kairoux

Seems like this thread hasn't been active for a bit... but,
Is it strange if I ask a professor at a college that already offers a structured internship/research program (which I can't apply for because I'm not old enough) for an independent research/internship position?

idream17

How much are professors willing to take up international students for research/internship? Are research programs like HSHSP better than individual research/internships?

082349

I think you can definitely try to ask them but bear in mind that they could have that age limit because they think you may not have enough knowledge to conduct research.

Keep other options in mind.

If you're talking about having to fly to the US to conduct research, then I don't think it's possible. Remember that you have to get a visa which the university will usually not sponsor.

I would recommend going for structured programs such as RSI and SSP, if you want to do research in the US. I don't know whether international students can participate in HSHSP. However, I really do think it's unnecessary to go to the US just for the purpose of conducting research.

I'm an international student. I wrote this guide when I conducted research at a university in my country.

karaokemachine

I'm a high school senior entering college in the fall. I plan to do some research with a college professor this summer so that I'll have some experience under my belt when I start college.

My question: Does it matter at what college you research? For example, Princeton vs. UCLA vs. Cal State Northridge?

082349

No, I don't really think so. Any college will probably do just that they should have the necessary resources!

MomentumA7

I read through this entire thread and I still have some questions about emailing professors:

-A lot of cc'ers who posted questions about contacting professors said they were searching for a mentor to help them on a project. What if I do not have such a project? (the one I was working on for a science competition ended this month and did not allow university/college mentors, other than your science teacher)

-If I do not have a project, do I ask for an opportunity to become a lab/research assistant? Would this be an internship or a volunteer position?

Thanks in advance

MomentumA7

(I know this is a stupid question, but I am still very confused)

Do I look for professors in colleges/universities that focus particularly on research, or just any college?

Also, 082349 mentioned earlier about approaching the newer professors. How do you determine if he/she is new and therefore more willing to accept an assistant?

082349

I've been thinking for quite a bit about how to answer this question, so here's my answer:
1. Start by knowing what subject you want to do e.g. biology, political science, art history, etc.

2. Read about the different fields in that subject. In biology, you could go into botany, cell research, etc. You get the idea.

3. Find professors near your home (you don't really want to travel too far) who most closely match your interests. Try to find a few because you wouldn't know whether they would accept you.

4. Email!

You could try what I mentioned earlier in this post or you could ask to be a lab assistant. I don't really like the idea of a lab assistant because it sounds a lot like you would be washing test-tubes haha.

I don't understand the relevance of the second part of your question.

No questions are stupid, you should ask any questions you have now. (:

Like I said earlier, "Any college will probably do just that they should have the necessary resources!" You really wouldn't want to conduct research in a college which doesn't have the right equipment.

Newer professors are younger. You should be able to tell by looking at their CV, usually.

CaliDreaming

I'm really happy to have found this thread! I will definitely be taking some time over February vacation to email some professors around my area - happy I live around a very popular college city!(: I don't have a specific program I'm looking for a mentor in so I'll just be emailing around to assist in an independent program. Wish me luck!

bunny2015

I am VERY interested in this because I am applying to two summer programs which are VERY hard to get into (MITES, and Seattle biomed), and If all else fails I would love to have an independent study. My question is what question and what area should I be focusing on? I LOVE chemistry with a passion, but I am also interested in biochemistry. What books/websites should I look at to figure out a question to ask during my Independent research study? I am very serious and maybe some sample questions from people's past studies would help me? Thank you so much.

082349

That's for you to ask yourself. Because conducting research can be a long process, it's best you choose an area which you're interested in, chemistry/biochem.

I'm not sure what questions you're referring to. Once you know what area you want to focus on, read about studies done in that area.

Like I said earlier, know what area you want to do research in and take it from there.

quidditchcat

this may be a silly question, but what should the subject of my email to professors be?
because i know some people won't even look at emails with no subject.

splazsh

I am very interested in doing sociology research over the summer (at UCLA), but I have no prior experience in any type of scientific research. I am very passionate about the socials sciences and am even strongly considering becoming a sociologist in the future, so should I include this in my email to make up for my lack of prior experience?

chaseholl

Here.

It's not going to make up for nothing, but it is relevant information that should be included.

itsv

083349 and others:

Thank you for this thread. I have found it very helpful. I am giving a talk at a science conference for high school girls tomorrow on summer scholarship programs and the university just asked if I would add how to find internships to my workshop so this thread came in very handy. Good luck to everyone trying to land an internship this summer.