Top 12 Psychology Research Opportunities for High School Students
Participating in psychology research opportunities for high school students is a great way to gain practical experience, develop your research and communication skills, and explore potential career paths. They also provide platforms for real-world applications of theoretical knowledge, without requiring a significant investment.
These research opportunities for high school students also allow you to network with your peers and build connections with established academics and professionals in the industry. They also give you a competitive edge as they can enhance your college applications by demonstrating curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to engage in independent learning outside the classroom.
Here are 12 psychology research opportunities for high school students that can help you explore the field in a practical, immersive way!
1. Boston University’s Academic Immersion (AIM) Program
Location: Boston University’s Charles River campus
Program Dates:
Residential: June 29 – July 18
Commuter: June 30 – July 18
Application Deadline: None; applications taken on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior high school students, including international students, who are taking a college preparatory curriculum
Cost: $5,370 (tuition) + $60 (non-refundable application fee) + $75 (service fee). Additional costs include $1,800 (room and board for residential students), $263.25 (lunch for commuter students). $25 fee per Student Health Services visit.
Cohort Size: 50
Boston University’s Academic Immersion (AIM) Program is a selective three-week program that will introduce you to the nuances of designing and executing research projects in psychology. The program includes morning seminars where you will learn about psychology coursework and gain exposure to the various career opportunities available to students pursuing psychology-related majors.
In the afternoons, you will design and conduct experiments while working in a team, under the supervision of Boston University instructors. This will include collecting and analyzing data, creating data visualizations, and interacting with other students and professionals in the field to gain a thorough understanding of what being a research psychologist entails. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to present your findings to the Boston University community and your peers from the program.
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; the upcoming summer cohort starts on June 2
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort; May 11 for the upcoming summer cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Ladder Internships is a selective program designed to connect ambitious high school students with high-growth start-ups or non-governmental organizations worldwide. In this program, you will work closely with a manager from the organization you will intern at to fulfill your research objectives. A Ladder Coach will also offer personal guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure that you can successfully complete a real-world project and present your work to the company.
3. Summer at UChicago: Foundations of Psychological Research
Location: Remote
Program Dates: July 9 July 25
Application Deadline: April 9 for extended applications. April 15 – May 15 for rolling applications
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9-11 with an interest in psychology, neuroscience, or social sciences
Cost: $4,790. Need-based financial aid is offered
Acceptance Rate: Low to moderate selectivity
The Foundations of Psychological Research course will introduce you to the basics of conducting psychological research, particularly the different methods and concepts that you must be familiar with to pursue psychological research. You will learn about various research designs and create a research plan while interacting with experimental psychologists in order to gain a deeper understanding of experimental psychology with their valuable insights.
You will also have a final project where you will work on a research question and design a psychological study where you will apply the research methods you learn in the course. This program thus offers a blend of theoretical and practical experience, which can help you understand the nuances of psychological research.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. May 25 for the upcoming summer cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
Cost: $2,290 – $6,900; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Founded and run by Harvard graduates, Veritas AI offers various research opportunities for high school students, enabling you to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. You will be mentored by alumni from Harvard, Wharton, Microsoft, Google, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program will give you hands-on experience and real-world exposure as you work on your project in collaboration with industry professionals and company leadership. You can conduct research on various topics and understand how AI is used in the field of psychology. You will receive a letter of completion at the end of your internship.
You can find more information about the program here and apply here.
5. Internships at the American Psychological Association
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts; specific dates vary
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship
Eligibility: High school students must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution; must be residents in states where APA is a registered employee
Cost/Stipend: None. Students may receive a stipend or academic credit
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
The American Psychological Association is a noteworthy institution that offers internships in various positions, including psychology research opportunities for high school students. In this program, you may work in different departments and engage in activities that will empower you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Depending on your role, you will report to your supervisor, who will guide and support you as you work towards your learning objectives. You will also attend discussions and workshops, and engage in group projects, thus allowing you to build a network with your seniors and peers.
6. UC San Diego’s Fundamentals of Neurosciences: Health and Disease
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: June 16 – 20
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until June 2
Eligibility: Not specified
Cost: $2,700 (scholarships available)
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
UC San Diego’s Fundamentals of Neurosciences: Health and Disease offers students a deep dive into the basics of neurosciences, like molecular, cellular, and neuronal structures and activities, and the neuronal circuits that are responsible for neuronal functions. You will also formulate theories and hypotheses of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, and other peripheral neuronal diseases, along with the importance of neuroprotection. Beyond just the basic definition of neurobiology, you will also look at samples of neurons and brain anatomy, and explore a demonstration of rodent brain dissection.
Though not a typical research program, this opportunity is included as it offers valuable insights into neuroscience that could deepen your understanding of the brain and its functions, including those that affect pain, empathy, memory, emotions, and feelings. This can help you lay the foundation for you to pursue other research opportunities for high school students.
