<p>My brother (junior in high school) is looking into options for this summer. He has a job as a lifeguard which pays well but is thinking about a research internship or volunteering for research. He wants to major in the sciences and would do research in the sciences. Most likely, the research would not be Intel ISEF or Seimens quality and he would not be published. Should he do the research over the lifeguarding even if it means loss of money? </p>
<p>How much will research help an application?</p>
<p>Yes 100% he should be engaged in research regardless of if it is for Intel or not. I have been involved in independent research for the last five years and I can absolutely tell you that it is a WONDERFUL exprience. The skills you learn about approaching the scientific method are invaluable and it can really help you to get accustomed to how science functions.
And in particular if he is looking for grad school or medical school, research as an undergrad is a plus, so to start early the better so when he applies for research assistantships in college he can have leverage to show that he has already embarked upon research. HE SHOULD DEFINITELY DO IT.</p>
<p>I agree that he should do it. I did some research earlier in the year, and I have decided that I probably will not be a research engineer… ever. It was a good experience to know that though, and find out what I enjoy.</p>
<p>I understand the value of research (I have done some myself). But how will it affect his college applications? Is research looked upon much more highly than lifeguarding (which, personally, takes extreme responsibility to see someone not breathing and have the brain enough to help them)</p>
<p>If you are applying to a field in which you did research YES, it does, that is why I am going to Cornell (at least Im convinced that its the reason)</p>
<p>If not, maybe, maybe not. If you need the cash for something important, do what pays better.</p>
<p>stick with lifeguarding – if he can demonstrate a commitment to one particular field for several summers in a row, its better than a random science thing, esp if its not the Intel quality. Of course if he can do some research, it would be beneficial to him as a future scientist</p>
<p>A parent votes for the lifeguard job. It shows leadership, initiative, responsibility and his athletic ability. He will be earning money to help pay for his college expenses. How can any of that be bad? As for research, it depends on where and what. If he applied and was accepted to RSI, then that would trump his job. Otherwise, work wins. If he is truly interested in research he can embark on some type of independent research in his spare time. But just a summer in a lab is not going to make his college app.</p>
<p>curious77… Thanks for the advice. I wish I had known about RSI and TASP when I was applying. Now looking back, I missed so many opportunities because I had no clue they existed.</p>