courses, culminating in guided research alongside MIT professors.
RSI is all about the numbers. To maximize your chances of being accepted, you’ll need nearly perfect SAT/ACT scores and a 4.0 GPA. Make sure you have at least two glowing letters of recommendation as well.
Cost: $7,500 (financial aid available)
Application requirements: Students must be sophomores or juniors in high school.
Application deadline: February 16, 2024
Length: About five weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 10-15%
The University of Iowa’s intensive summer research program is geared toward advanced high school students who are interested in rare opportunities for growth and development.
SSTP Iowa allows students to hone their interests, build their skills, and create lifelong friendships with fellow intellectuals.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, make sure your essays and transcripts are polished to perfection.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school (at least 14 years old) and hold a minimum 3.5 GPA in science subjects. They must also be eligible to work in the United States.
Application deadline: February 9, 2024
Length: Eight weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 8%
For hands-on experience in lab techniques, HOPP is the place to be. Students attend training sessions and tours of facilities, sparking their scientific curiosity and contributing to their independent research projects.
At the end of the program, students present their projects and receive a stipend for their efforts ($500 minimum). 💸
To maximize your chances of being accepted, use your short essay responses to put your knowledge, self-motivation, and passion for the biomedical sciences on display.
Cost: $5,570 for commuters/$8,558 for residential students (in summer 2023 with financial aid available)
Application requirements: Participants must be entering their senior year of high school and be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident.
Application deadline: Not yet released. Submissions open on December 15, 2023.
Length: Six weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 9%
Boston University’s RISE Internship is for students who seek to conduct individual research projects under the supervision of a mentor.
Participants spend 40 hours per week researching alongside faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate students whose interests match their own. Individual projects wrap up with the Poster Symposium, and some interns go on to present their work at the national level.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, carefully research three faculty members whom you’re interested in working with over the summer. Dissect how your interests complement theirs. Then, communicate your findings clearly in your application.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be enrolled as a junior or senior in high school and be at least 16 years old at the start of the program. They must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Application deadline: January 5, 2024
Length: Seven weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 3%
The prestigious SSRP program gives students the opportunity to participate in mentored biomedical research at The Rockefeller University.
Participants dedicate 35 hours per week to their research teams, elective courses, guest lectures, and social events.
Once the application window closes, select students are invited to participate in a Zoom interview. To maximize your chances of being accepted, go into your interview with short stories that demonstrate your commitment to learning and research.
Cost: $4,700 for commuters/$11,299 for residential students (limited scholarships available)
Application requirements: Students must be sophomores or juniors in high school (with freshmen accepted on a case-by-case basis). They must also have a minimum 3.8 weighted GPA.
Application deadline: March 15, 2024
Length: About seven weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 4-6%
UC Santa Barbara offers high school students the opportunity to participate in university-level research alongside a mentor. With a long list of disciplines available to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
Students discover research techniques, listen to lectures by some of the most brilliant minds in the country, and build a network of like-minded individuals who will propel them toward their goals and dreams.
This application requires clear and compelling written responses. To maximize your chances of being accepted, articulate your goals and values and how RMP complements your desired future. Any AP scores you have will also be an asset here.
Cost: $3,700
Application requirements: Students must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum GPA of 3.8. They must also have honors or AP credits in at least three select subjects and standardized test scores at 60% or higher.
Application deadline: Not yet released
Length: Seven weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 10-15%
Formal instruction meets independent research in Stony Brook University’s signature program for high school students.
Students present original research projects with mentorship from Garcia Center faculty, students, and staff. Many go on to present their work in national competitions. Others have been awarded patents and been inducted into the National Young Inventor’s Hall of Fame.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, use your application to highlight your leadership skills, unique talents, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must live in New York City and be rising juniors or seniors in high school.
Application deadline: March 1, 2024 (or until spaces are filled)
Length: Seven weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: <10%
NYU provides high school upperclassmen with focused laboratory experience, guided by research faculty.
