Read on to learn about the best online research opportunities for high school students and how to strengthen your college profile!
Enrolling in an online research program can help set you up for college success, particularly if you're interested in undergraduate research.
This guide will teach you what you need to know about the benefits of virtual research, what to look for in research opportunities, and a list of the best online research opportunities for
Deciding between in-person and online research opportunities depends on various factors. In-person research can offer hands-on experience and direct interaction with mentors and equipment. It's ideal for those who prefer a traditional learning environment and thrive in face-to-face interactions.
On the other hand, online research provides flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This option suits individuals with busy schedules or those who prefer working independently.
Or, if you're thinking about a summer program, there are lots of choices out there. You can find programs that focus on academics, internships, or specific interests. It's helpful to pick something that matches your goals and what you're into. Check out this video to learn more.
These are some of the best online research opportunities for high school students:
Academic requirement: Unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher
Duration: 12 weeks
College credit: No
This research program was founded by Harvard and Oxford scholars, allowing students to work one-on-one with Ph.D. mentors to create an "independently-developed research project."
Academic Requirement: Unweighted GPA of 3.67 or higher
Duration: Three months
College Credit: No
HARP is a trimester-long research opportunity. Students work with a professor as they develop a college-level research project. Most students complete a 20+ page research paper by the program's end.
Horizon Academic doesn’t list the program costs directly in their information. They suggest contacting them for specific details on tuition and financial aid options. If you’re interested, reaching out to them would be the best next step to get clear information on what you can expect in terms of costs and financial assistance.
Academic Requirement: Demonstrated academic excellence
Duration: Three to four months
College Credit: Yes
Many top colleges hold Pioneer Academics in high regard: “It’s the only online credit-bearing research program” offering STEM, social sciences, and humanities disciplines. Students work one-on-one with U.S. university professors, and the program is open to students worldwide.
Pioneer Academics offers an online format program priced at $6,650.
Academic Requirement: Not required
Duration: Four to six months
College Credit: No
Polygence offers one-on-one mentorship with a research expert in the field and flexible scheduling. Students in the program can earn college credit from the University of California, write a research paper, and pursue “passion projects” such as starting a podcast, writing a novel, publishing a paper, and more.
Polygence costs $6,650.
Academic Requirement: Demonstrated academic excellence
Duration: 13 weeks
College Credit: No
This online research opportunity is taught by professors from Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, and select Ivies. Students can choose from 34 STEM, Business, Social Sciences, and Humanities courses. The outcomes include a research paper and recommendation letter from an Oxbridge or Ivy League faculty member.
The Cambridge Future Scholar Programme costs $3,900.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One year
College Credit: No
CrowdMath is an open project run by MIT Primes and the Art of Problem Solving. Though not as well known as MIT’s RSI program, it offers a unique chance for students to dive into collaborative math problem-solving
The purpose is for students to “experience research mathematics and discover ideas that did not exist before.” Students can comment on the message board to try and solve complex problems.
CrowdMath is actually free, so it’s a great option if you’re looking to get involved without any costs involved.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: 13 to 48 weeks, depending on the program
College Credit: No
Their High School Research Program pairs students 1:1 with professors and mentors from top universities in the US and UK to develop their own research projects.
Indigo is known for having some of the strictest education requirements for mentors (including professors from Ivy League universities), as well as the most flexible research program, allowing students to tailor personalized mentorship sessions according to their schedule.
Indigo Research starts at $3,800.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One month
College Credit: Yes
This program offers students hands-on experience in architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Virtual activities include exploring buildings, taking tours, and using design tools from home. Students also get access to design software, a sketchbook, and a 3D printing pen to build portfolios for college applications.
The Summer Academy for High School Students charges $1,200 if you register early, or $1,500 if you miss the early registration deadline. Early registration saves you a bit of money compared to the regular fee.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One month
College Credit: No
The Leadership Institute at Brown University empowers high school students who care about social justice to make a difference. Students join a supportive community to discuss important issues and find solutions. They learn skills like listening, problem-solving, and teamwork. By the end, they create a plan to bring positive change to their communities.
The cost of the Leadership Institute is $5,313.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One month
College Credit: No
BETA Camp is an online program for teens with big business ideas. With expert guidance and a supportive community, teens learn how to turn their startup ideas into reality and develop skills like researching, marketing, and pitching to investors.
BETA Camp Summer costs $3,000.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: Two weeks
College Credit: No
This Stanford summer program in Behavioral and Psychological Sciences teaches students about cutting-edge research in neuroscience, psychiatry, and psychology. Students work together on a final project, which they present to Stanford professors, peers, and families at the end.
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience is completely free of charge. It’s a great opportunity for students interested in diving into clinical neuroscience without any financial obligations.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: Six weeks
College Credit: No
Syracuse University’s Summer College: Research Immersion Program (SCRIP) is a six-week program for high school students. During this time, they work closely with faculty on research projects and present their findings.
The Summer College – Research Immersion Program costs $1,985, plus there’s a $65 application fee.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: Three weeks
College Credit: Yes
The University of Iowa has a renowned creative writing program that offers a three-week intensive course for high school writers. Students learn from Iowa's respected faculty, get workshop feedback, and hear from famous authors. It's a great opportunity for young writers seeking guidance and support for their creative projects this summer.
