The 2026 World Cup is more than a tournament. Explore five sports research topics, from psychology to AI, and turn your interest into a real project.

In April, Yale rewrote its mission statement to read simply: "Yale's core mission is to create, disseminate, and preserve knowledge through research and teaching." Gone is the older language about improving the world and educating future leaders. The reaction was loud, but both the praise and the criticism miss the more useful point for students and families deciding where to spend four formative years.

Summer 2026 isn't just for the lab and the data set. Scholar Launch is offering 9 advanced summer research programs for high school students across the social sciences, business, humanities, and arts. Rolling admission is open now, programs start in June, and several are already down to their final spots.

High school research is one of the most powerful tools in a college application, but most students don't know where to start. At Scholar Launch's first panel event in Irvine, a former Duke medical school professor, a former University of Chicago admissions officer, and a working PhD researcher shared what top universities actually look for, how to launch a project from scratch, and why genuine curiosity always beats box-checking. Read on for their best advice.

Discover what college rankings actually measure and why the list rarely changes. Learn why prioritizing student alignment over prestige is the true key to success in college admissions and research mentorship.

Explore 25 psychology research topic ideas across AI, neuroscience, behavioral science, and business. Perfect for high school students starting research.

A Former Johns Hopkins Admissions Officer shares what top colleges actually want to see students do with their summers — and how to plan for your grade level.

Learn how one student-led research project can strengthen college applications and support success in top academic competitions.

Explore 30 computer science research topic ideas spanning AI, medicine, environmental science, social systems, humanities, and engineering. Learn how curiosity can grow into meaningful research.