Get into Harvard: science research at your local college

Recently we covered the topic of taking college classes for college admissions. Today, I’ll explain another big opportunity available at your local university.

When I say local university, I don’t mean community college. I mean real, 4-year fully accredited universities!

This applies specifically to the science/math/academically focused students – but everyone should be sufficiently well-rounded for college admissions success.

Universities are full of professors doing many different research projects with post-docs, undergrads, and grad students. They always need more labor – especially when it’s free.

Reach out to professors at your local college. This can be easier if you’re already taking classes there, but you can also email them directly. Get your parents to help – especially if they have any contacts there.

Offer to do research for free or setup a high school credit program so you can get course credit.

This will look great on college apps, particularly if you work on a research project where you can produce something like a paper or presentation. Not only can these be entered into Science Fairs, but it’s also something substantial that you can submit in your application to Harvard.

Trust me, college admissions offices pay serious attention to that level of work.

Not only will it help you better understand where your passions lie, but it’s an advantage you want to have when applying for Ivy League schools. Get out there and start talking to professors now, however you can. Never underestimate how helpful your current teachers and parents can be in facilitating this opportunity.

Hope that helps! For more info, read my guide to get into Harvard and Stanford.

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Want to attend Ivy League schools? Check out my insider’s course and guide to getting into Harvard, even with a 1360 SAT from a public high school.

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Tagged as: community college, Harvard admissions, Intel STS, ISEF, Ivy League admissions, Science Fairs, science research, Stanford admissions, Westinghouse