<p>The best way to prepare for a career in astrophysics is to learn as much math and physics background as you can before you come to college. Without this baggage, you’ll spend an extra year or two doing it instead of taking astrophysics-related classes and possibly doing research. </p>
<p>While you are in high school, it is my belief that you cannot do any sort of valuable research. You can sort of see how it is being conducted, how professors/postdocs/grad students break down their duties and responsibilities, and maybe do some perfunctory work. </p>
<p>So really, take math/physics classes at your local college, if you can. </p>
<p>There are also some “starry” summer programs like NASA SHARP and SSP (summer science program in NM/CA). If you are still eligible (i.e. sophomore or junior in HS), you might consider applying. Although (again, in my opinion) they do not really show you how real research is being done.</p>
<p>Finally, you probably know this, but let me tell you just in case that astrophysics is not just looking at pretty pictures and writing in blogs. It is a lot of hard work, the competition is stiff and the pay (at least until you [hopefully] get tenure in your late 40s) is small. Also, if you decide to sell out after college, finding a well-paying job with such a specialized degree as astrophysics is probably harder than doing so with a physics bachelors…</p>
<p>This is all to say that if you want to do astro, you better be committed to do astro for the rest of your life. :)</p>