<p>People such as Cal Newport say 'research is like being class president ; everyone does it'. With that in mind, where else does a science oriented kid invest their time and still be 'unique'? You can study for olympiads but that's basically studying, not an EC. You can do science olympiad (if you're in the states), I suppose and maybe HOSA or run a science club.</p>
<p>Other than that, I can't really think of anything science related that a high school kid could do to pursue their interests. </p>
<p>I'm passionate about science and I work hard for the opportunities I get but I'm afraid as being characterized as a typical asian 'research robot'. These are the things I enjoy doing, so is it best to just stick with what I like to do?</p>
<p>I'm going to be an International student applying to selective colleges in the US for undergrad and I know that the competition is extremely fierce at that level.</p>
<p>Should I just keep on the path I'm going or try and 'expand my horizons' and become more well rounded? </p>
<p>One could say, he or she “did research” to express a passion for science, but if one has done EXTENSIVE research, and I mean like 500+ hours at a legit University, then that is a large advantage. It shows the ability to hadle advanced scientific procedures and a willingness to dedicate one’s self to science.</p>
<p>I’m currently a sophomore,( though I might consider trying to graduating early since I won’t have any classes left in most subjects after junior year) and I did a 250 + hour internship during summer 2011. I didn’t research research per se, but I ended up learning how to do lots of experiments, read a lot of science literature, did sort of mini projects and talked to lots of people in the field. It was a really good introductory experience for me-to the lab and how science works. It was at a fairly well known and rising university (well known on CC, at least).</p>
<p>Anyway, I moved, and I wrote to other professors and this time around they said that they would let me take on a project, which I’m really looking forward to. </p>
<p>Would this be looked on as more ‘legit’ ? I know loads of kids who do summer programs as well (some more intensive than others) and I was wondering how this would compare?</p>
<p>I really enjoy doing the work, so I’m going to stick with it either way. I’m just curious as to how it looks in college admissions.</p>
<p>Thanks for your input, Alex and Harvardbound!</p>
<p>On the app I would just note an internship for this summer. If you are asked in an interview what you did, explain, of course. Just try to make a great project, enter it in local or national fairs, and maybe get it published. In a regional fair last year i was lucky enough to have a major magazine conatct me after. They presented me with an award and published my work. You just never know.</p>