<p>I have been doing science research science freshman year (i'm a junior now) but I've never gone to any competitions/ won any awards (only seniors do). Over this summer I'm going to be researching at Fordham University, and hopefully it'll go well. Anyway, I was wondering if science research is actually even all that impressive to top schools. I don't do science research to bolster my application or anything, I do it because I enjoy it, but I always thought that it would look pretty good. I was just wondering if you guys think it helps? and how impressive is it (what does it equate too)?</p>
<p>Absolutely. I’m sure your adviser can write a great rec for you, and doing something outside of school that you enjoy and are committed to is definitely a positive. </p>
<p>Yes it is impressive -I’m pnetty sure the only reason I got into the schools i did was because of my research. However publishing papers, presenting, or entering competitions are kinda important for researching high school students. Those things help lend credibility to your work. </p>