EO How a 16-Year-Old Worked at a Stanford Lab | EO
Jan 21, 2026
A 16-year-old shares his inspiring journey of cold-emailing top universities for internships. His relentless approach led to an acceptance from a Stanford professor. The tale highlights the importance of persistence, with daily follow-ups becoming a key to overcoming rejection. The young guest reflects on motivation and determination, emphasizing that hard work can open doors to incredible opportunities. It's a powerful reminder that age doesn't hinder ambition!
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Cold-Emailing Into A Lab
- As a high schooler, Arlen spent summers cold-emailing professors at top universities to ask to work for free.
- He faced overwhelming rejection but persisted until Professor Ilya at Stanford accepted him.
Keep Cold Emails Short And Direct
- Keep outreach emails under five sentences and jump straight to the point.
- Introduce yourself briefly and state exactly what you want from the person.
Follow Up Until You Hear Back
- Follow up persistently after an initial non-response, sending polite reminders over weeks.
- Continue daily or regular follow-ups until you get a definitive answer or acceptance.