Home-grown science research

Parent Cafe
1

<p>My ds has done science research projects for the past three years, working in the garage and at the kitchen table. He won some state-level awards the first two years, and then this year he was an ISEF Finalist.</p>

<p>On his college applications, will it look good or bad that he did this research independently instead of seeking out a university lab or a mentor? </p>

<p>I can see it both ways. It's clear that he wasn't just riding the coattails of a professional scientist. On the other hand, if he was really that interested in research, shouldn't he have sought out an opportunity to work with a mentor in a university lab? Will it appear that he didn't pursue this interest to the depth that he could have? He could give some reasons, but that could easily sound like making excuses.</p>

<p>What's the best way to address this in his applications this fall?</p>

2

<p>Best way to address it – just state what he did. I think your son’s independent, self-motivated work will be viewed very positively, as personal initiative and even leadership potential. Obviously he’s achieved significant results on his own. Who’s going to penalize him for not having connections that would have led to a faculty mentor?</p>

3

<p>

He definitely should not “apologize” for it…</p>

<p>He should talk about his research, his take on it, and his future plans (which, I guess, will involve working in a research lab).</p>

4

<p>For a teenager especially, the self-motivation to accomplish something impressive independently is a wonderful trait. I agree with geek_mom: He should state what he did (including the fact that it was done at home on his own) and let the results speak for themselves. They will!</p>

5

<p>Relax! the following is justification enough to prove he has been doing quality research:
“He won some state-level awards the first two years, and then this year he was an ISEF Finalist.”</p>

6

<p>I am a physicist doing research in an academic setting. I would look more favorably on your son’s research because he did it on his own. If I were you, I would not spend one second worrying about this!</p>

7

<p>wow people worry about the smallest things…
srsly if your s truly did in-depth research, he should still write an abstract about it, and send it to colleges tho</p>

8

<p>Maybe even submit it to an academic journal or two.</p>

9

<p>Thanks to all for your help and encouragement. I feel a lot better about it now.</p>