Questions & answers - independent research

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Both in-school and outside school independent research can be valuable for college application and admission, and the type of research that is best for a student depends on their individual interests, goals, and circumstances.

• In-school research may be more convenient and accessible for students, as they may have access to resources and support from their teachers, professors, or academic advisors.  In-school research may also be more structured and aligned with the student's academic curriculum, which can provide a clear framework and direction for the research project.

• Outside school research may provide students with more freedom and flexibility to pursue their interests and explore new areas of knowledge. Outside school research can also offer students the opportunity to work with experts in their field of interest or collaborate with peers from different schools or institutions.

• Regardless of whether the research is done inside or outside of school, what matters most is the quality and depth of the research project. Admissions officers are looking for students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work independently and creatively.

In summary, both in-school and outside school research can be valuable for college application and admission. What is most important is that students demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and a passion for exploring new areas of knowledge.

• The best time to start independent research will depend on the student's interests, goals, and availability. It is a good idea for high school students to start thinking about potential research topics and advisors as early as possible.  In general, sophomore or the Summer before junior will be the best time to start.

• Some students may start exploring research opportunities as early as their freshman or sophomore year of high school, while others may wait until their junior or senior year. The key is to start planning and researching as soon as possible to give yourself enough time to develop your project and build relationships with potential advisors.

• It's important to note that independent research can be a significant commitment of time and energy, so it's essential to balance your research activities with other academic and extracurricular commitments. Starting early can give you the flexibility to work on your project over an extended period and avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

In summary, the best time to start independent research will depend on your unique circumstances, interests, goals and type of research topics.  One of the main reasons to do an independent research is to help boost students’ college application profiles, so students cannot wait until senior year or when there is not enough time to finish the research projects.

Here are some general steps:

Identify your interests

• Start by thinking about the subjects or topics that you're passionate about and want to explore.  Consider areas of study that you find fascinating and want to learn more about.  

Compelling topics

• In addition to your own interests, you must take into consideration of if your research could attract some attention in the public. This will make a huge difference in how much your independent research may help boost your college applications.  

Look for advisors 

• Once you have a general idea of your research interests and topics, start looking for potential advisors who can help guide your research project. Look for professors, researchers, or other experts in your field of interest and reach out to them to see if they are available to serve as your advisor.

Develop research question

• With the help of your advisor, develop a key research question or hypothesis that you want to investigate. This will help you focus your research and guide your data collection and analysis.

Plan your research

• Once you have a research question in mind, create a plan and strategies for how you will conduct your research. This might involve designing experiments, doing some preliminary surveys, collecting data, analyzing data, etc.

Conduct your research

• With your plan and strategies in place, start conducting your research. This may involve conducting surveys, doing desktop and online research, collecting and compiling data, document your work and keep careful records of your findings.

Analyze your results

• Once you have collected your data, analyze your results to see what patterns or trends emerge. This will help you draw conclusions and make recommendations based on your findings.

Communicate your results

• Finally, it is critical for you to communicate your results to others through presentations, publications, or other means. This will help you share your findings with others, contribute to the public knowledge in this field of interest. Your communication and sharing of your research findings can also help make it possible for you to develop relationships with some professionals and college faculties who may in turn help write letters of recommendation for your college application.

Doing independent research can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these general steps and seeking the guidance of an experienced advisor, you can develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your research pursuits.

Having an advisor or mentor is highly recommended for high school students who are interested in independent research. An experienced advisor can help guide you through the research process, offer feedback on your ideas, and provide support and encouragement as you work on your project.

Your advisor or mentor can also help direct you about how to connect with resources and other experts in your field of interest, which can be crucial for the success of your research project. In addition, your advisor can help you prepare your research for publication or presentation, which can be an important step in showcasing your work to college admissions committees.

Overall, having an advisor or mentor can help you stay motivated and focused as you work on your research project. They can also help you develop important skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and communication that will be valuable throughout your research project.

What research is better for college admission purposes?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what kind of research is better for college admission. Ultimately, the best type of research project for college admission will depend on your individual interests and goals.

That being said, colleges generally look for research projects that demonstrate creativity, originality, and intellectual rigor. Some students may choose to focus on scientific research. Other students may choose to focus on business and market research. Still, others may choose to focus on social science research, such as studying the effects of social policies.

Regardless of the type of research you choose to do, it's important to approach your project with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Your project should demonstrate your ability to think critically, design and conduct research, analyze data, and communicate your findings effectively. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a research project that you are passionate about and that will allow you to showcase your strengths and interests to college admissions committees.