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College applications loom on the horizon, and you’re determined to stand out from the crowd. While stellar grades and impressive test scores are essential, colleges also seek well-rounded individuals with a passion for learning and a drive to contribute. So, how can you showcase these qualities beyond the classroom? Research experience and internships can be your golden ticket! Dive deeper into this guide and discover how cold emails can unlock research opportunities, boost your resume, and help you land that dream acceptance.

What is a cold email?

A cold email is an initial email you send to someone you haven’t met or had much contact with before. It’s a way to introduce yourself, express your interest in something, and potentially create a new connection. Unlike contacting people you already know, cold emails require more effort and planning, but they can also be a powerful tool for high school students like you.

Often, high schoolers lack effective channels of communication to the professional and academic world

How to use cold emails

As a high school student, cold emails can be a valuable tool for exploring your academic and professional interests. Here are some potential benefits:

• Research opportunities: You can connect with professors or researchers whose work aligns with your interests and inquire about potential research projects you could contribute to. This can be a great way to gain hands-on experience in a field you’re passionate about. You can even use this experience to prepare for science fairs, or publish your work in real, high-quality journals. Linked is Rishab’s guide on how to get a research mentor, and although it is catered towards science fairs, it is still helpful.
• Internships: Reaching out to companies or organizations can open doors to internship opportunities that allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience in your desired field. Internships can help you develop professional skills, learn about different career paths, and build your resume, all of which can benefit you when applying to colleges or future jobs. With traditional job applications, you are likely to be filtered out via applicant tracking (ATS) systems since you are not attending college yet. Rishab has a video guide on more ways of getting internships.
• Information gathering: Contacting professionals in your field of interest can be a great way to ask questions, learn about different career paths, and gain valuable insights. This can help you explore your options, make informed decisions about your future studies and career goals, and potentially build connections with people who can offer guidance and support.

Guidelines for cold emails

For a detailed template as well as other opportunities, make sure to check out Rishab’s STEM Student Guide. It is completely free.

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• Subject line: Keep it concise and clear, stating your purpose for contacting the recipient.
• Greeting: Use a formal salutation like “Dr./Mr./Ms. Last Name”.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, state your year in high school, and mention your academic interests or goals (make sure they relate to how this person can help you!)
• Body: Explain your reason for reaching out, highlighting specific aspects of the recipient’s work or organization that resonate with you. Briefly mention your relevant skills or experiences.
• Ask: Clearly state your request, whether it’s an informational interview, internship inquiry, or research opportunity. Keep your request specific and reasonable.
• Closing: Thank the recipient for their time and consideration, and provide your contact information for them to reach you back.

Best practices for sending cold emails

• Research thoroughly: Before sending an email, learn as much as you can about the recipient and their work. This shows genuine interest and helps you tailor your message accordingly. You can find information about them through their professional websites, social media profiles, or university/company websites.
• Proofread carefully: Ensure your email is free of typos and grammatical errors. This shows professionalism and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate Skills: Make sure to attach your resume to a cold email. I wrote a detailed post on how to craft an effective resume.
• Be concise and respectful: Keep your email brief and to the point, while maintaining a professional and respectful tone. Avoid using informal language or making jokes.
• Follow up: If you don’t receive a response after a week, consider sending a polite follow-up email. However, avoid being persistent or pushy. I would not recommend sending more than 1-2 follow up emails if you don’t get an initial response.

You will probably end up sending 20+ emails before you are successful. Hold your head high throughout the process, and know that you only need one person to respond positively.

Takeaways

Sending cold emails can be an effective way to explore your interests and build connections. Remember, persistence and professionalism are key. My personal experience indicates that you’re not likely to get a positive response most of the time, if you even get a response. You will probably end up sending 20+ emails before you are successful. Hold your head high throughout the process, and know that you only need one person to respond positively. The experience you gain in crafting your message and reaching out is valuable in itself. Be confident, stay positive, and keep learning!

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About Eashan Iyer:
I am a founding member of The Qurios Institute and an incoming student at Brown University. In 2023, I co-authored a research paper in the field of theoretical physics. I am also an Eagle Scout and a senior at The Academy for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering in Rockaway, NJ. Learn more about me at my website and LinkedIn.