5 answers
Tanvi
Student
2
Questions
Updated
1265 views
Is it too late to do cs research as a junior in high school?
I am a junior in high school and only recently found out that research with a professor was an extracurricular activity. Since it is already halfway into the year and I am a junior, could I also reach out to a professor and do this or is it too late? I found some paid programs during the summer that do research but take up the entire summer and I would have no time to do other programs. Is there any way to reach out to a professor and ask to do research with them from now or feb/march to until school ends? If there is, how many professors should I be emailing and how should I ask them to do it from now or feb/march to until school ends? Also, are there any requirements/skills that these professors look for in regards to cs research? Thanks a bunch!
Login to comment
5 answers
Dr H
174
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Dr’s Answer
It’s definitely not too late, Tanvi! You’re actually in a perfect spot to start exploring CS research. And guess what? Professors are usually pretty understanding when it comes to working with high school students—especially if you're enthusiastic and willing to learn.
1. It’s Never Too Late!
Think of it like the "freshman year" of your research journey. You’re just getting started! Many students don’t even consider research until their senior year of high school, so you’re actually ahead of the game. Whether you start in February, March, or next summer, you’re on the right track!
2. How to Reach Out to Professors
Keep It Short and Sweet: Professors are busy, so don’t write them a 3-page essay. Just a concise and friendly email explaining who you are, why you’re interested in their research, and how you think you could contribute will do the trick.
What to Include:
Brief introduction: “Hi, I’m Tanvi, a junior at [Your High School]. I’m passionate about computer science, and I came across your research in [mention their specific area of research].”
Why you’re interested: “I’m really interested in [mention a specific project or paper of theirs you’ve read] and would love to learn more and contribute to your work.”
Your availability: “I’d be available from [February/March] to [end of the school year], and I’m eager to dedicate time to assist with any ongoing projects you may have.”
Ask if they’re open to working with a high school student: “Would you be open to discussing the possibility of me contributing to your research during this time?”
A polite thank you: “Thanks so much for considering this! I look forward to hearing from you.”
3. How Many Professors Should You Contact?
Quality Over Quantity: Don’t bombard 100 professors with emails. Instead, try focusing on 5-10 professors whose research interests you. The more specific and genuine you are in each email, the more likely you are to get a positive response.
Look for Active Researchers: Aim for professors who are currently working on projects or have ongoing work. They’re more likely to take you on if they have something happening right now.
4. What Professors Look For
Interest and Enthusiasm: Professors want someone who is genuinely interested in their work, so show that you’ve read up on their research and explain why it excites you.
Skills: You don’t need to be a CS genius yet! Basic skills (like programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++) or even an understanding of data structures and algorithms will help. But the key here is a willingness to learn and ask questions. Professors love students who are curious and can think critically.
Good Communication: Clear and respectful communication is essential. Professors appreciate when students are organized, follow up professionally, and are proactive.
5. Should You Do a Paid Summer Program or Reach Out Now?
Pros of Reaching Out Now: You can start learning and contributing right away! Plus, this could help you build a strong relationship with a professor that could lead to more opportunities down the road.
Pros of Paid Summer Programs: These programs usually provide a structured environment, mentorship, and possibly even networking opportunities. But, if you're worried about missing out on other summer activities, reaching out to professors now could give you flexibility for the summer.
6. Time Commitment
Be upfront with your availability. Professors are likely to be understanding if you're only available for a few months, but they might appreciate your honesty about how much time you can commit.
Bonus Tip: Get Ready for the Research Journey
Embrace the Learning Curve: You might feel like you're diving into the deep end, but it’s all part of the process! Expect some trial and error, and don’t stress about getting everything right the first time.
Ask for Guidance: If you’re unsure about how to approach a research task, ask for help! Professors expect you to be learning, and they’ll be more than happy to guide you.
Good luck, Tanvi! The world of research is vast and exciting, and you’re in for a thrilling adventure. Keep that passion alive, reach out to those professors, and start your research journey now. You’ve got this! 👩💻✨
1. It’s Never Too Late!
Think of it like the "freshman year" of your research journey. You’re just getting started! Many students don’t even consider research until their senior year of high school, so you’re actually ahead of the game. Whether you start in February, March, or next summer, you’re on the right track!