Participants receive training in scientific methods, expository writing, college-level research, professional development, and ethics, culminating in a poster presentation and seminar.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, carefully read the lab descriptions provided on this page to get to know the faculty and their projects. This information will help you write a killer essay.
Cost: Free for domestic students whose families make less than $80K per year. If ineligible for financial aid, tuition is $6,000 (in 2023).
Application requirements: Students must be at least 14 years old and have completed 9th grade.
Application deadline: March 1, 2024
Length: Six weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 13%
If you’re looking to dive deep into mathematics, you can’t do much better than PROMYS.
Boston University seeks highly motivated students who will increase diversity in STEM and broaden global horizons through their research.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, don’t rush through the application. A major component of the online form is an advanced problem set that will require your full attention.
Cost: $6,750 (financial aid available)
Application requirements: Students must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program but not more than 18 years old by the end.
Application deadline: March 15, 2024
Length: Six weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 10-12%
The Young Scholars Program pairs students with faculty members for six weeks of individual research in the fields of agricultural, biological, environmental, and natural sciences.
Participants complete the program with a journal-quality paper and a symposium presentation of their work.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, carefully select two teachers to write your letters of recommendation. While one must be from a science teacher, you have a bit more flexibility with the other. Choose wisely!
Cost: Free
Application requirements: The Bar Harbor campus accepts high school students who have completed 12th grade and are at least 18 years old. They must also be United States citizens or legal permanent residents.
Application deadline: January 29, 2024
Length: Ten weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 2%
The Summer Student Program at Jackson Laboratory is geared toward students interested in genetics and genomics research. Professional communication and growth are also pillars in the lab.
Participants work with a mentor to develop, implement, analyze, and report on a research project, which is then presented to fellow researchers, students, and parents.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, it is vital to communicate a desire to conduct genetics- and genomics-related research, as well as academic prowess, excellent problem-solving skills, personal maturity, and the ability to work with a team.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be enrolled as a junior or senior at a school in Duval County or St. Johns County (Florida) for the upcoming academic year. They must also have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Application deadline: December 31, 2023
Length: June to May
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: <10%
Through their mentorship program, Mayo Clinic offers high school students the opportunity to work with a mentor in world-class laboratories on their Jacksonville, FL campus.
Students spend 25 hours per week in the lab during summer break and additional time during the school year, contributing to vital scientific research.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, hone in on your specific research interests and carefully review Mayo Clinic’s researchers and their focus areas to be sure your goals are a good fit.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be juniors in high school at the time of submission and at least 16 years old at the start of the program. They must also be United States citizens or permanent residents.
Application deadline: February 7, 2024
Length: Five weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: 5%
Stony Brook University’s summer research program pairs students with faculty members and invites them to take on a project with a research group or team.
Students also attend weekly faculty research talks and participate in tours, workshops, and other events. Upon program completion, they are awarded with a stipend for their contributions.
All students must be nominated to apply for this program. Therefore, to maximize your chances of being accepted, find out how your school elects nominees and do what you can to meet the criteria.
Cost: Starting at $3,700
Application requirements: Students must be in high school to complete the program.
Application deadline: Open application
Length: 3-18 months (dependent upon chosen package)
Format: Online
Acceptance rate: N/A
Indigo offers high schoolers the unique opportunity to sharpen their skills and stand out on college applications by performing college-level research on anything from machine learning, to astronomy, to social sciences.
Each of Indigo’s three packages provides students with a mentor from top universities such as Columbia, Brown, and Oxford to help them explore four modules: Foundations, Theory, Research, and Publication.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, you’ll want to make a good first impression on your application advisor. Clearly communicate your interests and experiences so they can match you with the right program.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: In-person students must be rising juniors, seniors, or high school graduates who have not yet applied to college and live within two hours of downtown Seattle. The in-person program is specifically designed for underrepresented students.
