Español
The pressure to publish research as a high schooler is on the rise. It has become the new trophy for the resume when applying to a competitive college. Students and their parents see it as a way to stand out from the thousands of applicants hoping to get a coveted seat at a name brand university. However, experts caution against this trend, because it can do more harm than good.
In an article written by Maggie Hicks for EdSurge, she interviewed college planning experts who believe that academic research requires significant time and expertise, which many high school students lack. Pushing students into research too early can lead to burnout and neglect of other aspects of their lives that are important in a holistic review of college applications. Also, access to research opportunities is often limited to students from privileged backgrounds, exacerbating existing inequalities that state loudly and clearly to the colleges that these opportunities were given to me because my parents have lots of money.
While teaching research skills in high school is beneficial, the focus should be on building foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills rather than chasing publications. Learning about the scientific method and understanding how not to reinvent the wheel will be valuable skills that benefit the student no matter what they ultimately do for a living. Students can engage in community-based projects or participate in research-focused courses to gain valuable experience without the pressure of publishing their findings.
To alleviate the pressure, parents should prioritize their child’s well-being over academic achievements. Encouraging research interests is good but forcing it can be detrimental. Colleges and universities also play a crucial role in fostering research skills. Making research a part of the coursework can help students develop the abilities and confidence to pursue further research opportunities should they desire to do so.