7. University of Texas, Austin’s Summer High School Research Academy (HSRA)
Location: University of Texas campus, Austin, TX
Program Dates: June 9 – July 16
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors for the upcoming academic year in high schools in Texas; at least 15 years or older by June 1; available for 5 consecutive weeks during the program dates; rising juniors or seniors may be given preference
Cost: $4,000. Financial need-based scholarships are offered
Acceptance Rate: Selective
University of Texas, Austin’s HSRA offers immersive, multidisciplinary summer research opportunities for high school students. This program will enable you to conduct research and participate in various projects in the College of Natural Sciences Laboratories, in fields such as biology, neuroscience, genome engineering, genetics, and more.
You will spend up to 25 hours per week collaborating with your group to research topics such as behavioral neuroscience, where you may probe the neurogenetic basis of alcohol addiction. This can enhance your understanding of Pavlovian conditioning and help you develop key research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, animal handling, and scientific communication. You will also be engaged in other activities, such as talks from guest speakers, and poster making, to ensure you can showcase your work and deliver your findings.
8. Cambridge Centre for International Research – CCIR Academy
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students with a strong academic record
Cost: $6,500 (1-1 Research Mentorship); $3,900 (Future Scholar Program)
Acceptance Rate: Less than 20%
CCIR Academy offers prestigious research opportunities for high school students. This program is led by Oxbridge and top Ivy League university faculty to encourage you to conduct independent research with the guidance and support of experienced mentors. It involves 12 weeks of educational lectures that cover a university-level curriculum. During this time, you will also work on an independent research paper that may be submitted to undergraduate or industry-level journals. You can also opt for the 1-on-1 Mentorship Program, in which you will work with a PhD academic advisor to create a research experience customized to your interests.
At the end of the program, you may get a signed evaluation report that highlights your performance and a letter of recommendation. These can boost your college applications and resume.
9. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences
Location: Virtual + In-person at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, East Baltimore, MD
Program Dates: 5 weeks (virtual) to 8 weeks (in-person) in the summer
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Cost/Stipend: None; $15/hour for the in-person internship
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Johns Hopkins offers summer research opportunities for high school students interested in learning about psychological and neurological scientific research, and other aspects related to it, including data analysis and experimental design.
In the in-person experience, 8 students are given the opportunity to participate in a research project under the guidance of student mentors, faculty, and staff. You may also participate in clinical rotations with the organization’s neurobiologists. You will also attend scientific seminars and weekly development sessions, and prepare a final oral or poster presentation to showcase your work. This opportunity provides a holistic educational and research experience.
In the virtual experience, you will spend 5 weeks engaged in educational presentations, professional development training, mentorship training, and learning basic laboratory techniques and experiments. You will also be introduced to career pathways in neuroscience and the medicine industry, and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
10. Camp Psych – Gettysburg College
Location: Gettysburg College campus
Program Dates: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Cost: $1,395
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
Gettysburg College’s Camp Psych program is a one-week residential camp that gives high school students interested in psychology the chance to better understand how psychological science works. As a participant, you will get to participate in hands-on experiences that introduce you to research in psychology in a fun and challenging environment. This means you won’t just be learning about research, but will get the opportunity to engage in research yourselves.
11. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ
Program Dates: May 30 – July 3
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years or older. You must submit a letter of recommendation from a professional mentor, a letter of intent outlining your interest in the program, and a completed application to be considered for this program.
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate: Selective
This program provides hands-on research opportunities for high school students to engage in scientific projects in a professional setting. You will learn to evaluate scientific literature, use advanced scientific techniques, address research questions, and develop your communication skills. This program can be beneficial if you wish to pursue scientific research in psychology, as it can help you lay the foundation and gain a deeper understanding of what goes into conducting research.
12. UC Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program
Location: UC Santa Barbara, CA
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 17
Eligibility: Advanced 9th graders or qualified 10th and 11th grade students with a minimum 3.80 GPA who can attend the program in its entirety. California residents will be given priority
Cost:
Commuter: $5,175
Residential: $12,474
Scholarships may be awarded based on qualifications, need, and availability.
Acceptance Rate: Selective
UC Santa Barbara offers competitive summer research opportunities for high school students to engage in hands-on, university-level research. In this program, you will be paired with experienced mentors—postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, or faculty members—depending on your area of interest. They will guide you through your research project, which you can choose from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology.
As you work on your project, you will develop essential research skills, gain exposure to professional research opportunities, and get hands-on experience that will help you progress towards your academic and professional goals. This program will give you access to the university’s library resources. You will also learn how to communicate your findings in a technical research paper, which you may present at a formal academic symposium.
You will get to experience university life and connect with a community of like-minded peers, allowing you to build a network that will support you in your future pursuits. You can also earn college credits, which will contribute to your permanent record and enhance your college applications and resume!