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When choosing a major, students often consider many factors, such as job prospects, atmosphere, and professors. Conversely, universities focus on the student’s capabilities when selecting candidates. Therefore, to apply to prestigious universities, having high standardized test scores and a strong GPA is not enough. You need impressive extracurricular (EC) experiences tailored to your interests. One way to prepare for college life while still in high school is by participating in a Research Internship. This is especially beneficial for students aiming to major in STEM fields, as it allows them to gain early experience in college-level research, enhancing their expertise.



Research Assistant Internship

What is a Research Assistant Internship for High School Students?

A Research Assistant Internship involves working as an unpaid or minimally paid research assistant in a university lab. The tasks vary depending on the lab and the professor’s research program but generally include organizing research data using tools like Excel, spreadsheets, or coding programs, and participating in experiments and study designs. Through these projects, students can improve their skills in project organization, applying new experimental techniques to real-world problems, and delivering oral presentations. This experience often influences their choice of research topics and career paths.

 

Types of Research Assistant Internships

There are mainly two types of Research Assistant Internships: official and unofficial.

Official Research Assistant Internships are programs like MIT’s Research Science Institute and Stanford’s Office of Science Outreach Program, which offer funding and scholarships. However, these programs are extremely competitive, requiring students to excel in multiple areas. For example, MIT’s Research Science Institute has an acceptance rate of less than 5%.

Top-tier programs:
   - MIT’s Research Science Institute

   - Stony Brook University’s Simons Summer Research Program

   - Texas Tech University’s The Clark Scholars Program

   - Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

   - Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

   - Michigan State University’s High School Honors Science, Math, and Engineering Program 
 

These programs all have acceptance rates below 10%, making them highly competitive. As a result, many top U.S. universities, especially STEM-focused ones, look favorably upon students who attend these summer programs.
 

Unofficial Research Assistant Internships involve using personal or family connections to contact nearby university professors or research lab directors directly. Since there’s no guaranteed timeline for finding an internship this way, it’s recommended to plan ahead. Also, some research labs prefer long-term commitments, so be sure to inquire about the duration of the internship.

 

How to Find a Research Assistant Program

When looking for a Research Assistant Program, students typically use various websites. Gavi The Vaccine Alliance supports programs that help vaccinate nearly half of the world’s children against deadly and debilitating infectious diseases. (website: click here) Their internship program is open to undergraduates or graduate students formally studying in related fields. LinkedIn offers numerous postings for Research Assistant Intern positions at various universities. (website: click here) Collegevine provides information about a variety of internship programs for high school students across the U.S., including those you can complete remotely. (website: click here) 

Benefits of a Research Assistant Program

   - Skill and Experience Development: Students can acquire high-level research skills and experience.

   - Sense of Achievement: Assisting in a research lab is uncommon for high school students, fostering a sense of challenge and accomplishment.

   - Networking: Meeting professionals and peers in the same field can help build connections that support future career paths.

   - Academic Improvement: Preparing for and participating in internships often requires high GPAs and test scores, helping students enhance their academic performance.

   - Career Decision Support: Internships can help students determine their future career paths, allowing them to continue relevant research afterward.