<p>Hi, Im going to be junior in high school.
I want to do research and submit it to Intel ISEF, so Im planning to ask a professor for help from a nearby university. I nailed the choices down to Stanford and Santa Clara U.
I feel awkward asking the top most university in the world for help. I mean who am I of all people? Why should this famous nobel prize winner professor help me, the dunce? But then again, it would be really cool to have a Stanford professor help me if he consents.
Do you think it matters? Should I ask Stanford or Santa Clara U? </p>
<p>btw, Im wanting to do a project involving particle physics/proton decay, etc.</p>
<p>Try out both. Prepare a nice proposal, thesis, etc. Don't just say "I want to do a research project on particle physics/proton decay. Want to help me?"</p>
<p>I recommend the shot gun approach: email as many profs as possible that fit your interests, Stanford and Santa Clara. Having some idea as to what specifically in proton decay or particle physics is nice, but odds are you haven't had the training to work the equipment yet (and if it's theoretical, have you had the math for it?), let alone start running experiments and solving problems. Get trained and get some results first, before worrying about submitting in time to Intel ISEF (well, I guess there are more things you could submit to, but still). As I've learned in this summer, results in research don't always come out. Sometimes, they never do. And beware, high school student is even lower than undergraduate in the lab hierarchy. </p>
<p>And if you've already had the background and understanding as a rising junior for particle physics . . . I guess I'll read about you some day when you've won the Noble Prize for discovering Tachyons or something. :)</p>
<p>Good luck with your search!</p>
<p>^ Yeah, you're right about that. Im only gonna take AP Calc and AP Physics junior year, so I wont be up for complex mathematical equations. But I suppose you can still do projects that don't require anything beyond standard Calculus? I talked to physics Professor George Brown of UCSC (During a summer program there), and he encouraged me to ask a professor near my house for help.
He encouraged me to read "Dreams of a Final Theory" by Steven Weinberg. </p>
<p>My regional science fair had juniors working on projects regarding Dark Matter and its possible relations with Neutrinos and Mercury dissipation. Other people had complex stuff too. </p>
<p>Anyways, your reply was very helpful guys. Any more is welcome! I had trouble deciding whether to use the shotgun approach or the sniper approach.</p>
<p>I contacted a Stanford Prof and 2 SCU professors three days ago. I haven't heard anything from them. What does that mean? Do professors take long time to reply back . . . even during the summer?</p>
<p>Three days isn't long enough. But they may not respond at all.</p>
<p>bump . . . any more thoughts</p>
<p>I am one of those deviant psychology nerds. No psychology professor from a nearby NY university, some of which are much "better" than others in terms of pure rankings, have ever responded to me. And I've e-mailed about half-a-dozen, some with alumni connections. </p>
<p>So my lesson: you probably won't get a response because these people, who have more or less devoted their life to a specific field of research, have more important things to deal with than the phony Intel ISEF.</p>
<p>I got one-to-one personal help with Stanford faculty. They tend to be very helpful but only if you demonstrate a clear and commanding knowledge of the subject matter.</p>
<p>You need to email more than 3 profs.</p>
<p>status:
emailed 10 total
got 2 replies: both from SCU; both reject
:(</p>
<p>do you think I should email them all again? Its been over a week . . .</p>
<p>no wait. </p>
<p>First you have to realize that its the summer and profs can be pretty bad at replying during the regular school year let alone the summer. Many of them are in vacation or are not answering any emails that are not urgent. </p>
<p>Second the time between emails should be decent and not excessive. Email them sometime early september and then again right before classes start but not more than that. </p>
<p>Third be prepared to go to their office if all else fails. My advisor is a great guy but he's absolutely awful when it comes to emails. Maybe approach them after their class or just knock on their door randomly (hell I've done that before). </p>
<p>For the most part profs are pretty nice people and will tell you upfront if you ask them. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Stanford's academic year doesn't begin for a MONTH. Many Profs are still on vacation. Have patience and try again in another 3 weeks. And you'll have to do more than just email a prof to get their attention. Keep in mind that Profs will probably give preference to students at their own universitywho want to do research over a high school student, unless they have enough time. A letter of introduction from a professional/collegue in the area you are interested in researching would also help to open doors. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot guys! Haha, I knew it would help to ask you guys :)</p>
<p>Wow, i actually read that Stanford article about people underestimating others' willingness to help. It's such a small world.</p>
<p>OP: why don't you apply to some research programs? A lot local hospitals, schools host them.</p>