Reaching out to professors about research mentorship is a game for high school students in STEM, humanities, or social sciences. We see cold emails putting forth a considered unsolicited message -- as a way to get into a professor’s office and into the lab. Here is a step by step guide we put together to help you write that which will do best for you.
1. Identify which professors are a good fit for you.
Start out by doing research on universities, labs, or research centers which pertain to your area of interest. Identify professors that are doing research in areas which interest you by looking at their recent publications, lab websites, or faculty profiles. Create a list of possible mentors, which you rank based on their history of working with high school and undergraduate students.
2. Grasp Their Work.
Before you approach, go through at least one of the professor’s recent publications or project reports. That will get you up to speed to reference their work in a relevant way and also show that you have a real interest. Also take note of what aspects of their research pique your interest and how that ties into your own research interests or career goals.
3. Create a simple subject line.
Secondary Student with interest in [Research Area]","As a prospective research mentee my name is [Your Name]","Query: what research opportunities are there in [Professor’s Lab].
4. Tailor Your Email.
I have read your paper on [topic] which really grabbed me with the way you approached [specific aspect].
5. Share Your Goals and Experience.
Discuss your relevant academic background, also tell us of any skills or extracurricular activities which play a role. Also share what drives your interest in research and what you are looking to achieve. If you have a particular research project or field in mind bring it up, that said also be open to the mentor’s input and direction.
6. Make a Polite Inquiry.
Of course put forth your request for instance to join their lab, work with a project, or get advice on which research to start in. We understand that you may be asking for their time which they may have little of, so we ask that you be patient and understanding.
7. Submit your Resume (Optional).
If you do have a resume or CV please attach it in PDF format. Also keep it short and to the point which in turn should focus on your academic and extracurricular experience.
8. Proofread and condense.
Improve the clarity and professionalism of your email. Also keep it to 150–250 words professors get many emails so brevity is key.
9. Follow Up.
If you do not hear back in two weeks send a polite follow up email. Express your interest again and thank them for their consideration.
10. Be kind and persistent.
Not all professors may respond, and that’s fine. Stay positive, keep at it and also remember that persistence and professional conduct will pay off.
Sample Cold Email Template
Subject: High Schooler into [Research Area].
Dear Professor [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name] I am a junior at [Your High School]. I came across your work which you did on [specific topic] and am very much into what you are doing with [something specific]. I am very much interested to learn more about [research area] and am to put together a plan to get into research hands on.
I have completed the relevant courses and also been a part of related activities. I am very much interested in the opportunity to be of use to your research group in whatever capacity you may have available be it a summer internship, volunteer work, or remote collaboration.
Thank you for taking the time out of your day. I have included my resume for your review and look to work with you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
By taking these steps you will see results in which you develop more meaningful research connections and secure beneficial mentorship, which in turn will play a large role in your academic and professional future.
If you are a high school student wanting to go above and beyond in order to stand out on college applications, RISE Research can offer you the opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from elite universities around the world.
With its independent research projects and mentors’ tailored guidance to each student, RISE Research allows for your work to lead to recognized publications, and to an academic profile that is conference-ready. There are flexible program dates and opportunities for ambitious students to apply all year, and family can travel anywhere in the world. If you want to learn more, to determine eligibility, costs and how to get involved, be sure to visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college prep experience to the next level!
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