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How to Use a High School Research Program to Stand Out on College Applications

Learn how research opportunities for high schoolers can give you a competitive edge in the college admissions process—especially for Ivy League schools, STEM majors, and pre-med pathways.
How to Use Research to Stand Out in the College Admissions Process

Impressive grades, test scores, and college essays aren't enough - top colleges look for intellectual curiosity, initiative, and impact.

Grades, test scores, and college essays aren't enough - top colleges like Harvard, Stanford and MIT look for intellectual curiosity, initiative, and impact.

Inside the eBook: Strategies to Elevate Your College Application Through Research

Learn why high school research programs are becoming essential to enhance your academic profile and make you stand out. Whether aiming for the Ivy League, a top STEM program, or competitive scholarships, this guide is your blueprint to get there. 
Get ahead with MedSchoolCoach's free research scholars program guide for high school students

How to Stand Out

Learn how to stand out on college applications with expert tips from PhDs and former college admissions committee members
MedSchoolCoach's free research scholars program guide for high school students

High-Impact Research

Design a high-impact summer research project that reflects your interests and demonstrates leadership, initiative, and academic depth
MedSchoolCoach offers free interview prep guide & coaching for med students. Get expert support to ace your interviews & achieve your goals.

Strengthen Your Skills

Discover ways to strengthen critical thinking, analytical writing, and presentation skills valued by elite colleges and med schools

Discover how research opportunities for high schoolers demonstrates academic excellence and improves your admissions odds, and how to start your own research project or internship with support from MedSchoolCoach’s Research Scholars Program.

Featuring Research Mentors from Elite Universities

Expert medical school advisors from Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania with committee experience and coaching skills.Expert advisors from UChicago Pritzker School of Medicine team up with MedSchoolCoach for personalized coaching and committee experience.Expert medical school advisors with committee experience and coaching from MedSchoolCoach, affiliated with John Hopkins Medicine.Expert advisors from Northwestern Medicine's Feinberg Medical School with committee experience and coaching skills partner with MedSchoolCoach.Get expert advice from MedSchoolCoach's Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai advisors with committee experience and coaching skills.

About the eBook Author

Ken Tao

Dr. Ken Tao, PhD

Advisor, MedSchoolCoach

Dr. Ken Tao, PhD, is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist with years of experience mentoring students in designing, executing, and publishing research projects.

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Very Beneficial Experience

This experience provided me with a better understanding of the structure of a B.S./M.D. interview and gave me greater insight into what interviewers would like to hear.

Isabella, February 9th

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I cannot believe I got in

I cannot believe I got in! Seriously, I could not have done it without MSC. 506 MCAT and 3.4 GPA - thought I had an outside shot at best, but my advisor really completely help me revamp how I went about the process and it worked.

Michael, March 1st

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Excellent Learning Opportunity

My interviewer was very patient, and her feedback was spot on. She was very helpful in identifying where I need to improve. It definitely made me more confident.

Mohib Ahmed, January 28th

Start Your Research Program or Internship Now — and Stand Out

In our FREE guidebook you will learn how about gaining real research experience, how the research experience is viewed by elite college admission committees, and how the research process can be your chance to shine by using it as a tool to help top colleges get to know you better.

Research Program FAQs

The best research opportunities for high schoolers are hands-on programs that match your interests—whether in science, medicine, business, or social impact. Look for programs that include mentorship, project-based learning, and a chance to present your work. These experiences don’t just build your resume—they help shape your future career path.

Yes! We offer summer research programs for high schoolers that combine expert mentorship, real-world projects, and personalized support to help you stand out on college applications. Our programs are built to fit your interests and goals, whether you're exploring a STEM field or the humanities.

High schoolers can participate in research projects across a wide range of topics—from AI and climate science to behavioral economics and public health. We help you choose a topic that aligns with your passions and give you the structure and support to make an impact.

Our high school research programs pair students with experienced mentors and give you the tools, structure, and guidance to complete a compelling research project. These programs are typically 6–10 weeks long and include live sessions, guided research, and feedback to help you finish strong.

While traditional internships for high schoolers can be hard to find (and often focus on job shadowing), our program offers a research-based alternative that gives you real-world experience, 1:1 mentorship, and a tangible project you can showcase on college applications. It’s everything valuable about an internship—plus college-level academic depth.