HS Research

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I just graduated high school and will be attending MIT in the fall. I have done summers of research at a lab and I plan to continue research through undergrad. My question is that when MSTP applications roll around, would I be able to use my current PI's recommendation too, as he has said that I work on the same level as his best post-docs, etc. in recommendations for undergrad. I may continue working in his lab through my undergraduate summers. Would this be helpful or harmful in admissions? Are high school experiences such as my lab work completely overlooked?

 

[JETER]

In general, they only want to see post-secondary experiences. This means no highschool work. In addition, the committees are going to want to see a level of maturation in regards to you research. If you use a letter from HS stating pretty much the same thing as a letter four years from now, that would be bad.

However, if you continue to work with the PI, and in three years he/she is able to write a letter for you then which details your work ethic over 5 years or so, you will have something very few applicants your age will be able to bring to the table. If however, you find other research opportunities (which seems likely, given your next four years), then I wouldn't worry about what you did as a 16 year old. Regardless, your prior experience will certainly give you a leg up for undergraduate research. Good luck

 

[OddNath]

In general, they only want to see post-secondary experiences. This means no highschool work.

Actually, I did encounter an application that asked for recs from *all* advisors, ever. So I had to hunt down the guy I did research with in high school to write a letter. I think this application was for UPenn.

Also, I did mention this research in a short paragraph in the research-focused essay.

 

[PostalWookie]

I used a letter from my high school PI. I worked there for 2 years, pretty much one on one with her, so I felt that she would be able to say some significant things. It can't hurt.