One of the most dedicated and rigorous approaches to the STEM fields is research. As a high school student, research can feel a bit daunting, but there are programs out there designed specifically for high school students to pursue research. One such program for you is the High School Honors Science, Math and Engineering Program, commonly known as the HSHSP. If you love science, mathematics, or one of the many kinds of engineering, and are looking to dive deep into the field, you should definitely consider applying to it! 

What is the HSHSP?

The High School Honors Science, Math, and Engineering Program (HSHSP) is a seven-week, residential, immersive summer research program. It was established in 1958 by Michigan State University as a local science enrichment program and then expanded to a highly selective national research apprenticeship program for all STEM fields in 1989. It is now the oldest continuous program of its kind in the U.S. HSHSP invites passionate high school juniors to pursue research in a university environment. Its goals are to educate students on both the process and the social context of scientific research, providing a deep understanding of the process of inquiry via experiences that you will not be able to obtain in high school or even the early years of college. You will get to work with professional scientists, engineers and mathematicians who will guide you on your own research journey.

Is HSHSP prestigious?

The HSHSP is one of the most prestigious research opportunities in the country. It only admits 24 students per cohort and has a selection rate of 4-5%, making it extremely selective.  Once you’re in the program, you work with professional researchers of all levels - graduate, undergraduate, postdoctoral - on a daily basis, offering you exposure in the field of STEM research. Alumni of the HSHSP, 95% of them pursuing STEM majors, have gone on to attend colleges like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, CalTech, Brown, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, and more!

Who is eligible to participate in HSHSP?

To be eligible for the HSHSP, you must:

1. Be a US citizen or permanent resident.

2. Be a high school student currently in 11th grade.

3. Be in the upper 20% of your high school classes.

4. Have taken at least 3 years of college preparatory mathematics and 2 or more years of science.

How does the application process work?

An HSHSP application requires the following:

1. A personal essay of 400-600 words that addresses your interest in scientific research and in attending the HSHSP.

2. A second personal essay also of 400-600 words that describes the impact a book you have read has had on your thinking or any aspect of your life.

3. Your official high school transcript (with a seal) including all standardized test scores, and ensure that your school sends test scores and rank in class (if available).

4. Courses you currently are taking if not included on the transcript (for which you have not yet received a grade).

5. Books or magazines you have read during the past year that were not assigned by a teacher (can include non-science readings).

6. Recommendations from at least two teachers, at least one of whom should be a science teacher you recently have had as an instructor.

This application is due by March 1, 2024. Decisions will be finalized by May 1, 2024 and the program fees of $4000 will be due by June 19, 2024.

The program itself starts on June 21, 2024 and ends on August 6, 2024.

How is the HSHSP structured?

The HSHSP is structured with a careful mix of rigorous, hands-on research and dedicated mentorship sessions. An average workday involves 8 hours of research, with 2 hours of after-dinner discussions, seminars and classes twice a week. You will be working on an independent research project that is part of a mentor’s research program in an area based on your indicated preferences. You will also be guided by faculty, staff and graduate students who themselves are researchers in this area. Throughout the course of the program, you will get to build your core researching skills, like record-keeping, proposal and report writing, proper use of the science reference library, as well as lab safety procedures. You will also get to visit the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory / FRIB and campus observatory / planetarium. Finally, there are plenty of discussions and conference-style presentations you’ll get to be a part of, whether by veteran scientists and researchers or you and your peers!

At the end of the program, you are expected to give a presentation in your high school science class or another appropriate forum about your research project and program experience.

8 reasons why you should apply for HSHSP

1. You will gain valuable research experience: The HSSP is first and foremost a research program that  provides you with all the tools, resources and guidance you need to pursue an independent research project of your choice. With access to a senior research mentor, guidance on how to approach and write your research proposal, access to the science reference library, daily interactions with researchers and over 50 hours of laboratory work, this is an ideal platform to pursue your research interests.

2. You can build a network in STEM research: You will be working in close proximity with researchers of all levels, from your faculty mentor to postdoctoral research fellows, graduates, undergraduates and of course your peers. This program will serve as an excellent opportunity for you to build valuable connections with people working in the field(s) of your interest, opening up future career paths and research opportunities.

3. You can use your research in future competitions: This is something that the HSHSP itself recommends. With a well crafted, guided, and reviewed research project under your belt, you can then refine it even further and use it to apply to  other national and international science competitions to get even more accolades!

4. The prestige of the program can boost your profile: As one of only 24 students accepted, admission in the HSHSP provides a stamp of distinction on your profile. It is a highly selective opportunity to work with real scientists and researchers on your own independent research project. These aspects greatly enhance your college applications and interviews post HSHSP.

5. You will have access to a strong alumni network: Alumni of the HSHSP go on to join the nation’s most renowned STEM institutions and pioneer their own research projects. As an alumnus of the same program, you will become part of this network which can  open doors to more opportunities and mentorship down the line.

6. You will get to experience university life: You will be living at the Michigan State University campus for the entire seven weeks, experiencing what it’s like to be pursuing STEM research at a university with all its attendant perks - dorm life, sports, and weekend activities. Available campus activities include visiting lecturers, dramatic events, musical performances, films, and planetarium programs.

7. You will enhance your STEM knowledge: While getting selected for this program is contingent upon your mastery of science and mathematics in the first place, knowledge is never static. The rich learning environment and deep practical exposure provided by the HSHSP will ensure that by the end of the program, you will have learnt even more science and mathematics than you entered the program with.

8. You can attend seminars and talks on college admissions and scholarships: College applications can be stressful, which is why HSHSP has discussions on college admissions, scholarships, and careers in science. This is a great opportunity for you to have specific questions answered and receive guidance on how to succeed in the science and math related college application process. 

Enrolling in the HSHSP is about embracing opportunities, learning, and growing in an intense and intellectually stimulating environment. This program is a valuable experience that could be a cornerstone in your academic and professional journey. The rigor and depth of the research opportunity is immense, and it's supported by guidance and exposure from experienced mentors. The network and connections you have the opportunity to form will be valuable to you throughout your career. All in all, these factors make HSHSP one of the best research opportunities for high schoolers in the country.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

Image Source - HSHSP Logo