getting started on Intel Science Talent Search?

<p>Hi, guys, I was hoping some people who've been through ISTS were still lurking around these forums...I want to participate in it, but I don't know if I'll have time to find a topic and thoroughly research it. I'm currently a junior and will be a senior when the 2014-15 school year starts. I will be working at a research lab starting July (this is my first time doing any kind of research) but I don't know how much time it takes to finish the experimental procedures and write the essays and what not. Do you guys think I'll have time to finish before whatever next year's deadline is? Any tips in general?</p>