2. How to Reach Out to Professors
Keep It Short and Sweet: Professors are busy, so don’t write them a 3-page essay. Just a concise and friendly email explaining who you are, why you’re interested in their research, and how you think you could contribute will do the trick.
What to Include:
Brief introduction: “Hi, I’m Tanvi, a junior at [Your High School]. I’m passionate about computer science, and I came across your research in [mention their specific area of research].”
Why you’re interested: “I’m really interested in [mention a specific project or paper of theirs you’ve read] and would love to learn more and contribute to your work.”
Your availability: “I’d be available from [February/March] to [end of the school year], and I’m eager to dedicate time to assist with any ongoing projects you may have.”
Ask if they’re open to working with a high school student: “Would you be open to discussing the possibility of me contributing to your research during this time?”
A polite thank you: “Thanks so much for considering this! I look forward to hearing from you.”
3. How Many Professors Should You Contact?
Quality Over Quantity: Don’t bombard 100 professors with emails. Instead, try focusing on 5-10 professors whose research interests you. The more specific and genuine you are in each email, the more likely you are to get a positive response.
Look for Active Researchers: Aim for professors who are currently working on projects or have ongoing work. They’re more likely to take you on if they have something happening right now.
4. What Professors Look For
Interest and Enthusiasm: Professors want someone who is genuinely interested in their work, so show that you’ve read up on their research and explain why it excites you.
Skills: You don’t need to be a CS genius yet! Basic skills (like programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++) or even an understanding of data structures and algorithms will help. But the key here is a willingness to learn and ask questions. Professors love students who are curious and can think critically.
Good Communication: Clear and respectful communication is essential. Professors appreciate when students are organized, follow up professionally, and are proactive.
5. Should You Do a Paid Summer Program or Reach Out Now?
Pros of Reaching Out Now: You can start learning and contributing right away! Plus, this could help you build a strong relationship with a professor that could lead to more opportunities down the road.
Pros of Paid Summer Programs: These programs usually provide a structured environment, mentorship, and possibly even networking opportunities. But, if you're worried about missing out on other summer activities, reaching out to professors now could give you flexibility for the summer.
6. Time Commitment
Be upfront with your availability. Professors are likely to be understanding if you're only available for a few months, but they might appreciate your honesty about how much time you can commit.
Bonus Tip: Get Ready for the Research Journey
Embrace the Learning Curve: You might feel like you're diving into the deep end, but it’s all part of the process! Expect some trial and error, and don’t stress about getting everything right the first time.
Ask for Guidance: If you’re unsure about how to approach a research task, ask for help! Professors expect you to be learning, and they’ll be more than happy to guide you.
Good luck, Tanvi! The world of research is vast and exciting, and you’re in for a thrilling adventure. Keep that passion alive, reach out to those professors, and start your research journey now. You’ve got this! 👩💻✨
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1946
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tanvi !
I am impressed with your ambition and would be happy to share some advice with you ! Yes, you should ask your teachers. I have two sayings, "You'll never know until you ask" and "It's free to ask." So go right ahead and inquire.
You should have a verbal two-way conversation with the teachers. E-Mailing is great, but you run the risk of them thinking no, or worse, delayed or no response. Just do it in person. Explain that you want to do a research project that would be a month to six months in duration. There is still time to design a project within the time you have left in11th grade. Choose a subject that you know you can dig into that you can conclude within a month or few months time. Explain this to the teacher. Present the subject to the teacher so the teacher will have a clear idea - don't wait for the teacher to think of a topic. Something like, "I want to research the early origins of computer technology from the 20th century and how it advanced to modern times".(I'm not a computer/technology person so that's the only example I can come up with). Be exact in your presentation to the teacher. The teacher may think all they would need to do is evaluate your report at the end and it won't sound like it would take up too much of the teachers' time.
You should present this request of doing a research project to all of the computer science teachers at your school. Also, pick out other teachers that you feel teach related subjects and ask them. You could even consider speaking with (not e-mailing) anyone who is in charge of video production at your school. You could possibly do research about video editing or computer generated imaging.
So your first step is to design the research project that you want to do. Next, meet with each teacher in person and ask. I think if you do it in person, you will get the response you want soon.
Although I believe that you can be able to do this through school, there are opportunities online for you to do research, too. I left one link below for you, but you can do an online search for more websites that offer research projects to high school students. I just wanted you to know that you can do research any time, in or out of school.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
ONLINE RESEARCH FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS https://www.horizoninspires.com/blog/20-free-online-research-programs-for-high-school-students
I am impressed with your ambition and would be happy to share some advice with you ! Yes, you should ask your teachers. I have two sayings, "You'll never know until you ask" and "It's free to ask." So go right ahead and inquire.
