Academic conferences might seem a bit foreboding, rooms packed with professionals, complex body talks, and a great deal of networking. But here’s the thing: conferences are fantastic opportunities, even (and perhaps especially!) for teens. No matter what area you feel passionate about , whether it be in science, literature, technology, or whatever field, attending your first academic conference can truly optimize your academic experience and personal growth.
If you’re a high school or early college student ready to jump in, this guide will prepare you for everything you need to know to take full advantage of your conference experience.
Why Attend an Academic Conference as a Teen?
Learning Should Be a Great Adventure: Attending conferences allows you to be immersed in research and ideas which you may never have a chance to have while at your desk in your classroom.
Meet Great People: In person, you will meet other students, professors that inspire you, and researchers who are absorbed by their passion for research and it suddenly seems like that passion is yours too.
Make Your College Application More Attractive: In-person or virtual, attending conferences makes it clear to colleges and scholarship committees that you are proactive.
Find Opportunities: The majority of events throw opportunities for internships, research projects, and one-on-one mentorship in your lap.
Step 1: Find the Right Conference
Start by googling gatherings in the area you care about most. You will probably be surprised by how many groups run one-off meetings aimed squarely at high-school or undergraduate learners. A few familiar names include:
Science: Intel ISEF, Regeneron STS, local science fairs, or discipline-specific symposiums.
Humanities: Model UN, regional poetry slams, or student philosophy meet-ups.
Tech: weekend hackathons, coding bootcamps, or mini robotics battle competitions.
Tips:
Check your university calendar, appropriate clubs, and Twitter accounts for updates.
Also, speak with teachers, past mentors, or school guidance counselors, and ask them their thoughts on referrals in the context of direction and where they think you should look.
If you cannot travel, you can start to filter your results in terms of frequency and look at virtual opportunities.
Step 2: Prepare Like a Boss
Early Registration:
Some events offer significant student discounts, peer scholarships, or hardship grants the first time they open registration - so get there first.
Know the registration process and deadlines.
Make Sure You’re Prepared:
Go through the conference itinerary, and note any sessions you would like to attend.
Review the keynotes and other presenters, and jot down the questions you want to ask.
If you are presenting-a poster or a talk-make sure you are ready, and practice your presentation before the conference!
Pack Smart:
Carry a notebook, pen and a file.
Don't forget a device for note-taking - computer or tablet.
And yes, even as a teenager, you can have business cards! Just put your name, email, and interests on it.
To stay on the safer side, opt for business casual attire.
Step 3: Make the Most of the Conference
Be Curious:
Take advantage of the various sessions, and if you are feeling adventurous, go into sessions that are not necessarily your primary interest, you never know, you might discover something that is exhilarating!
Don't hold back asking questions in the question and answer period; no question is too dumb!
Network (Of Course!):
Make an effort to learn about the other groups attending your session!"Hi, I'm [Name], and I'm a high school student interested in [topic]."
Once the sessions have concluded, start connecting with the speakers so you can thank them and ask any follow-up questions related to their presentations.
Don’t just reach out to the speakers; connect (virtually) with other students, you never know when you may have a future colleague or when you will make a friend.
Take Notes:
Make sure you document all of the highlights, interesting projects and presenters, and any resources or websites you would want to be able to look up.
Report Back:
If you can, tweet or post about the conference with the hashtag given.
Take pictures while at the event (and be thoughtful about privacy) for your portfolio, or for social media.
Step 4: After the Conference
Follow up:
Contact the people you met, thank them and send an email to stay connected.
Connect with them through LinkedIn and/or ResearchGate or other academic tools.
Reflect:
Review your notes and pick the most fun ideas.
Think about how you can build on what you learned in your course (s) or project.
Take Action:
Follow up on any opportunities you learned about - whether these are internships, competitions, reading suggestions, etc.
Common Fears (And How to Overcome Them)
"I don't fit in; I'm too young/inexperienced."
Everyone is inexperienced when they start! Academics want and need to see young people who care about their work.
"I won't understand anything presented."
You may not understand every detail, but you will understand the gist, and you will get better with every session you attend.
“Networking is weird."
It's normal to feel a bit embarrassed. Think of a little intro and probably a few questions as ice - breakers, and don't forget, practice makes perfect! "
Tips for Teenagers
Volunteer: Some individual conferences may offer free attendance, if you will volunteer and help out.
Present Your Work: If you have a project or something to inform others about, consider submitting a poster or paper, you might be surprised how far you can get in your achievements!
Take a Friend: A friend can make it easier if you are apprehensive about it.
Inquire About Scholarship Opportunities: Several conferences are allotted scholarship funds to ease the tab for students needing assistance to attend.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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