<p>Should I do research in high school, and give a reason why I should or shouldn’t. How will it benefit or hurt me?</p>
<p>-Thanks in advance</p>
<p>Go for it, if you can. I wish I’d been badass enough to get research opportunities in high school. </p>
<p>Totally. What kind of research are you planning to do? (Historical, scientific, etc.) You can find research opportunities by emailing university professors, participating in research fairs, etc. I’d give you more advice if I knew what kind of research you were planning on doing. I’m a science fair kid. </p>
<p>Last summer I was in a Biochemistry lab. I was able to work on my own experiment, not just watch a grad student or something. It was honestly the best experience, which is why I’m going to work in a lab again this summer (this time an engineering lab, though, to find out which I like better). I would recommend it if you have a specific field in mind, or even if you are unsure. If you can get into a lab (awakeningvenus mentioned a few ways), definitely take the opportunity.</p>
<p>Benefits: experience, recommendations from profs, deciding for sure on a college major, college app boost?</p>
<p>Harmful effects: um, your experiment might blow up. I’m kind of being sarcastic here because I can’t think of a good reason not to participate in a research opportunity, but seriously, take the proper safety precautions.</p>
<p>I want to do research in engineering. Civil engineering(structural) or software engineering. I think the experience would be good since I can o one in each semester, and I will finally know what I would like to major in.</p>
<p>Go for it then! I couldn’t see how finding out what you want to do with your future could be a bad thing :)</p>
<p>How can it be a bad thing?</p>
<p>With your original question in mind, I can’t see anyway that research would be a bad thing. Take any opportunity that you can, because you might come to regret it.</p>
<p>Can you name some benefits of research? I can only name one. </p>
<p>I go to a school extremely dedicated to academics(Ms school for math and science), and we take college level courses. I would like to know if it is worth going through all the stress.</p>
<ol>
<li>You can put it on your resume. </li>
<li>It can give you perspective on what you want to major in. </li>
<li>I assume most people who do research think it’s fun in some way.</li>
</ol>
<p>I feel like participating in research shows that you don’t only know the principles behind your research, but you are also able to apply that and make contributions to a field as a student. For instance, I know a lot about mitochondria, and that’s great, but if I could apply that understanding and make contributions to the medical or evolutionary biology fields, that would mean a lot more than just knowing the material. School is usually content driven, and that’s where extra curricular activities like research show your other capabilities. </p>
<p>You can also submit your research in competitions like the Intel ISEF, or other fairs that would accept projects in the respective field. A lot of science fairs have computer science as a category, for instance. I also agree with everything that halcyonheather said. And speaking of which: </p>
<p>
Okay, research is awesome and all, but a point I see here is that if you personally don’t enjoy research over other activities that you could be participating in, I wouldn’t do it. Research is something that’s amazing and full of possibility if you’re really into it. But if you think of it as a chore, don’t feel obligated to do it. There are plenty of other ways that you can involve yourself in the major you’re planning to go into. </p>
<p>This is the opinion of sophomore science fair nut. </p>
<p>Most people don’t do research because they can’t. If you can then you should.</p>