The cost for the Summer Writing Online program is $2,200.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One month
College Credit: Yes
High school students can join Yale summer classes with Yale undergrads, which is a cool chance to dive deep into a subject they love or try something new. They'll get the real feel of studying at a top-notch university, earn college credit, and meet Yale's awesome faculty.
The Summer Session for Pre-College Students costs $4,850 for one course credit.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: Seven weeks
College Credit: Yes
This program offers more than 200 courses. It's a great chance to explore college-level research on a topic you like, taught by famous professors.
The Secondary School Program costs $3,700 per four credit course, plus there’s a $75 application fee.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: Two to 10 weeks
College Credit: Depends on the program
Johns Hopkins University offers many online programs for high schoolers. These courses let you learn at your own pace and include live teaching. They have different time options so that you can fit them around your summer plans.
The Pre-College Summer Programs cost $1,950 per credit if you’re looking to earn college credit or $562 if you’re opting for non-credit enrollment.
Academic Requirement: High school juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Duration: Depends
College Credit: Completing assignments may earn 0.5 Science elective credits, but it’s up to each student’s high school to decide whether to award the credit.
HAS offers online modules on space exploration, earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Students plan missions to Mars and participate in webinars with NASA experts.
Free for selected students; optional components may have fees.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: Three weeks
College Credit: No
AwesomeMath has an online summer program for high schoolers who are good at math and want to ace competitions like AMC, AIME, or IMO. The program has Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, and Number Theory courses at four skill levels, spread over three summer sessions.
Each course at Horizon Academic costs between $1,075 and $1,375.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One week
College Credit: No
This summer program teaches high schoolers how to use economics in decision-making and become leaders in public policy. Taught by economics professors and leadership experts, the classes are hands-on and include group projects. It's perfect for students who want to research economics and public policy.
Economics for Leaders costs $800, plus there’s a $35 application processing fee.
Academic Requirement: N/A
Duration: One to four weeks
College Credit: No
Georgetown University has a special online program for high schoolers who want to do medical research in college. Students learn about clinical research, evidence-based medicine, and ethics. They'll create their study and turn it into a scientific paper. This mentorship program is great for anyone interested in medical school or clinical research.
The Medical Research Program at Georgetown costs $1,795.
Academic Requirement: Participants must be at least 16 years old and a junior in high school when applying. They must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Duration: A virtual jumpstart followed by a 5-week in-person program.
College Credit: No college credit.
SAMS helps underrepresented high school students explore STEM fields. It includes classroom learning, hands-on projects, and mentorship, aiming to prepare students for top-tier universities. Though not entirely virtual, it does offer a portion of its program online.
No cost.
Academic Requirement: Open to high school and college students with at least a 3.25 GPA, particularly those with honors science or English classes.
Duration: Half-time internships are 2-8 weeks in the summer; quarter-time internships are 1-9 months throughout the year.
College Credit: No college credit; internships are unpaid but provide valuable experience and a potential Letter of Accomplishment.
EnergyMag offers virtual internships in renewable energy research and analysis. Interns gain professional skills and experience while working remotely with expert mentors.
Fully funded
Academic Requirement: Open to high school juniors and exceptionally well-prepared sophomores (or homeschooled students of the same age) from across the U.S. Applicants need to show strong math ability, potential for original research, and self-motivation.
Duration: Year-long program.
College Credit: No college credit.
PRIMES-USA is a year-long math research program for high school juniors and sophomores. Students work on projects mentored by MIT and other university faculty through online collaboration. The program started with five students in 2013 and has grown to 24 students by 2020. It partners with several top universities.
Entirely free!
Academic Requirement: For high school students interested in STEM, humanities, or social sciences.
Duration: Depends on the course.
College Credit: No college credit.
CTY Online Programs offer challenging courses in STEM, humanities, and social sciences. High school students get support from mentors and access to resources to excel in their studies. These programs help students understand their subjects better and prepare for college and future careers.
Academic Requirement: For high school students interested in research.
Duration: Depends on the project.
College Credit: No college credit.
This program offers online research projects for high school students. They work on real-world projects in areas like bioengineering, life sciences, marine science, and business.
It's a great way to learn research skills, which are useful for college and future jobs. Students get hands-on experience and see what research is really like.
$1,500 for online course tuition.
These are some of our top picks, but it doesn’t stop here! Taking the initiative to find research opportunities will look excellent on your college application, so you should keep looking until you find the right one for you.
In general, research exposure is important for high school students. According to the American Psychological Association, research for high school students can help provide early career exposure, develop necessary life and career skills, and build and expand a professional network.
However, virtual research opportunities for high school students, in particular, have added benefits:
Overall, virtual research opportunities for high school students mean they can get valuable research experience with fewer barriers, such as high costs, time, and distance.
There are three main factors you should consider when looking for the best online research opportunities for high school students:
To summarize, look for programs with a reputation for excellence, offer guidance and the opportunity to hone or build new skills, and work for you when added to your schedule.
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Virtual research opportunities for high school students can help you explore your interest areas, gain the necessary skills you'll need for undergraduate research, and build your professional network. Before applying, consider the program's source, value, and time commitment.
Remember, the best online research opportunity for any high school student is one that you’re passionate about participating in. Whether you're interested in STEM, business, pre-med, or humanities, there’s a research opportunity waiting for you.
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