Application deadline: TBD in early 2024
Length: Three weeks (in-person)/one week (online)
Format: In-person/online
Acceptance rate: <10%
With a focus on biomedical research, Seattle Children’s Hospital teaches students how to work in a laboratory environment, covering research areas such as biochemistry, immunotherapy, and gene editing.
Students also attend lectures, workshops, tours, and discussions to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, take note of the program’s strict application essay guidelines and follow them to a T. Lean into your community and culture and describe how your unique background will contribute to diversity at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Cost: $9,700 (limited scholarships available to Philadelphia students)
Application requirements: Students must be freshmen, sophomores, or juniors in high school.
Application deadline: Not yet released. Submissions open on December 1, 2023.
Length: Three weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: <10%
This program digs deep into current physics, including astrophysics, electromagnetism, mechanics, and quantum dynamics.
Students participate in lectures, projects, and discussions with like-minded peers and instructors to elevate their views of the science of matter.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, try to get some physics experience under your belt before applying. This isn’t required, but it is encouraged, and it will help your application stand out.
Cost: Varies by program
Application requirements: Students must have scored in the 98th percentile on standardized tests or be two or more grade levels ahead of state and national norms to qualify. Individual courses may require specific testing, prerequisites, or technology.
Application deadline: Open application
Length: Dependent upon chosen program
Format: Online
Acceptance rate: <10%
Johns Hopkins CTY offers a wide variety of advanced research programs for high school students.
These include Advanced Java Programming, AP Biology, AP Physics 1, and many others, all designed to sharpen students’ minds and facilitate high-level learning.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, your test scores will need to be impeccable. If you don’t have existing test scores, you can view your options through the CTY website here.
Cost: Free
Application requirements: Students must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in an Illinois high school. Work authorization is required for students under 16 years old, and proof of medical insurance is a must.
Application deadline: January 15, 2024
Length: Seven weeks
Format: In-person
Acceptance rate: <10%
At QuarkNet, students with an aptitude for science and math are invited to work with professional scientists for seven weeks.
All research projects are related to the Fermilab research program, which is on a mission to uncover the secrets of matter, energy, space, and time
The application process includes four short answer questions that require responses under 200 words. To maximize your chances of being accepted, get clear on your answers to each question and make sure they pack a punch.
Cost: $1,100
Application requirements: Students must be in high school.
Application deadline: December 1, 2023
Length: 25 hours (ten sessions)
Format: Online
Acceptance rate: N/A
The AI Scholars Program was created for students who are interested in the future of artificial intelligence.
This specialized bootcamp walks participants through fundamental AI concepts and supports them in creating a socially significant project. Each session is led by Inspirit’s team of graduate students from universities such as Stanford and MIT.
To maximize your chances of being accepted, be sure to communicate an interest in AI on your application. While the program doesn’t require any prior computer science experience, it will help you stand out amongst your peers.
Other ways to conduct research as a HS student
If your teen doesn’t meet the above application requirements or can’t commit to an onsite program, never fear. There are plenty of ways for high schoolers to conduct research outside a traditional program environment.
Here are a few places to start:
🧬 Enter a science fair or another local competition. Many schools offer credit for independent study, especially if completed under the supervision of a teacher or advisor.
👨🏫 Reach out to a professor for mentorship. If you have a connection within a university, start there. Otherwise, remember that fortune favors the bold.
🧪 Create your own research project. It may sound daunting, but it all begins with the decision to learn more about a topic that excites you. From there, you can define your research question, perform analyses and experiments, and write up your results.
Often, conducting independent research signals to admissions officers that students possess the skills, experience, and work ethic necessary to excel in a selective program environment.
If you know your student has what it takes to work with researchers at Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Stony Brook, or elsewhere, don’t leave their future to chance.
BETA Camp is here to help ambitious young people boost their resumes, stand out on applications, and carve out world-changing careers for themselves. 💪
Early bird ends soon. We can’t wait to meet your researcher.
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