Hey guys, it's Eric at Solution Prep. Today I thought it would be interesting to…
Should You Do a Research Project for College Admissions?
Hey everybody, it’s Eric at Solution Prep. Today I want to talk about research.
A lot of parents and students ask me, “Shouldn’t we be doing a research project? Isn’t that what elite colleges and universities are looking for? And won’t that increase my chance of admission?”
The answer is: maybe.
I mean, if research is what you’re into, awesome: go ahead and do it. But there are some important things to understand about research before you get started.
Not All Research Happens in a Lab
The first is that not all research takes place under a microscope or in a science lab.
There are all different kinds of research that can include reading books and watching documentaries or traveling. That can include just logging data somewhere to discover something new: whether that’s for the whole world or just for yourself. And now you know something you didn’t know before.
All of that counts as research.
You Don’t Have to Create Your Own Project
The second is that you don’t need to come up with your own research project.
A lot of people think, “Well, I have to sit and think and think and think until I come up with some brilliant idea.”
Look, if you’re doing a capstone project for school or working on a Gold Award or an Eagle Scout project that includes some research, that’s awesome and you can definitely talk about that in an essay and put it in your application resume.
However, at the end of the day, there are a lot of people out there doing research and you could help them do their research. They’ve already got the idea.
A Smarter Way to Get Research Experience
And third is that a lot of students think that the way to do research is to reach out to college professors and get them to give you their blessing or take you under their wing.
But professors are busy people and a lot of college research is only for grad students or only for undergraduate students. And if you’re in high school, they just don’t have time to deal with you, let alone the resources to manage a teenager.
So a smarter move might be to aim a little lower. Look for grad students or undergraduate students who are engaged in research and ask them, “Hey, can I help you?” It’s free labor. You’re essentially saying to them “I will do whatever you need me to do and will follow through to the best of my ability.”
After all, there’s a lot that you can learn from people who are further ahead in their education than you are who are not necessarily professors.
Is Research Right for You?
Think about it: Is research right for you? What kind would you like to do? Who can help you do it? Or who can you help do theirs?
If you have questions, reach out to us at 732-556-8220. We are here to help.
FAQ
Do elite colleges require high school students to do research projects?
No. While some highly selective colleges value research experience, it is not a requirement. Admissions officers care more about genuine intellectual curiosity and depth than checking a “research” box. If research isn’t a natural fit for the student, forcing it rarely helps.
What counts as "research" for college applications?
Research can take many forms beyond traditional lab work. It includes reading deeply on a topic, analyzing data, conducting surveys, creating original creative work, traveling to study something firsthand, or helping with someone else’s established project. What matters most is intellectual engagement and what you learned.
Do I need to create my own original research project?
Not necessarily. Many strong applicants contribute to existing research led by professors, grad students, or undergrads. Helping with someone else’s project can still demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and learning. Additionally, this sort of help is often more realistic for high school students to accomplish.
How should a high school student get started with research?
Start by identifying what genuinely interests you. Then look for opportunities closer to home: reach out to grad students or undergrads doing relevant work, ask teachers or counselors about local programs, or explore structured high school research initiatives. Cold-emailing busy professors is usually less effective than offering to help someone already doing the work.
If you’re trying to figure out whether research belongs in your student’s college application strategy (or how to find meaningful opportunities that actually fit who they are) our team at Solution Prep is here to help.
We work with students and families across New Jersey to build authentic, strategic applications that highlight real strengths instead of chasing checkboxes.
Have questions about research, extracurricular planning, or how to stand out in a holistic admissions process? Contact us or call 732-556-8220. We’re here to help you make the smartest decisions for your college goals.
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