<p>what is ind. research all about? Writing a paper based on an experiment about plants done over the summer (at the backyard or something)? Or is it something much more "professional" (work with a scientist at NASA, trying to find a cure for cancer, etc)</p>
<p>Bbbbbuuuummmmmmppppp....</p>
<p>Well, usually to do any research of significance you would HAVE to work with a prof or scientist at a college or university. At the most fundamental level, you simply dont have the proper equipment to do original research at home. Anything you can do has probably already been done. </p>
<p>Obviously there are exceptions. For example, some research in psycology can possibiliy be done without lab equipment.</p>
<p>And you have to do research because you like it.</p>
<p>Yes, I am planning to do an independent research on plant growth this summer, in relation to daylight length, climate, watering, etc etc.. I would do something like a chart with number of day and jot down all the stats and write a brief summary of any changes occurred, etc etc..</p>
<p>mr chipset - of course. I'm not one of those guys trying to impress adcoms. I do it for passion.</p>
<p>so then does the aforementioned "experiment" work as an "independent research?"</p>
<p>I dont know...somehow it sounds like a high school science fair project. It might be a good idea to run your idea with a professor of biology somewhere.</p>
<p>well not like a HS science fair project,, just doing it because i enjoy working with plants.. or maybe is it considered "not professional"? </p>
<p>ugh</p>
<p>I'm not saying its not professional...but to make accurate measurements etc. it's usually better to have proper lab equipment. I'm not exactly sure what your research is in; certain, botany is a legitimate field of science. Just make sure what you are doing hasn't been done before by someone else- hence original research.</p>
<p>ugh,,, i see.. it seems this one's not an activity i could put for the what did you do during your last 3 summers section. could i put something like "Personal Botany experiment" then?</p>
<p>Are you doing it with a school teacher or are you doing it by yourself?</p>
<p>I'm doing an independent research project this coming year with my anatomy teacher as a supervisor .. most of my teachers at my school know about this project so they will most likely mention it in my recommendation .. it also helps that everybody knows i like science ..</p>
<p>I would put down "independent research in science" if you can somehow get a teacher to supervise you (look over your thesis .. use school lab equipment) .. and I'm pretty sure you can put it in your summer activities list</p>
<p>im doing it by myself.. does that count?</p>