The Trailnode Blog
Guides for getting in
Honest, practical advice on finding internships, research, and summer programs as a high schooler, and turning them into a roadmap that gets you somewhere.
How to Find Scholarships as a High School Student
A practical guide to finding and winning scholarships in high school: where to look, when to start, how to spot scams, and why underclassmen shouldn't wait.
Read guide →Extracurricular Activities for College Applications: What Actually Matters
What colleges really look for in extracurriculars — depth over breadth, the activities that carry the most weight, and how to build a focused profile as a high schooler.
Read guide →Competitions for High School Students: How to Choose the Right Ones
A guide to academic and skills competitions for high schoolers — the main types, how to pick ones worth your time, and how placing well helps your college application.
Read guide →Summer Internships for High Schoolers: How to Actually Land One in 2026
A practical guide to finding and landing a summer internship in high school: where to look, what programs accept teens, how to apply, and how to stand out.
Read guide →
How to Get Research Experience in High School (Without Knowing a Professor)
A step-by-step guide to landing real research experience as a high schooler: from cold-emailing labs to structured programs and independent projects.
Read guide →
Free Summer Programs for High School Students That Are Actually Worth It
Fully-funded and free summer programs exist across STEM, writing, business, and the arts. Here's how to find legitimate ones and avoid pay-to-play traps.
Read guide →