Subject: [Specific] + [Who you are]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

[1-2 sentences: Hook - why you're reaching out to THEM specifically]

[2-3 sentences: Who you are and what you're looking for]

[1-2 sentences: What you can offer / your availability]

[1 sentence: Clear ask]

[Closing]
[Your name]

Key Principles

Be specific - Reference their actual work
Be brief - Under 150 words ideal
Be clear - State exactly what you want
Be professional - But not stiff
Be realistic - Don't overpromise

Email Templates

Template 1: General Research Inquiry

Subject: High School Student Interested in [Specific Topic] Research

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I'm a [grade] at [School Name] interested in [specific research area].
I read your recent paper on [specific paper/topic] and was particularly
intrigued by [specific finding or approach].

I'm reaching out to ask if you have any opportunities for a motivated
high school student to contribute to your lab this [summer/semester].
I can commit [X] hours per week and am eager to learn.

I've attached my resume and would welcome any opportunity to discuss
potential involvement, even in a small capacity.

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your School]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone - optional]

Template 2: Specific Project Interest

Subject: [Your School] Student - Question About [Specific Research]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I'm a junior at [School] researching [topic] for an independent project.
Your work on [specific paper/project] caught my attention, especially
[specific aspect you found interesting].

I'm developing a project exploring [brief description of your idea]
and wondered if you might have 15 minutes to share your perspective,
or if your lab has opportunities for high school researchers.

I've attached a brief project summary. I understand you're busy and
appreciate any guidance you can offer.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Computational/Data Science

Subject: HS Student with Python/ML Experience - Research Opportunity

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I'm a [grade] at [School] with experience in Python, machine learning,
and data analysis. I'm interested in applying these skills to research
in [field], and your work on [specific project] aligns closely with
my interests.

I noticed your recent paper used [specific method/tool] for [application].
I've worked on similar analyses for [brief example] and would be excited
to contribute to computational aspects of your research.

Would you have any opportunities for a student researcher, or could you
point me toward relevant resources in this area?

Thank you,
[Your Name]
GitHub: [if relevant]

Template 4: Following Up on a Paper

Subject: Question About Your [Year] Paper on [Topic]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I recently read your [year] paper "[Paper Title]" in [Journal] and found
your approach to [specific aspect] fascinating. I'm a high school student
exploring research in [field].

I was particularly curious about [specific question about their work].
I'm also interested in whether your lab takes high school researchers
for [summer/semester] projects.

I'd be grateful for any insights or opportunities to learn more about
research in this area.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[School]

Template 5: Local University (In-Person)

Subject: [Your Town] High School Student - Research Opportunity at [University]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I'm a [grade] at [School Name], located just [X miles] from [University].
I'm reaching out because your research on [topic] aligns with my interest
in [area].

I'm looking for hands-on research experience and can easily commute to
campus [X days] per week during [timeframe]. I'm willing to start with
any task that would be helpful to your lab—I'm eager to learn.

Would you be open to a brief meeting to discuss potential opportunities?

Thank you for considering,
[Your Name]
[Phone number]

What NOT to Do

Bad Email Example

Subject: Research

Dear Professor,

I am a high school student and I want to do research. I am very passionate
about science and I think your research is very interesting. I am a hard
worker and I learn fast. I would be a great addition to your lab. Please
let me know if you have any openings.

Thanks,
John

Problems:

❌ Vague subject line
❌ No professor name (mass email obvious)
❌ No specific reference to their work
❌ Generic flattery ("very interesting")
❌ No concrete details about interests
❌ No resume or background
❌ No full name or school

Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It's Bad	Do Instead
"Dear Professor" (no name)	Shows you didn't research	Use their actual name
"Your research is interesting"	Generic, meaningless	Cite specific work
Long emails (300+ words)	Won't be read	Keep under 150 words
Listing all your achievements	Self-focused	Focus on fit and contribution
"I would be perfect for..."	Presumptuous	"I would be eager to learn..."
Attaching many files	Overwhelming	Resume only, or link to portfolio
Asking for too much	Unrealistic	Start small, ask for conversation

Following Up

When to Follow Up

Wait 1-2 weeks after initial email
Send one follow-up (maybe two max)
Don't follow up more than twice
Try a different professor after that

Follow-Up Template

Subject: Re: [Original Subject Line]

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I wanted to follow up on my email from [date] about potential research
opportunities in your lab. I understand you're busy, but I remain very
interested in [specific aspect of their work].

