<p>what are the criteria? im in a lab and i don't really create my own hypothesis and stuff, i kinda just work on what the professor is working on. does that count? and do i need a lab notebook?</p>
<p>yea you can work with a mentor-everyone with a winning project does... yea so judges there like raw data in binders..and as for as how you get there you have to win like best of fair in a regional or state fair..which isnt exactly easy</p>
<p>You need all kinds of paperwork. Intel</a> International Science and Engineering Fair</p>
<p>Aren't you supposed to come up with the idea yourself? It seems pointless/unfair if you are just assisting a researcher...</p>
<p>Yeah, right. no one comes up with their own idea...but a "slight" modification of the professor's ongoing work is a good idea, especially for those super-prestigious contests. Most importantly, KNOW what you're talking about</p>
<p>Well I came up with my own idea... and I have no faculty mentor.</p>
<p>I really think it is pathetic how these competitions have turned into "who can find the most prestigious mentor??"</p>
<p>no, it's not only who can find the most prestigious mentor-it's really about how you sell what you've got</p>
<p>Well, if you think you can beat a faculty mentor with a Ph.D, then by all means do it yourself.</p>
<p>well this kid that did a project in his backyard placed 4th at isef, soooooooooooo</p>
<p>^ soooooooooooo he still couldn't beat the other 3.</p>
<p>I remember hearing a story on Wired that a group of Hispanic high schoolers from Arizona beat a bunch of college teams, including MIT, at a robotics competition. That was a few years ago.</p>
<p>Good luck to the person joining this competition.</p>
<p>that was a cool article, story should be made into a movie</p>
<p>Cool, didn't know they put all those articles online. It's great to read it again. I don't think I still have the 13.04 issue. Thanks.</p>
<p>What's the shortest amount of time somebody's spent on their project and actually placed in Intel, Siemens, Isef, etc?</p>
<p>well, i heard that if you just apply to nih, they'll have a project ready for YOU, and you can do the project and compete in isef..(Im not sure about this fact) but if you can just go to nih and compete, you should be able to assist your professor and compete.</p>