Guide: Reaching out to College Professors

As a high school student, connecting with college professors can be a great way to learn more about your areas of interest, gain insights into college life, and potentially find mentorship opportunities. Here are some ways you can reach out to professors effectively:

1. Email:

•    Look up the professor's email address on their department website or the university directory.

•    Write a concise and professional email introducing yourself, stating your interests, and explaining why you're reaching out.

•    Be specific about what you'd like to learn or discuss, and respectfully request a brief meeting or phone call.

•    Proofread your email for clarity, grammar, and spelling before sending.

2. Leverage social media:

•    Some professors maintain active profiles on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn.

•    Follow professors whose work interests you and engage with their posts by liking, commenting, or sharing relevant content.

•    If appropriate, send a direct message to introduce yourself and express your interest in their work. Keep it brief and respectful.

3. Utilize your high school's resources:

•    Consult with your guidance counselor or teachers to see if they have connections with college professors.

4. Connect with current students:

•    Reach out to current students at the college or university you're interested in, particularly those in the departments or programs related to your interests.

•    Ask if they can provide insights into their experiences with professors or if they know of any professors who are open to engaging with high school students.

•    Current students can also offer valuable advice on navigating the college environment and making connections with faculty members.

5. Participate in research programs:

•    Look for research-based summer programs like the Research Science Institute (RSI), Summer Science Program (SSP), and Research in Biology Summer (RIBS) programs.

•    These programs often provide opportunities to work directly with college professors or researchers on real-world projects.

•    Participating in such programs can help you build relationships with professors, gain valuable research experience, and demonstrate your passion for your field of interest.

We strongly recommend reaching out to multiple professors, as many will not be inclined to work with high school students or have the bandwidth to do so. Reaching out to junior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, etc. will usually yield more responses than just reaching out to tenured professors who may be very senior. Also, if you have completed research in a field or topic related to their work, share that with them as it would increase the likelihood of receiving a response.

Remember, when reaching out to professors:

• Be respectful of their time and keep your messages concise.

• Show genuine interest in their work and express how it aligns with your own interests or aspirations.

• Request a short call or meeting first, don’t presume that they will willing to take you on as a research assistant or mentee and demand a long-term engagement in your first message or email.

• Don't be discouraged if you don't receive a response; professors have busy schedules, and it may take time or multiple attempts to connect.

• If a professor does respond, be prepared to ask specific questions and engage in a meaningful conversation.

Building connections with college professors can be a valuable experience, offering insights into academic life and potentially opening doors to future opportunities. Good luck in your outreach efforts!