12 Most Selective Research Opportunities for High School Students
Research opportunities are a valuable stepping stone for high school students seeking exposure to college-level academics. These programs offer the chance to work with experts, develop practical skills, and make lasting connections. Selective research opportunities are even better if you’re applying to top colleges because they help you stand out from other applicants.
When we say “selective,” we refer to research programs with an acceptance rate of 10% or below. These programs are difficult to get into, but they can significantly boost your college applications. If you are interested in a particular field of study, you can explore it in-depth, and doing research can increase your odds of success in college.
Here’s our list of the 12 most selective research opportunities for high school students. Each program offers full funding, has a very low admission rate, and/or is connected with an established institution.
If you’re more interested in summer programs, internships, and region-specific programs in STEM, take a look at our other blogs!
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee; stipends range from $500 to $1,500, based on financial need
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 16 and older
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31
Acceptance Rate: 3%
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is for high school students interested in biomedical science. This opportunity pairs you with mentors, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from Stanford University, to conduct research across eight specialized focus areas. The program begins with an orientation and two weeks of lectures and lab sessions. In the latter half of the program, you will conduct research in Stanford’s labs, collaborate with students in lectures, and prepare for the final capstone event. At the capstone, you will present your findings to mentors and peers within the Stanford community. SIMR admits approximately 50 students annually, making it one of the most selective research programs available. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Eligibility: Rising seniors worldwide who meet the academic criteria
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Acceptance Rate: Less than 5%
The Research Science Institute (RSI) hosted at MIT is among the most prestigious research programs for high school students worldwide. RSI selects 80 outstanding rising seniors each year for a fully funded experience in advanced STEM research. You will engage in independent research in fields like computer science, engineering, and mathematics, working with mentors who will guide your project. RSI culminates in a professional-style research symposium, where you will present your findings through detailed oral and written reports. For tips on getting into RSI, check out our guide here.
Location: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free program, participants receive a $4,000 stipend
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the Greater St. Louis area (Missouri and Illinois), particularly those from under-resourced schools or underrepresented groups in STEM
Application Deadline: February
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Acceptance Rate: 3% or less, with only 15–20 students selected per cohort
The Young Scientist Program: Summer Focus at Washington University is an 8-week research initiative to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM. This program offers 15–20 students the chance to participate in biomedical research while gaining academic and practical skills. You will be paired with mentors, typically graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or research staff, who will guide you through independent research projects in fields like genetics, microbiology, cancer biology, and biomedical engineering. The program includes personalized tutoring, science communication coursework, and college readiness workshops. This program concludes with a research symposium, where you will present your findings to peers, mentors, and the Washington University community.
Location: Rockefeller University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free of charge; travel expenses are covered, and need-based stipends may be available
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old at the program's start
Application Deadline: January 3
Program Dates: June 24 – August 7
Acceptance Rate: 3% - 4%. Approximately 32 students are selected per cohort
The Summer Science Research Program (SSRP) at Rockefeller University offers high school students an opportunity to engage in biomedical research. Each summer, 32 students are selected to work alongside mentors on specialized projects in the biomedical sciences. Beyond the lab, the program provides elective science courses, guest lectures, and social events. At the end of the program, you will present your research findings at a formal symposium, allowing you to refine your presentation skills and showcase your work to the university community. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Texas Tech University
Cost/Stipend: Approximately $6,000, with need-based financial aid available (100% from external sources)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 22 – August 7
Acceptance Rate: Less than 3%. Only 12 students are selected for the program.
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program offers a seven-week summer research experience for twelve high school juniors and seniors. This program allows you to work with Texas Tech University faculty on a research project in cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering, history, and more. To apply, you must complete an online application, submit short essays, provide high school transcripts, and include test scores (at least the PSAT if no other scores are available). Additionally, you must secure three recommendations, with at least two from teachers, and list your top five extracurricular activities. Check out our complete guide to this program here.
Location: Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: $14/hour
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors aged 16+ residing in Palm Beach or Martin County with U.S. work authorization
Application Deadline: Opens January 7
Program Dates: June 17 – July 26 (6 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, selects less than 10% from the application pool.
The MPFI Summer Research Internship allows high school students to explore the complexities of brain structure, function, and development. In this six-week program, you will conduct research using advanced imaging technologies and methodologies. You can select one of three focus areas: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering. The internship requires a 40-hour weekly commitment and concludes with a scientific abstract and a formal presentation of findings. This final presentation allows you to share your research insights with peers and mentors. To learn more about this program, check out our review here.
