How to email a professor

A template to personalize

Replace each bracketed detail with your own words. Send it through the institution’s official contact channel.

Subject: High school student interested in [specific research topic]

Dear Professor [last name],

I’m [name], a [grade] student at [school]. I read about your work on [specific project] and was interested in [one honest, specific observation].

I have been learning [relevant topic or skill] through [class or project]. Does your department offer any formal opportunities for high school students, or is there a resource you recommend for learning more about this work?

I understand that your lab may not host minors or have openings. Thank you for your time and any guidance.

Best,
[name]

OpenList provides outreach guidance; we do not place students in labs, contact researchers for you, or guarantee a reply.

1. Read the professor’s university page and one recent project description.
2. Check whether the institution accepts minors and whether a formal program is the required route.
3. Choose one specific part of their work that interests you.
4. Prepare a one-page resume or short list of relevant classes, skills, and projects.

1. Use a direct subject such as: High school student interested in your environmental health research.
2. Introduce yourself in one sentence, explain the specific connection in two or three sentences, and make one clear request.
3. Keep the full email under roughly 180 words and include your availability without demanding a meeting.

1. Wait seven to ten days before one polite follow-up.
2. If there is no reply after the follow-up, move on and contact another well-matched researcher.
3. Never mass-send an identical email or claim familiarity with work you have not read.