Top Research Opportunities for High School Students in Massachusetts

MIT research opportunity

Research Opportunities for High School Students in Massachusetts

The top research programs available for high school students, selected based on prestige, location, and affordability

Institution
Location
Tuition
Event type

Polygence

See website

Hosting Institution

Polygence

Online/In Person

Online

Location

Online

Cost

Starting at $2695

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Biology, Psychol...

Summary

Polygence is an online research program designed to offer high school students accessible research opportunities, making them more inclusive. The program was created by researchers from Harvard, MIT, and Stanford and provides tailored research projects, allowing students to explore their interests, acquire professional skills, and increase their competitiveness for college admissions.

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Charles River, MA

Cost

$5,131

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Medicine

Summary

The premedical track offered by AIM is a comprehensive three-week program that offers an extensive introduction to the field of medicine. The program encompasses a blend of coursework in related sciences, hands-on learning activities, and exploratory sessions that acquaint students with various career options within the medical field.

Secondary School Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Harvard University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge, MA

Cost

$3,600

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience

Summary

Harvard Summer School's Secondary School program is a rigorous seven-week academic program intended for highly motivated high school students who aspire to excel in college courses and earn college credits. The program offers a range of courses to choose from, including Neuroinvesting: Neuroscience and Financial Decision Making, Mind and Brain: Themes in the History of Neuroscience, and Becoming a Brain Scientist: Neuroscience and Psychology Research, among others.

Summer Challenge

See website

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$4,550

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Arts

Summary

The Summer Challenge is a two-week program that offers a range of seminars from Abnormal Psychology to Persuasive Writing, among others. As the name suggests, this program is designed to push you in various ways. You will have the opportunity to explore your interests, discover new ones, expand your academic horizons, and fully immerse yourself in the college experience. Additionally, you'll make new friends and gain valuable insights into Boston University. Do you have what it takes to rise to the challenge?

EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience

See website

Hosting Institution

Wellesley College

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Norwood, MA

Cost

$7,350

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Neuroscience, Psychology

Summary

Analyze the neurochemical reactions, diagnose mental illnesses in patients, and dissect a brain to explore how the structure and biology of the brain greatly influence human behavior and thinking.

Summer Science and Engineering Program

See website

Hosting Institution

Smith College

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Northampton, MA

Cost

$7,885

Application Deadline

March 5, 2023

Categories

Engineering

Summary

SSEP's research courses focus on active learning by doing, rather than passive listening and observing. Students have the option to select two-week research courses where they collaborate in small groups with Smith faculty members and undergraduate interns. Through informal lectures both in the lab and in the field, students are encouraged to ask research questions and conduct actual experiments. The majority of the work is carried out through teamwork, but there are also opportunities for individual contributions. By participating in SSEP, students learn about the process of formulating research questions, working with sophisticated scientific instruments, and developing critical thinking and analytical skills.

SEA Summer High School Programs

See website

Hosting Institution

Sea Education Association

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Cost

$5,600

Application Deadline

April 15, 2023

Categories

Social Science, Biology

Summary

SEA provides summer programs to high school students, including graduating seniors. These programs offer two options: a shore-based field program in Woods Hole, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, or an at-sea voyage on the SSV Corwith Cramer, with a focus on oceanographic research under sail. SEA's programs aim to provide experiential and community-based learning opportunities for students interested in exploring the marine environment.

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$5,500

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Mathematics

Summary

PROMYS, the Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists, is a highly intensive six-week math program aimed at students from all around the world. Held on Boston University's campus, the program features daily lectures on Number Theory, along with ample freedom for students to decide their own schedules and areas of study. Aside from the rigorous academic coursework, there is also scheduled "mandatory fun time" each week, allowing students to engage in non-mathematical activities.

The Research Science Institute (RSI)

See website

Hosting Institution

CEE at MIT

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Cambridge, MA

Cost

Free

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering, Physics

Summary

This is the first tuition-free summer program of its kind, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This seven-week program provides students with an immersive experience in the world of science and engineering, guiding them through the entire research process from start to finish. The program includes classes taught by distinguished professors, a five-week research internship, and culminates with students presenting their research through both written and oral presentations.

RISE Internship / Practicum

See website

Hosting Institution

Boston University

Online/In Person

In Person

Location

Boston, MA

Cost

$5,370

Application Deadline

No deadline

Categories

Engineering, Mathematics

Summary

The RISE Internship and Practicum program is an immersive summer program held at Boston University, offering two different tracks. The six-week program provides an opportunity to conduct lab research and develop skills in the field. The internship track assigns students to a research project and mentor, where they will work 40 hours a week. Students can choose their research topic from a list of options. The practicum track involves group research with a focus on computational neurobiology.

What is a Research Project?

Research projects involve conducting in-depth investigations on a specific subject matter, which presents an excellent opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, enhance their critical thinking and analytical abilities, as well as showcase their dedication and concentration, which can positively impact their chances of being accepted into college.

Why Do Research as a High School Student in Massachusetts?

Over the years, many college admissions experts have seen that conducting research can drive strong results. Data from Harvard suggests that students that have demonstrated a history of “substantial scholarship or academic creativity”, including conducting independent research, have a much greater chance of gaining admission. In fact, 95% of students who completed our program were admitted to R1 universities. More importantly, Research allow students to pursue their passions, which helps develop self-esteem and leads to a variety of positive mental health outcomes

Are there many Research Opportunities for High School Students in the state of Massachusetts?

Consistently ranked at or near the top of U.S. News & World Report's Best States list, Massachusetts is home to some of the world's leading hospitals, educational institutions and one of the strongest economies in the nation, giving residents an exceptionally high quality of life. While a number of the top universities in Massachusetts have the advantage of being located in or close to the thriving city of Boston, a few are found further out in smaller cities. The state’s two top universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, are both located in the city of Cambridge, just a short drive from Boston.

What research opportunities are available in other cities?

For a full set of research opportunity listings, see our guide to research opportunities for high school students.

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