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD / Virtual
Stipend: In-person participants receive hourly wages plus transportation support; virtual interns are awarded a $500 stipend
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must attend a Baltimore-area high school
Application Deadline: March 1 (annual)
Program Dates: In-person: June–August (8 weeks); Virtual: July–August (5 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: 5–6 students per cohort
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers a summer research experience for high school students interested in neuroscience. This program promotes diversity in the field by allowing you to work alongside neuroscientists. During the program, you will conduct laboratory research, attend educational seminars, and participate in professional development activities. Both the in-person and virtual formats include guided research projects, scientific discussions, and activities designed to foster academic and personal growth. With a cohort of only 5–6 students, the program ensures personalized mentorship. The internship culminates in a final presentation, where you will showcase your research findings through oral or poster formats. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA. Limited housing assistance is available.
Stipend: Program I: Funding details pending; Program II: Includes a stipend; travel and housing expenses covered
Eligibility: Highly motivated high school students aged 16 or older by the program start date.
Application Deadlines: Program I: March 31; Program II: January 19
Program Dates: Program I: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22 (10 weeks); Program II: May 19 – July 28 (8 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive, with only 40 spots for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional applicants.
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers two summer internship programs: one focusing on translational science (Program I) and the other on precision medicine (Program II). These highly selective programs allow 40 students nationwide to engage in research. As an intern, you will explore advanced topics such as digital health, clinical genomics, community engagement, and the processes driving translational research. Training includes designing and analyzing genomic studies and insights into clinical trial development, from conception to analysis. You will be paired with a primary mentor who will provide personalized guidance throughout the program. Both programs conclude with a final presentation.
9. National Institutes of Health (NIH) High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Location: NIH main campus, Bethesda, MD
Stipend: $2,530 for current high school students; $2,840 for high school graduates
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who are at least 17 years old by June 15. Additional criteria apply for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7
Acceptance Rate: Less than 7%
The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) at the National Institutes of Health is an initiative to promote diversity in STEM fields. This program provides underrepresented high school students with an introduction to scientific research and professional development. HiSTEP targets rising 12th graders from schools where at least 30% of students qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. You will participate in research group visits, networking events, and collaborative projects while exploring STEM-M careers (science, technology, engineering, math, and medical-related fields). HiSTEP emphasizes career readiness and personal development through leadership training, college application guidance, and wellness initiatives. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid (exact amount unspecified)
Eligibility: Open to high school students from the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ
Application Deadline: December 31
Program Dates: June 23 – August 15 (8 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Less than 10%
The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) allows high school students to explore biomedicine and medical research in a multidisciplinary setting. During this eight-week program, you will work with scientists on research projects, developing essential laboratory skills. The program combines laboratory work with educational seminars, including lectures on advanced scientific topics, training in scientific communication, and discussions on ethics in human and animal research. By the end of the program, you will present your research findings at a public conference, showcasing your work to Monell staff, peers, and family. MSAP is highly competitive, admitting 18–24 students annually from approximately 200 applicants. The program is known for its strong mentorship and support, with 20–30% of participants returning in subsequent years. To learn more about this opportunity, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Stanford, CA
Stipend: Unpaid
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older
Application Deadline: Typically in November each year
Program Dates: June 23 – August 8
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, with approximately 20 students chosen per cohort
The Stanford Science, Technology, and Reconstructive Surgery (STaRS) Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to explore the intersection of biotechnology and medical innovation. Focused on reconstructive surgery, this program highlights the role of advanced biotechnology in surgical techniques and patient care. As a STaRS intern, you will work alongside surgeons and researchers, gaining experience with state-of-the-art medical tools and techniques. You will study topics such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and medical device innovation. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: $6,800
Eligibility: Texas high school seniors aged 18 or older by the program start date
Application Deadline: Opens in November, typically closes in January
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8 (10 weeks)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, with only 12 students chosen annually
The MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program offers an opportunity for Texas high school seniors interested in pursuing careers in allied health fields, including diagnostic, technical, and supportive healthcare services. You will be paired with MD Anderson faculty mentors, including department heads and researchers, who will guide you through a dedicated biomedical research project. In addition to research, you will participate in faculty-led seminars, interactive activities, and friendly competitions designed to deepen your knowledge. After the program, you will present your findings during a celebratory luncheon.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.