If you don't have availability, I would appreciate any suggestions for
other researchers in this area who might take high school students.

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

If You Get a "No"

Still valuable. Respond politely:

Dear Professor [Last Name],

Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
If anything changes or if you have suggestions for other opportunities,
I would be grateful to hear them.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Why respond:

Maintains relationship
They may refer you elsewhere
Situations change—they might reach out later

If You Get a "Yes"

Response Template

Dear Professor [Last Name],

Thank you so much for this opportunity! I'm excited to learn more about
your research on [topic].

I'm available to meet [provide 3-4 specific times] or can adjust to your
schedule. Please let me know what works best.

Is there anything I should read or prepare before we meet?

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone number]

Prepare for the Meeting

Re-read their recent papers
Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions
Know your own background/interests
Bring resume copies (if in-person)
Be ready to discuss your availability

Increasing Your Response Rate

Target Selection

Better targets:

Younger professors (assistant professors) - more responsive
Labs that explicitly mention taking undergrads
Professors who've published with students
Local universities (you can visit easily)
Researchers whose work you genuinely find interesting

Harder targets:

Famous professors at elite universities
Very large labs
Professors with no history of student mentorship

Timing

Best times to send:

Tuesday-Thursday mornings
Early in the semester (September, January)
Before summer (February-March for summer positions)

Avoid:

Weekends
During major conferences in their field
Final exam periods
Right before major grant deadlines

Numbers Game

Emails Sent	Expected Responses
10	1-2
20	2-4
30	3-6
50	5-10

Track your emails in a spreadsheet:

Professor name
University
Email sent date
Follow-up sent
Response received

Alternative to Cold Emailing

Cold emailing works, but it's not the only path.

Other Ways to Find Mentorship

Through connections:

Ask your science teacher for introductions
Parents' professional networks
School counselor recommendations
Alumni connections

Structured programs:

Summer research programs (competitive)
Online mentorship programs like YRI
Science fair mentorship
University outreach programs

The YRI Fellowship Approach

The YRI Fellowship removes the cold email gamble:

Guaranteed 1:1 PhD mentorship - No rejection emails
Matched to your interests - Mentors in your specific field
Structured program - Clear path from start to publication
Proven outcomes - Students publish and win competitions

Apply to YRI Fellowship →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many professors should I email? Plan to send 20-30 emails. With a 5-10% response rate, this gives you 2-3 potential opportunities. Send in batches of 5-10 to manage responses.

Is it okay to email multiple professors at the same university? Yes, but don't email everyone in the same department at once. If you email Professor A and B in the same lab, it looks like mass emailing. Space them out.

What if I have no research experience? That's fine—most high school students don't. Focus on your enthusiasm, relevant coursework, skills (programming, lab techniques), and willingness to learn.

Should I attach my resume? Yes, attach a one-page resume. Don't attach multiple documents—keep it simple.

What if they don't respond to my follow-up? Move on. Two emails is enough. Continued emailing becomes annoying. Try other professors.

Can I email professors at any university? Yes, but local professors are more likely to take you since you can physically be in their lab. Remote computational work is possible with distant professors.

How to Email a Professor for Research (Templates)

How to Email a Professor for Research Opportunities

The Reality of Cold Emailing

Before You Email

Step 1: Find the Right Professors

Step 2: Research Their Work

Step 3: Prepare Your Materials

The Email Formula

Structure That Works