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Demonstrating passion to admissions officers is crucial for high school students aiming for US universities. One effective method to showcase dedication and talent for admission to US colleges is through participating in and conducting high-level academic research during high school. If the results lead to the publication of a journal paper, it becomes an invaluable experience!


 

High School Research
 

Type 1. Literature Review

A literature review involves a descriptive and analytical summary of existing materials related to a specific topic or research area. It demonstrates that the student has reviewed and assimilated all existing knowledge on a particular topic. While literature reviews do not create new or original knowledge, they are often the starting and ending point of professional research. While literature reviews alone are rarely published in research journals, they form an essential foundation for research papers.

 

Type 2. Research Proposal 

A research proposal is a formal proposal or plan to conduct a project. Developing a comprehensive proposal before embarking on a large-scale research paper is crucial. It typically includes the project title, research question or problem, and a brief overview of existing research on the issue. In US R&E competitions, preliminary rounds often evaluate these proposals exclusively, selecting finalists based on them.

 

Type 3. Research Paper

A research paper begins with a research question. In every academic discipline, countless new questions can be generated. Once a research question is selected, begin with the aforementioned literature review and research proposal. This includes a hypothesis and a brief literature review using library, research journal, and paper materials. Next, determine the research methodology and describe the methodology, then write the main paragraphs of the paper!

 

Why Should High School Students Engage in Research?

Engaging in research during high school not only enhances a student's profile for college admissions but also builds a substantial amount of knowledge and skills that are invaluable beyond graduation. These skills include communication, organizational abilities, wisdom, creativity, and more. Completing an entire research report represents a challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience in life. Demonstrating the ability to complete such an experience is one of the best ways to showcase to admissions officers that a student possesses remarkable perseverance and passion.

Examples of US High School Preparation

Jamie Beaton, now a Ph.D. in Public Policy Philosophy from Oxford University, highlights the acceleration in academic achievement that students can experience by engaging in research early. Many top universities such as Stanford, Caltech, and MIT prioritize high school research achievements. Drawing on a solid foundation in high school education, Jamie began his research journey at Harvard during his freshman year. Collaborating initially with economist Jeffrey Miron, Jamie went on to conduct independent research projects alongside Harvard Business School professors Mihir Desai and David Ager, ultimately completing a senior thesis under their guidance. 

(※ Click here for his detailed story.)