One question I hear a lot from high school students (including from myself when I first started) is: How can I find a research opportunity if I don’t already have connections in academia? Many of us don’t have family or school networks tied to university research, so it can feel impossible to break in. But one effective way is through cold emailing professors.
In this post, I’d like to share my personal experiences and practical advice on how to approach cold emailing, especially if you’re a high school student aiming to start your research journey.
1. Identify Professors in Your Research Area
Start by thinking about what you’re genuinely interested in researching. For me, it was computational linguistics and NLP. Then, search faculty pages on university department websites to find professors working in that field. Look at their personal websites or lab pages to understand their recent projects and publications.
Here’s what I learned:
Even if a professor’s website only mentions research positions for undergraduates or graduate students, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re closed off to high school students. In many cases, if you are academically ready and motivated, they may be open to mentoring you as well.
2. Craft a Polite and Targeted Introduction Email
Your email should briefly:
- Introduce yourself (name, grade, school)
- Share your specific research interests
- Explain why you are reaching out to them in particular, referencing their recent work
- Mention any relevant projects you’ve done
When I reached out, I shared my school transcript, certificates (such as those from LinkedIn courses or my University of Washington summer class), and most importantly, my previous research projects and sample work. Demonstrating both preparation and passion makes a difference.
In my emails, I often referenced my nonprofit organization, Student Echo, and my research on analyzing survey data using LLMs. Show that you care about their work and that you want to learn under their guidance while contributing meaningfully to their projects.
3. Clarify Your Intentions and Expectations
Make it clear in your email that:
- You are volunteering your time to assist with research
- You do not expect compensation or an official title
- You are simply seeking experience, mentorship, and an opportunity to contribute
Professors are often busy and have limited budgets. By clarifying that you’re offering help without adding financial or administrative burden, you make it easier for them to say yes.
4. Be Patient and Follow Up Politely
Professors receive many emails and have packed schedules. Wait at least two weeks before sending a follow-up email. In my case, some professors responded quickly with a clear “no” but were kind enough to refer me to colleagues. If they don’t, you can politely ask if they know anyone in their department who might accept high school students for research.
If you don’t hear back, don’t be discouraged. I cold emailed five professors at top-tier universities. Four didn’t work out, but one professor replied and became my first research mentor. That one response can change everything.
5. Prepare for Your First Meeting
Once a professor shows interest:
- Set up a meeting (virtual or in-person, depending on location)
- Before the meeting, email them your resume, sample research work, and a personal statement outlining your goals and why you’re interested in their lab
During the meeting:
- Be humble, respectful, and grateful for their time
- Show confidence and passion about your research interests
- If they ask technical questions you don’t know, be honest and express your willingness to learn
In my case, after my virtual meeting, the professor invited me to attend his weekly lab meetings with his graduate students. Eventually, he assigned me to collaborate with one of his Ph.D. students. It was such an amazing opportunity, and I’m so grateful for his trust and mentorship.
Final Thoughts
Cold emailing professors can feel intimidating, but remember: every professor was once a student who started somewhere too. If you’re passionate, prepared, and polite, your efforts will eventually pay off. Even one “yes” can open the door to your first professional research experience.
I hope this post helps you take your first step toward finding a research opportunity. Feel free to let me know if you want me to share a sample cold email template in a future post.
Good luck, and keep pushing your curiosity forward!
— Andrew
CompLing Insights 
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