Research is a great way for high school students to demonstrate their passion for a topic, demonstrate their commitment to exploring an interest, and also to demonstrate their ability to innovate the future. Many AIClub Research Institute students have won national and international recognition for their research, with awards from prestigious scientific research competitions, refereed academic publications, and university faculty-reviewed research conferences. They have made contact with international experts in their field - setting them up well for distinctive college applications and careers beyond.
How can High School Students participate in Research?
Doing a research project involves picking a topic, identifying an open question, and doing a series of explorations (reading, prototyping, experimenting) to evaluate answers to the question. Frequently there is a hypothesis (an idea the student thinks will work), and the research project is to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
To participate in research, students should find mentors in their area of interest. Some research projects are done in groups but many are also done by just the student with the mentor's guidance. Our students define their research project with the mentor's feedback, and then learn the techniques and research methods needed to complete the project.
Is doing research in High School worth it?
Absolutely. Research is a great way to learn how to solve problems. The skills that the student develops will serve them well for life. A completed research project can demonstrate a student's intellect, passion, curiosity, and work ethic. Also - there are a number of venues such as science fairs, prestigious research competitions, and professional conferences where a student can demonstrate their project and win awards.
Which competitions do colleges look at?
At the high school level, competitions such as regional, state and national science fairs, research competitions such as the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, and topic-specific competitions such as the BioGENEius challenge are all well regarded. But there is no need to stop there. Many of our students have also published and presented at professional research conferences - demonstrating their ability to do advanced work and also making valuable contacts with university professors and research leaders.
To learn more about these competitions and what kinds of projects can win at each - please see our blogs below
You can learn more about the AIClub Research Institute here.