You should have a verbal two-way conversation with the teachers. E-Mailing is great, but you run the risk of them thinking no, or worse, delayed or no response. Just do it in person. Explain that you want to do a research project that would be a month to six months in duration. There is still time to design a project within the time you have left in11th grade. Choose a subject that you know you can dig into that you can conclude within a month or few months time. Explain this to the teacher. Present the subject to the teacher so the teacher will have a clear idea - don't wait for the teacher to think of a topic. Something like, "I want to research the early origins of computer technology from the 20th century and how it advanced to modern times".(I'm not a computer/technology person so that's the only example I can come up with). Be exact in your presentation to the teacher. The teacher may think all they would need to do is evaluate your report at the end and it won't sound like it would take up too much of the teachers' time.
You should present this request of doing a research project to all of the computer science teachers at your school. Also, pick out other teachers that you feel teach related subjects and ask them. You could even consider speaking with (not e-mailing) anyone who is in charge of video production at your school. You could possibly do research about video editing or computer generated imaging.
So your first step is to design the research project that you want to do. Next, meet with each teacher in person and ask. I think if you do it in person, you will get the response you want soon.
Although I believe that you can be able to do this through school, there are opportunities online for you to do research, too. I left one link below for you, but you can do an online search for more websites that offer research projects to high school students. I just wanted you to know that you can do research any time, in or out of school.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thanks so much for your response! However, I was thinking about emailing college professors for this opportunity as my high school teachers in computer science aren't really into the research/mentoring side and more into just teaching the basics and such. So should I just email and ask the college professors for these opportunities? Thanks again!
Tanvi
E-Mailing is passive. You need to present the idea to cs teachers, video tech staff/teachers and anyone connected to cs. Teachers are supposed to be there for you, so take an active approach. There's going to be many instances in which you will have to do it later on in life, too. E-Mailing for this gives them too much freedom to say No. Any research you do on your own is valid whether or not a teacher is involved or not. Read the research websites I referred you to.
Michelle M.
P.S. Only interact with your teachers that work for your current school. College professors are not authorized. can't represent or have the time to independently add high school students to their work unless you are enrolled in dual enrollment at a community college. Ask your guidance counselor about Dual Enrollment which means you take a college class while you're in high school. I wish you well on your ventures.
Michelle M.
Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS
Pre-Health Academic Advisor
21
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Danuta’s Answer
It is never too late to contact the faculty researcher with a request to have an opportunity to get exposure to their research and to get mentorship.
If possible, please reach out in person.
If possible, please reach out in person.
Thanks so much Danuta!
Tanvi
Zak Portfolio
video editor
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Zak’s Answer
It is never too late to learn Computer Science, CS. It really depends when you are motivated and prepared to learn it, that is your curiosity. With the right motivation and resources you can even surpass someone who has been learning it for decades in terms of the specific goal you want to achieve, for instance lets consider you want to find yourselve in the web development area you basically require skills in css and html for your frontend as time goes on and you enjoy these adventures you could consider diving into backend and integrating it with your frontend. Throughout the whole process, I personally advise you get yourselve an expert who will guide you throughout the whole process so that you don't get stuck anywhere potentially leading to desertion. This is just my personal opinion
After getting to know the basics, you could consider enrolling in paid courses online (on coursera, edX, and any other trusted educational organizations). This will help you get a roadmap into achieving your specific goals in this broad field of study.
Zak recommends the following next steps:
Thanks so much for your advice, I will look into these!
Tanvi
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 => Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6680
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Tanvi!
Is it too late to do CS research as a junior in high school?
1. Timing and Feasibility of Research Opportunities
As a junior in high school, it is not too late to pursue research opportunities in computer science (CS). Many professors and researchers are open to mentoring high school students, especially those who show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject. While you may feel that being halfway through the academic year limits your options, there are still possibilities for engaging in research projects before the end of the school year.
2. Reaching Out to Professors
You can certainly reach out to professors to inquire about potential research opportunities. Here are some steps you can take:
Identify Professors: Start by researching local universities or colleges with strong computer science departments. Look for faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. You can usually find this information on their departmental websites.
