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Grades alone do not predict future success. For example, Sir John Gurdon, a Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, was ranked at the bottom of his biology class. College admissions also do not solely rely on test scores, AP exams, or structured summer camps to gauge a student's academic creativity and intellectual abilities. These metrics often fail to identify promising students. 

In contrast, research projects allow students to showcase their intellectual abilities through unique, personal achievements. Independent projects provide a way for students to stand out in college applications. For example, MIT has a portfolio section where students can upload significant research projects as part of their applications. As college admissions move away from standardized test scores, the importance of independent projects is increasing. The University of California, for instance, decided to eliminate SAT/ACT scores starting in 2021.

High School Research Activities

Students can participate in various activities, from presenting at science fairs to writing 20-page scientific papers according to scientific protocols. They can also enter prestigious national competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search during their senior year, presenting detailed results and conclusions. Research programs offer students the chance to engage in research, writing, presenting, and participating in the academic community. Here are some high school research activity programs.
 

1. STEM

Ossining Science Research Program

This program spans three years and allows senior students to conduct independent graduate-level research. Students participate in local and national science competitions and can earn up to 12 college credits through the University of Albany.

   - February: Program presentation/interviews 

   - Late May: Acceptance announcements
     (※ Click here for more information.)
 

Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Program

This three-year program includes individual meetings with science research teachers and research with a mentor chosen by the student from a college, medical center, or research institution.
 

   - June: Symposium
     (※ Click here for more information.)
 

Boston University’s RISE Program

High school juniors conduct STEM research over six weeks, culminating in a Poster Symposium where they present their research results.

   - June 30: Move-in 

   - August 9: Move-out

   - July 1: Start of commute

   - August 9: End of commute
     (※ Click here for more information.)
 

Michigan State University High School Honors Science/Mathematics/Engineering Program (HSHSP)

Students live at Michigan State University and engage in seven weeks of research under the guidance of college mentors. They write weekly journals, research proposals, and papers, and present their findings in a conference-style presentation.

   - March 1: Application deadline

   - June 16 - August 3: Program duration
     (※ Click here for more information.)

 

2. Medicine

The Summer Visiting Scholar Program at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research

Open to high school, college, and graduate students interested in disease-oriented research. Students choose a mentor from the Feinstein faculty and submit a scholarly poster summarizing their research at the end of the eight-week internship.

   - January 26: Application deadline 

   - March 1: Notification of acceptance

   - May 21: On-site orientation

   - July 31: Poster session and end of program
     (※ Click here for more information.)

 

3. Social Science

Tufts Summer Research Experience

This six-week program takes place in different world-class laboratories on Tufts’ campus each year. Students join research teams and present their findings to Tufts peers, researchers, and scientists at the end of the program.
 

   - December 1: Application opens 

   - February 15: Early application deadline

   - May 1: Final application deadline

   - July 1 - August 9: Program duration
     (※ Click here for more information.)
 

4. Math

The Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS)

This six-week summer program at Boston University is for high school juniors and seniors. Students participate in daily lectures on Number Theory, advanced seminars, guest lectures, and receive mentoring from mathematicians. They present their research at the end of the summer.

   - March 1: Application deadline

   - March 15: Financial aid application deadline

   - Late April: Acceptance announcements
     (※ Click here for more information.)