Crafting Your Email: When emailing professors, be concise and respectful. Introduce yourself, mention your current status as a junior in high school, and express your interest in their work. Clearly state why you want to engage in research and what specific aspects of their work intrigue you. It’s also helpful to mention any relevant skills or coursework you have completed.
Timing of Your Request: Since you are looking to start from February or March until the end of the school year, make sure to communicate this timeline clearly in your email. Professors often appreciate knowing your availability upfront.
Follow-Up: If you do not receive a response within a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up email reiterating your interest.
3. Number of Professors to Contact
It is advisable to reach out to multiple professors—typically between 5 to 10—to increase your chances of finding an opportunity. Not all professors will have openings or may not respond immediately; therefore, casting a wider net can be beneficial.
4. Skills and Requirements for CS Research
Professors may look for various skills depending on the nature of their research projects:
Programming Skills: Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is often essential.
Mathematical Foundations: A solid understanding of algorithms and data structures can be advantageous.
Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills is crucial in research settings.
Willingness to Learn: Showing enthusiasm for learning new concepts and technologies can make you an attractive candidate for mentorship.
In addition, having experience with tools commonly used in CS research (like GitHub for version control) can also be beneficial.
5. Conclusion
In summary, it is definitely possible for you as a junior in high school to engage in CS research before the end of the academic year by reaching out proactively to professors whose work interests you. Be prepared with relevant skills and express your eagerness to learn when contacting them.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Science Foundation (NSF)
The NSF provides guidelines on engaging students in scientific research at various educational levels, including high school.
2. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
AAAS offers resources related to STEM education and student engagement in scientific inquiry.
3. College Board - AP Computer Science Principles Course Description
This source outlines foundational knowledge expected from students entering computer science fields, which helps identify necessary skills for research opportunities.
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Is it too late to do CS research as a junior in high school?
1. Timing and Feasibility of Research Opportunities
As a junior in high school, it is not too late to pursue research opportunities in computer science (CS). Many professors and researchers are open to mentoring high school students, especially those who show genuine interest and enthusiasm for the subject. While you may feel that being halfway through the academic year limits your options, there are still possibilities for engaging in research projects before the end of the school year.
2. Reaching Out to Professors
You can certainly reach out to professors to inquire about potential research opportunities. Here are some steps you can take:
Identify Professors: Start by researching local universities or colleges with strong computer science departments. Look for faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. You can usually find this information on their departmental websites.
Crafting Your Email: When emailing professors, be concise and respectful. Introduce yourself, mention your current status as a junior in high school, and express your interest in their work. Clearly state why you want to engage in research and what specific aspects of their work intrigue you. It’s also helpful to mention any relevant skills or coursework you have completed.
Timing of Your Request: Since you are looking to start from February or March until the end of the school year, make sure to communicate this timeline clearly in your email. Professors often appreciate knowing your availability upfront.
Follow-Up: If you do not receive a response within a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up email reiterating your interest.
3. Number of Professors to Contact
It is advisable to reach out to multiple professors—typically between 5 to 10—to increase your chances of finding an opportunity. Not all professors will have openings or may not respond immediately; therefore, casting a wider net can be beneficial.
4. Skills and Requirements for CS Research
Professors may look for various skills depending on the nature of their research projects:
Programming Skills: Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is often essential.
Mathematical Foundations: A solid understanding of algorithms and data structures can be advantageous.
Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills is crucial in research settings.
Willingness to Learn: Showing enthusiasm for learning new concepts and technologies can make you an attractive candidate for mentorship.
In addition, having experience with tools commonly used in CS research (like GitHub for version control) can also be beneficial.
5. Conclusion
In summary, it is definitely possible for you as a junior in high school to engage in CS research before the end of the academic year by reaching out proactively to professors whose work interests you. Be prepared with relevant skills and express your eagerness to learn when contacting them.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
1. National Science Foundation (NSF)
The NSF provides guidelines on engaging students in scientific research at various educational levels, including high school.
2. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
AAAS offers resources related to STEM education and student engagement in scientific inquiry.
3. College Board - AP Computer Science Principles Course Description
This source outlines foundational knowledge expected from students entering computer science fields, which helps identify necessary skills for research opportunities.
God Bless You, Richly!
James Constantine,
The Little Old Aussie Battler.
Thank you so much James, this was really helpful!
Tanvi